Looking to take the next step in your manufacturing career this year? The success of most manufacturing businesses hinges on the effectiveness of their teams. For employees aspiring to step into senior-level roles this year, understanding what employers are looking for can significantly enhance their chances of success.
Here, we outline 3 common characteristics that manufacturing employers are looking for when elevating their team members into a senior level position. And here’s the kicker, while technical ability is important, it isn’t the ultimate focus here:
1. Leadership Qualities
Too often, manufacturing hires are made strictly on the basis of technical ability without too much thought about leadership potential. Of course, if the goal of making a hire into a business is to retain and develop that employee over time, then leadership ability will be essential as that employee is elevated within the business over time.
The Perfect Pair: Pairing technical skills with demonstrated leadership qualities make you the complete package. This combination of technical know-how alongside strong leadership skills is like winning the jackpot for an employer. Employers aren’t only looking for candidates who can understand and execute complex manufacturing processes; they also need individuals who can inspire and lead teams to achieve collective goals so that the business prospers.
Leadership Skills: This includes the ability to motivate the team, communicate effectively, and make good decisions. Employers value leaders who can cultivate a positive work environment, manage conflict, and drive team performance toward business goals. Strong leadership involves not just overseeing operations but also mentoring and developing other manufacturing leaders. Employers are keen on hiring individuals who can seamlessly integrate technical knowledge with leadership capabilities, creating a balanced approach to managing both people and processes.
2. Alignment With Company Culture And Values
A cohesive manufacturing team is critical for smooth day-to-day business operations and long-term growth in a manufacturing business. Employers place a high priority on hiring and promoting team members who not only have the requisite skills but also align with the company’s values and culture. This alignment builds confidence in the employer that the promoted individual will help them realize their overarching business goals and vision for the organization.
Understanding Company Values: It’s important for manufacturing professionals to fully understand and embrace the core values of the company they work for. Without this alignment, it might be challenging to be fully committed to the success of the business. These values may include a variety of traits like innovation, customer focus, and teamwork. Nonetheless, employers are much more likely to elevate team members who are well-aligned with the values that they’ve defined as important to the success of the business. When team members embody these principles, others start to notice and it can affect the entire organization to create and foster a purpose-driven workforce.
Cultural Fit: Cultural fit is also a critical consideration that shouldn’t be overlooked. Employers prefer team members and candidates who resonate with the company’s culture and overall ethos. Good-fit team members tend to be more likely to inspire loyalty, boost team morale, and reduce turnover, all of which contribute to a stable and productive work environment.
3. Self-Motivation & Problem Solving
Things can change awfully quickly on the shop floor. Jobs don’t always go to plan, machines break down, team members call in sick, and customers ask for expedited orders all the time. The dynamic nature of manufacturing requires that team members be action-oriented and skilled problem solvers who can use sound judgment to make good daily decisions. Employers are keen on hiring and elevating individuals who are capable of identifying problems and implementing good solutions swiftly. This requires:
A Proactive Mindset: Action-oriented manufacturing leaders don’t wait for problems to escalate; they take the initiative to address issues as soon as they’re noticed. Employers value team members who can anticipate challenges, think on their feet, and respond decisively.
Problem-Solving Skills: Effective problem-solving is a hallmark of strong leadership ability. Employers look for candidates who can diagnose problems accurately, analyze root causes, and develop practical solutions. This often involves both critical thinking and hands-on responsiveness to troubleshooting and rectifying issues.
Being Results-Oriented: Leaders who are action-oriented are focused on achieving the outcomes that relate to the overarching goals of the business. They devise actionable plans and ensure that tasks are executed efficiently. Action-oriented leaders measure the results to know if team efforts are paying off, or if they need to change direction. This drives operational efficiency, improves productivity, and enhances overall business performance.
Resilience and Adaptability: Employers also look for resilience and adaptability in candidates and team members who are up for promotion. The manufacturing sector is subject to rapid changes due to technological advancements and market shifts. Employers search for leaders who can navigate these changes to maintain competitiveness.
Get Noticed
If you’re a manufacturing employee who aspires to be elevated into a senior level or leadership position, understanding what employers are looking for is crucial to setting yourself apart. Employers want leaders who possess leadership qualities, who are aligned with their company values and culture, and who wake up every morning ready to take action. By building out these core competencies in addition to your technical ability, you’ll be unstoppable. Aspiring leaders can become equipped to elevate their careers as Manufacturing Leaders when they make a deliberate plan to foster these abilities over and above the basic requirements of their current position.
In fact, when we work with manufacturing employers at HireMFGLeaders.com, we take the time to deeply understand their company culture and values so that we only present candidates who are in alignment with their specific business.
Ready to take your career to the next level? Check out www.hiremfgleaders.com/jobseekers for more information.
