The Launch of Frontline Manufacturing Recruitment
We are thrilled to kick off November 2023 with some exciting news! This month marks the official launch of our newest brand, Frontline Manufacturing Recruitment. At Frontline we’re known as a specialist recruiter, with deep expertise in our specialist industries Construction, Education, Health, Hospitality, Retail, and Executive Retail. Now, with the addition of Frontline Manufacturing, we’re able to bring this specialist knowledge to the Manufacturing sector.
Jennifer Stewart, an experienced executive recruiter, and owner of our specialist Executive Retail Agency is now also, the new owner of our first Manufacturing Recruitment Agency, serving the Sydney North region.
Jennifer will be joined by a team of Senior Consultants, including the seasoned talents of Simon Cook and Karlee Mckeon. Together, they bring a wealth of experience and dedication to the table, ensuring that Frontline Manufacturing Recruitment is poised for success.
To give you a glimpse into her journey, we had the privilege of speaking to Jennifer Stewart. In this exclusive conversation, Jennifer shares her insights into the world of Manufacturing recruitment and offers a glimpse into the trends and opportunities she’s already witnessing in the industry:
Interview with Frontline Manufacturing Agency Owner Jennifer Stewart:
Q1: What made you expand into the manufacturing sector?
Pictured: Karlee Mckeon, Simon Cook and Jennifer Stewart
A: Retail and Manufacturing go hand in hand. Many of the retail brands that we work with, also need help with finding talent for their manufacturing operations. When the opportunity came up to open a Manufacturing agency, I could see a natural fit with my existing business Frontline Retail Executive
Our pivotal moment came when one of my consultants, Simon, engaged with a new client with operations spanning both the retail and manufacturing domains. It became evident that there was a need to fill roles in both sectors, and we stepped in to assist. Our ability to meet the client’s staffing requirements left them highly satisfied with our services. So then we thought why not open another agency so we can help more people in this industry, and here we are!
Q2: Tell us a little bit about your experience in recruitment and how you are bringing those skills to the manufacturing sector?
A: My background has primarily revolved around senior management roles within the retail sector. Most retail brands also have manufacturing operations. We’ve been able to build a lot of trust with our retail clients in helping them with both store-based and head office roles, so we can now bring our recruitment skills and experience to their manufacturing operations. My journey led me to open the Frontline Executive Retail Agency in 2017, and since then we’ve grown significantly, extending that talent to the manufacturing sector makes sense.
Presently, I am proud to lead a team comprising four executive and senior consultants, in addition to a part-time marketing professional, who are collectively dedicated to driving success across both the Frontline Executive Retail and Frontline Manufacturing Recruitment agencies. This experience has equipped me with a wealth of skills and insights that I am now applying to the Manufacturing sector.
Q3: Why people should come to you to look for a job/fill a role instead of doing it themselves, what sets you apart?
A: My team and I bring a profound understanding of the market to the table. We take the time to really listen and understand both our clients’ and candidates’ needs, ensuring we connect with the most suitable individuals available at any given time. Our commitment to fostering strong relationships with both clients and candidates underscores our dedication to ensuring a mutually beneficial experience.
We pride ourselves on our sense of urgency, frequently receiving great feedback for the quick delivery of synopsis and resumes to our clients. Our end-to-end recruitment process encompasses talent searches, utilisation of our extensive database, rigorous screening and interviews, management of the interview process for all parties, thorough reference checks, and transparent feedback dissemination.
The trust and satisfaction we’ve cultivated with our clients and candidates results in repeat business, a success story we are now replicating within our new agency, Frontline Manufacturing Recruitment.
Q4: What types of positions are you aiming to fill, and which companies will you be assisting?
A: Manufacturing covers a large classification, so we are aiming to provide a comprehensive service encompassing various sectors and positions. Our focus is on facilitating permanent placements, covering an array of roles ranging from head office positions to entry-level positions. The roles within our scope span across:
- Inspection & Research & Development (R&D) roles, which include positions such as Q&A Coordinators and Technical Managers.
- Manufacturing and Operations roles, which encompass Assembly and Process Workers up to Engineering Managers.
- Maintenance and Engineering roles, ranging from Fitters and Electricians to Reliability Engineers.
- Product Design and Development roles, spanning from Drafters to R&D Managers, and all the roles in between.
In fact, as part of celebrating our agency launch we’ve released a Frontline Manufacturing Salary Guide with details on the key roles we recruit for, associated salaries and Manufacturing Industry trends.
Q5: What are the current trends you’re seeing in the Sydney manufacturing sector?
A: The current trends in the Sydney manufacturing sector reflect its ongoing growth and dynamic nature. However, several challenges and changes are shaping the industry. These include the impact of the global economy, local government policies, and the need for adaptation in response to industry transformation.
Key challenges for manufacturers seeking growth include staffing shortages, keeping pace with technological advancements, and navigating complex regulations.
In the Sydney Manufacturing job market particularly, securing experienced candidates remains a prominent challenge. Traditional job boards are no longer the primary recruitment method, with a shift towards leveraging our national candidate database. Candidates are now motivated by factors like career progression, work-life balance, and company culture. Travel time also plays a significant role in candidate decision-making.
This means clients need to take quicker action and due to the scarcity of qualified candidates, employers should consider a higher degree of flexibility in role criteria and desired skill sets. Innovative and expansive thinking when evaluating a candidate’s professional background and experience is vital.
Q6: Any advice for candidates looking for roles and clients hiring in this sector?
A: For our clients, we strongly recommend providing us with as much information as you can to ensure we can match you with the ideal candidates to meet your specific needs. When you see the right person, act quickly, they are in high demand and will be snapped up by someone else. Your feedback is invaluable, and we encourage ongoing communication throughout the recruitment process.
As for candidates, transparency is key. Define your career objectives clearly, consider how you would respond to counteroffers, evaluate not only the financial aspects but also how a change in company culture may impact your career. Researching the prospective employer is vital for making informed decisions.
In both cases, a willingness to compromise is beneficial. Rather than seeking the elusive “unicorn” opportunity, assess the potential this role offers and how it aligns with your other goals.
Q7: What’s the best way to start working together?
A: We are here to help and are available on multiple avenues. You can call us, email, look at the website and keep in touch with us on all social media platforms. Whatever suits you!
Q8: Do you have any special offers or promotions to celebrate your launch?
A: To celebrate our launch, we are offering an exclusive 10% off your first placement with us. This is an exclusive offer and is valid until the 31st December 2023. To take advantage of this discount and have your recruitment needs satisfied, reach out to us today!
To find out more about their services, take advantage of the introductory offer or to say hi, you can contact them on the below channels:
- Email: sydneynorth@frontline-manufacturing.com.au
- Phone Number: 0429 293 355
- Website
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