Recruiting for Tomorrow: The Key Leadership Qualities for the Industry 4.0 Era

Recruiting for Tomorrow: The Key Leadership Qualities for the Industry 4.0 Era

The manufacturing world is undergoing a seismic shift driven by Industry 4.0—an era defined by the fusion of technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Big Data. These innovations are transforming traditional factories into smart, interconnected ecosystems that operate with unprecedented efficiency and intelligence. But as technology evolves, so too must […]

The Retained Search Guarantee: A Guide to Candidate Replacement Policies

When engaging a retained executive search firm, clients aren’t just buying a list of resumes—they’re investing in a high-touch, consultative process designed to yield a transformational hire. But what happens if that hire doesn’t work out? Enter: the candidate replacement guarantee—a core component of most retained search agreements. Yet, while many firms offer it, few […]

Generalist vs. Specialist: 5 Reasons a Niche Manufacturing Recruiter Wins Every Time

Niche Focus. Unmatched Speed

Hiring the right talent in manufacturing is more complex than ever—and working with the wrong recruiter can cost you time, money, and productivity.Did you know that the cost of a bad hire can range from 1 to 2.5 times the employee’s annual salary? In a specialized sector like manufacturing, where skill gaps directly impact output, […]

How to Write a Job Description That Attracts A-List Manufacturing Candidates

How to Write a Job Description That Attracts A-List Manufacturing Candidates

Did you know a bad hire can cost a company up to 30% of that employee’s first-year salary? In manufacturing—where safety, precision, and performance are mission-critical—the cost of a poorly matched hire is even greater. Attracting top talent in today’s competitive manufacturing landscape starts with one key element: a well-written job description. A strong description […]

Retained Search Fees: What if the Final Salary is Lower Than Projected?

When engaging a retained executive search firm, clients—especially CFOs and procurement leaders—expect financial transparency and clarity. One of the most common concerns that arise near the conclusion of a search is: What happens if the candidate accepts an offer with a salary lower than the one we initially projected? Does the firm adjust its fee […]

You Found Them, Now Keep Them: How to Improve Manufacturing Employee Retention

You Found Them, Now Keep Them: How to Improve Manufacturing Employee Retention

In the competitive landscape of modern manufacturing, securing skilled talent is only half the battle. The true differentiator for sustainable success lies in how effectively you retain them. Manufacturing leaders are already facing a shrinking labor pool, rising costs, and the pressure to meet production targets—high turnover only makes the challenge more daunting. Consider this: […]

The Retained Search Retainer: Why the First Payment is Non-Refundable

When a company engages an executive search firm on a retained basis, one of the first—and most scrutinized—elements of the agreement is the initial retainer fee. Prospective clients often ask: “Why is this payment non-refundable?” or “What am I actually getting in return?” These are fair and important questions. At JRG Partners, we believe in […]

The Competitive Advantage of Diversity and Inclusion in Manufacturing Leadership

The Competitive Advantage of Diversity and Inclusion in Manufacturing Leadership

The future of manufacturing hinges on innovation and resilience—and increasingly, on the diversity of its leadership teams. In an era of rapid transformation, with technological disruption, supply chain complexities, and workforce evolution at play, manufacturers must rethink how they lead. Diversity in manufacturing leadership is emerging not just as a social ideal but as a […]

Retained Search Payment Schedule: A Guide to the 3-Installment Fee

The retained executive search model is built on mutual commitment and strategic alignment. Unlike contingency recruiting, where payment is due only upon placement, a retained search operates on a milestone-based schedule—typically in three installments—reflecting the value of a structured, consultative partnership. This article breaks down the 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 payment structure, what each phase entails, […]

What Happens to the Fee If the Retained Search Role Is Filled Internally?

When a company engages a retained search firm, they are investing in a strategic process—not just a successful hire. But what happens if, midway through that process, the company decides to hire someone internally instead? It’s a fair and frequently asked question, especially from CFOs, HR leaders, or procurement officers: “Do I have to pay […]