Member Article

Careers in growing manufacturing SME market

Without prominent brand presence and the backing strength of a multinational corporation, SMEs can face an uphill battle compared to blue chip companies when it comes to accessing finance or attracting the best talent needed to grow a business. Despite this, in the current market where large companies are still cautious of economic conditions of recent years, could an SME be the best place for your career? Colin Monk, managing director of Michael Page Engineering & Manufacturing looks at the facts.

The government has recently introduced major investment initiatives which offer financial support to SMEs through loan and grant schemes. This movement shows the government is serious about promoting growth in the SME market with a view to boost the economy and increase job creation. Our 2013 Salary Survey revealed increasing confidence in the manufacturing sector with half of respondents reporting that their number one priority this year is growing their business.

Behind the scenes of the sector we have also seen a cultural shift in the last two years towards buying British and supporting UK industry. Even the textile industry which relocated in the 90s to take advantage of low production costs is making a return to the UK with the aim of improving the quality of goods and reducing lead times.

So where are the jobs? Aerospace, automotive and energy organisation are all forecasting increased hiring levels. In relation to job creation within these sectors, roles delivering process improvements or pushing the boundaries of innovation are seeing the biggest uplift. In 2012, the roles most in demand were in the areas of production, project and quality.

With growth high on the agenda, changing buying patterns and increased government support, it suggests that working in an SME could provide ambitious individuals with the career options to get ahead. Why?

Blue chip companies generally have many layers of middle management and approval processes which can place boundaries around the scope of a role. SMEs tend to offer roles requiring greater flexibility of approach and a need for their employees to seek and accept early responsibility. There is also a strong need to work autonomously in SMEs meaning the link between personal and company achievement is clearer, and often this leads to a stronger sense of career achievement. In addition, people who work for SMEs tend toward a higher level of company loyalty creating a sense of status, recognition and belonging, key factors needed in a positive working environment. According to our Salary Survey a positive working environment is the most important factor in staff retention for 56% of manufacturing businesses.

So, why would you target your next career move to an SME?

With the current skills shortage of technical expertise in the manufacturing sector, it’s important to not ignore the fact that key skills are transferable between subsectors. As demonstrated by one of our candidates who successfully made the transition from a major FMCG to a privately owned textile business as both roles required the same core skills. It can be a win-win situation for both parties; for the candidate a broader responsibility to innovate and the SME, access to world class manufacturing skills and experience.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Michael Page .