Golden Opportunities Available in the Food Industry for Career Changers

"We're in a positive mood as a business. We have clients coming forward on a daily basis" our director Michael Staniland told foodnavigator.com last week.

Since June, Focus Management has seen an upturn in the food recruitment market, unlike other countries in Europe that are still struggling to cope with the effects of the recession.

The food sector is often seen as enjoying an element of protection in recession, since food is a basic human need. It is not immune, but it often responds more quickly to the signs of recovery than other industries.

"Clients still think it is a buyer's market, but we have candidates out there with multiple offers."

Part of the reason could be food companies pulling forward recruitment campaigns originally planned for January, as they are seeing the "green shoots of recovery".
The majority of current vacancies are in operations, manufacturing and technical management, followed by product development and commercial (sales and marketing).
Interestingly the food industry is currently attracting professionals from other sectors. As Michael said in the interview, "Automotive people want to move into food. Their skills are transferable."

He added that recruiters may prefer applicants with a number of years in food under their belt for technical and product development roles. "But from an engineering or manufacturing management point of view, automotive or telecoms experience can bring real value."

So what about the prospects for the food sector in 2010?

Much will depend on how major retailers perform in the Christmas trading period, a critical time for food's fortunes, and we expect that further consolidation will occur next year, because of trading conditions.

Recent research from the CIPD found that more than a third of employees are considering changing job within the next year, and of these, 24% are considering a change of sector.

If you're one of those people who are considering a change, don't get left behind. Everybody needs to eat and this is a golden opportunity to get into an industry that will never die.