Scaling Smart: Key Talent Challenges When Expanding Operations

by: Justin King, Solution Design Director |
February 21, 2020
Woman staring off thinking

Solutions to meet talent demands during manufacturing expansion

As your manufacturing company gears up for an expansion, the opportunities for growth are immense—but so are the challenges. One of the most pressing concerns? Securing the talent needed to scale operations effectively. Whether you’re opening a new facility, launching a new product line, or increasing production capacity, talent acquisition and workforce planning are critical to achieving success.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key talent challenges manufacturing companies face during operational scaling and provide actionable solutions to ensure your growth plans stay on track

1. Workforce Availability: Finding the Right Skills at the Right Time

Challenge: The manufacturing industry continues to grapple with a shortage of skilled workers, particularly in technical and specialized roles. Expansion plans can be delayed or derailed entirely if the right talent isn’t available when you need it.

Solution:

  • Data-Driven Workforce Planning: Use workforce analytics to anticipate hiring needs well in advance. Partner with local community colleges and technical schools to build a pipeline of talent.
  • Upskilling Programs: Invest in training and development to prepare your current workforce for more complex or specialized roles required during scaling.
  • RPO Support: Engage a Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) partner to provide scalable hiring solutions that align with your growth timeline.

2. Speed to Hire: Aligning Talent Acquisition with Growth Timelines

Challenge: Scaling operations often comes with tight deadlines, and delays in hiring can ripple through the entire expansion plan. The challenge lies in quickly hiring qualified candidates without sacrificing quality.

Solution:

  • Streamline Your Recruitment Process: Review your current hiring practices and identify bottlenecks. Utilize technology like applicant tracking systems (ATS) and interview scheduling tools to accelerate hiring.
  • Employer Branding: Promote your company as an employer of choice to attract talent faster. Highlight benefits, growth opportunities, and a strong company culture in your recruitment marketing.
  • Flexible Staffing Models: Consider contingent workers for short-term needs while building your full-time workforce.

3. Retention Risks: Keeping Top Talent During Change

Challenge: Expansion plans can lead to uncertainty among your existing employees, increasing the risk of turnover. Losing key talent during this critical time can disrupt operations.

Solution:

  • Transparent Communication: Regularly update your workforce on expansion plans and how it will benefit them. Transparency builds trust and reduces uncertainty.
  • Retention Incentives: Offer career advancement opportunities, performance bonuses, and professional development programs to motivate employees during growth phases.
  • Cultural Alignment: Maintain your company culture as you scale, ensuring employees feel connected and valued.

4. Location Challenges: Adapting to New Markets

Challenge: Expanding into new regions introduces location-specific challenges, such as different labor laws, cultural nuances, and talent availability.

Solution:

  • Local Expertise: Leverage local HR consultants or RPO providers with experience in the region to navigate compliance and sourcing challenges.
  • Competitive Compensation: Conduct market research to understand salary benchmarks and adjust your offers to attract talent in the new location.
  • Relocation Support: Offer relocation packages to incentivize internal employees to move to new locations.

5. Scalability of HR and Talent Acquisition Functions

Challenge: Rapid growth can overwhelm your existing HR and recruiting infrastructure, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities.

Solution:

  • Technology Investment: Implement or upgrade HR tech solutions like workforce management systems, ATS, and onboarding platforms.
  • Flexible RPO Partnerships: Partnering with an RPO provider ensures that your recruitment function scales seamlessly with your growth plans.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ensure HR, operations, and leadership teams work together to align talent acquisition with business goals.

Turning Challenges Into Opportunities

Scaling operations is an exciting time for your manufacturing company, but talent acquisition challenges can create roadblocks if not addressed proactively. By investing in workforce planning, streamlining your recruitment process, and leveraging external partnerships, you can overcome these hurdles and position your company for sustainable growth.

As you move forward with your expansion plans, remember that success hinges on the ability to secure, develop, and retain the right talent. With a strategic approach to workforce planning and recruitment, you can turn talent challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth

Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) solutions from Advanced RPO can help you evaluate and improve your hiring processes to get the talent you need to succeed. Contact us today to learn more about our high-touch solutions.