Salaries for manufacturing professionals will rise 7% in 2018

The Robert Walters 2018 Salary Survey has found that salaries for manufacturing professionals in the North West will increase by 8% in 2018.

Despite economic and political instability in 2017 leading businesses in some sectors to take a cautious approach to hiring, manufacturing firms in the North West enjoyed a positive year, with many looking to increase headcount, pushing up salaries for in-demand professionals.

Process engineers will enjoy the most significant salary increases at 20%, followed by operations directors who can expect to see their salaries rise by 15%.

“Manufacturing firms in the North West have enjoyed a strong year in 2017, with the lower value of the pound helping to boost export markets,” said Neil Morgan, Associate Director at Robert Walters.

“While uncertainty surrounding Brexit remains a potential hurdle for manufacturers to overcome, confidence among employers has remained high, with many looking to increase headcount.”

“This in turn has placed pressure on existing talent pools, forcing employers to increase salaries to attract and retain top talent.”

Professionals look for long term career progression

While employers must ensure that salaries are competitive in order to secure top talent, it is also important to consider other priorities professionals have in mind when considering a role.

“Demand for manufacturing professionals, particularly at the mid to senior level, is significantly outstripping supply in the North West,” continued Neil Morgan, Associate Director at Robert Walters.“

Demand for manufacturing professionals, particularly at the mid to senior level, is significantly outstripping supply in the North West,”

“Employers have responded by raising salaries to attract and retain top talent. However, for many highly skilled professionals, the potential for long term career development is a higher priority.”

“Employers should consider emphasising training opportunities they can offer, as well as other career development opportunities they have in place when advertising a role in order to gain an advantage over competitors.”