In 2024, the engineering & supply chain labor market is once again facing significant changes, with an emphasis on the pursuit of efficiency and versatility. In line with last year's trends, professionals within these sectors are expected to be not only technically skilled, but also possess crucial soft skills to take on leadership roles. Creative thinking and a commercial attitude are among the most sought-after skills, enabling employers to adapt to organizational change.  

To recruit successfully in 2024, employers are advised to look beyond technical competences and pay attention to the personality of new employees. Welcoming international talent therefore plays an important role in addressing the shortage of qualified staff.  

Top 3 most sought-after engineering & supply chain professionals in 2024: 

1. Project Engineer/Manager 

2. Engineering Manager  

3. Asset/Reliability Maintenance Manager 

The salary package plays a key role in employee satisfaction, often keeping them loyal. However, remarkably, a change is imminent in 2024: 60% of engineering & supply chain professionals surveyed by Robert Walters are considering changing jobs in the coming months.  

Jülide Tunali, senior manager at international recruitment firm Robert Walters, says: "To convince potential employees to choose their organisation, we advise employers to keep their recruitment process not only short, but above all very efficient. Outlining a clear picture of the challenges and tasks offered by the position is essential here, but particular attention should be paid to the personality of potential employees. Engineering and supply chain professionals are intertwined in all layers within the organisation, so it is important to ensure a good fit with both colleagues and company culture."  

2024 salary trends within engineering & supply chain 

Given the crucial role they play, the salary expectations of engineering & supply chain professionals are high: almost half (48%) of professionals surveyed are hoping for a salary increase in 2024. Fortunately, employers realize that remuneration plays a vital role in attracting and retaining staff. As many as 75% of them plan to give their staff salary increases in 2024, as shown in the recent Robert Walters salary survey.

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