2022 was a buoyant recruitment market for supply chain and engineering professionals in the Eastern Seaboard. As businesses moved towards expansion after the covid-19 pandemic, there was significant movement of talent due to increased market confidence and the array of new and interesting vacancies.
“With more job openings than available and qualified candidates, I saw many top talent receiving multiple job offers at one time, and their existing employers getting in on the action by making counteroffers to retain them,” says Jirawit Taengko, Manager of SCP & Engineering, Eastern Seaboard Operations, Robert Walters Thailand. Looking ahead into 2023, he expects that companies will not have difficulties finding talent but will face challenges securing and retaining them.
Read on as Jirawit shares his expectations of the Eastern Seaboard’s labour market and hiring trends for engineering, manufacturing and supply chain professionals in 2023.
Companies on the lookout for talent with power skills
In 2023, skillsets in demand for manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain sectors will not differ much from previous years as the market has already entered the age of digitalised manufacturing and supply chain. Rather, Jirawit believes the possession of outstanding power skills – previously known as soft skills – will be the key differentiator that companies will be looking out for in 2023. They include strong communication skills, commitment to quality, ethical responsibility, good time managemen , and critical thinking abilities.
“In today’s autonomous and dynamic work environment, employees are required to work in a state of constant change. This is very challenging and may impact their ability to perform. While some hard or technical skills are still sought after, power skills will be required to adapt and thrive in the new age,” he shares.
Power skills will also be essential in the creation of flexible production systems or innovative and collaborative digital solutions, as there is increasing focus in the efficient and sustainable use of automation and robots in production and manufacturing.
Flexi work arrangements here to stay
Jirawit expects flexible work options to continue into 2023, as companies have recognised such arrangements contribute to overall higher employee motivation levels. “Flexible work arrangements allow employees to choose different work schedules to meet personal or family needs, and various studies have shown that this option has resulted in benefits such as increased job satisfaction, creativity, and ability to handle stress. It has also helped companies to retain staff and attract new talent,” he shares.
With more employment opportunities after the pandemic, companies will need to place focus on retention goals and strategies to remain competitive in the market. “Managers will have to make effort to ensure existing employees feel like valued team members, or they will begin exploring options elsewhere. It is very important for employers to embrace flexibility and employee well-being to reduce attrition,” says Jirawit.
Stand out with strong employer branding and culture
Candidate sentiments on changing jobs have not changed much over the years. According to Jirawit, employees in the market continue to value attractive compensation and benefits, challenging and interesting work, and inspiring colleagues and culture.In a highly competitive talent market, companies with compelling employer branding often attract many more qualified applicants and skilled talent.
“Over 75% of both active and passive job candidates conduct research on companies’ branding and culture before applying for jobs or accepting offers."
"Even with higher pay and career growth opportunities, they will not work for a company that does not inspire or has a bad reputation. They would rather work for a company that they can be proud of and one that values their contribution. In short, your reputation precedes your open positions,” Jirawit shares.
Compelling employer branding often attracts more qualified and skilled applicants.
Job movers can expect increments of 20-25%
Yearly salary increments of engineering, manufacturing and supply chain professionals in the Eastern Seaboard are expected to be slightly higher than the previous year, with an average of 6-8% to maintain motivation levels.
Job movers with niche skillsets for high-demand positions may be able to garner increments of 20-25%.
Find out more
Request access to our 2023 Salary Survey to benchmark salaries and to find out more about the latest hiring and talent trends for Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, and Manufacturing professionals in the Eastern Seaboard region, Thailand.
