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The Evolution of Automotive Talent: Top Recruitment Trends for 2025

Innovation is revolutionising every aspect of the automotive industry. From electrification and automation to connectivity and diverse mobility. According to The Institute of the Motor Industry’s (IMI) Vacancy Rate Tracker (June 2024), the automotive sector is experiencing a significant skills shortage. Statistics revealed that there are currently 20,000 unfilled roles across more than 200 job categories. While vacancy rates have slightly improved (dropping from 3.7 to 3.6 per 100 employees), the sector remains the second most talent-deficient in the UK, behind hospitality.

Key Trends Reshaping the Industry:

  1. Electrification and Battery Innovation: It’s estimated that by 2030, EVs are projected to represent over half of all new car sales in Europe, where battery production now accounts for up to 40% of a vehicle’s cost.
  2. Autonomous Driving and Self-Driving Systems: Autonomous vehicles are advancing quickly, with companies such as Waymo, Cruise, and AutoX developing increasingly advanced systems. The market is currently valued at around 1.88 billion USD; however, Fortune Business Insights predicts this could reach over 38 billion USD by 2032.
  3. Connectivity and Smart Vehicles: Connected and smart vehicles are equipped with features ranging from real-time traffic updates, predictive maintenance, remote diagnostics, to over-the-air (OTA) software updates and remote diagnostics. Sales, finance, and business development professionals are essential in communicating the value proposition of these innovations to customers and evaluating return of investment (ROI) for connectivity infrastructure.
  4. Diverse Mobility and Changing Behaviours: By 2030, up to 10% of all new vehicles may be shared rather than owned. Due to adapting ESG requirements and global economic factors, these changes are forcing OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) to evolve faster than ever before, transitioning from product-centric to service-oriented business models.

The Talent Shift:

The automotive industry is no longer competing just on steel and horsepower, but for code, sensors, algorithms, and digital platforms. As Mercer’s research highlights, automotive companies are:

  • Competing for talent from tech and other industries to bring in critical digital skillsets.
  • Rethinking work models to support hybrid and innovation-driven teams.
  • Redesigning cultures and operating models to attract, retain, and empower next-generation talent.

This evolution is driving demand for highly specialised professionals not only in Engineering, Motor Vehicle Manufacturing, and systems architecture, but also in commercial and strategic roles that enable this transformation.

At Experts Group International, we are presently seeing an increased demand across not only Automotive Technology and Motor Vehicle Manufacturing production, but also:

  • Sales & Business Development (preferably with prior experience and educated to degree level)
  • Finance (preferably with a deep understanding and strong network)
  • Engineering and project management (Systems, Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, and Civil)

Supply Chain Disruptions:

The ongoing shift in the automotive industry is accompanied by significant challenges such as supply chain disruptions, economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and raw material shortages, all of which continue to impact production timelines. In response, OEMs are exploring localising production, redesigning operations, and strengthening their digital capabilities locally.

This transformation has created a growing demand not only for skilled professionals in plant control, finance, HR, and sales but also for strong leadership to manage these functions effectively.

It is essential to place Heads of Department, Global Directors, and Regional Directors who are savvy in restructuring roles to build, guide, and empower their teams.. Companies such as EY that invest in seasoned leaders across supply chain and related functions are better positioned to compete in a fast-evolving market and deliver sustainable growth. According to EY’s Parthenon Restructuring Pulse Survey, restructuring activity increased in 2024 and further growth is predicted in 2025.

Connecting Employers and Job Seekers – Our Commitment at Experts Group International:

As the skills gap widens and the competition for talent intensifies, automotive and technology firms are turning to specialist recruiters to access hard-to-find expertise, move faster on critical hires, and streamline the hiring process.

At Experts Group International, we understand a hands-on, human-first approach is needed to help both businesses and individuals in this fast-evolving landscape where the talent is passive. Whether you’re an employer or job seeker within the Automotive Value Chain, and uncertain of the forthcoming market, here’s how to best navigate these trends.

Hiring Automotive Technology Talent:

  • Targeted Talent Access: Across our 9+ years of experience, cross-sector insight, we’ve built out one of the most extensive networks of specialists in automotive, mobility, and advanced manufacturing.
  • Specialist Expertise: With increasing demand for candidates in roles such as Plant Controllers, Finance Managers, HR Leaders, and Sales Executives, we understand the spectrum of technical and leadership professionals needed to restructure effectively.
  • End-to-End Recruitment: A team that is able to source, prepare and manage the best talent full-time is going to have the advantage in securing candidates within this limited talent pool.

For Automotive Technology Professionals:

Position yourself with representation to get access to the best companies, salary ranges, and benefits available in your field.

  • CV and Application Support: Have a specialist tailor your CV to align your most relevant experience with what the market is hiring.
  • One-to-one support: An agency that has potentially placed hundreds of candidates within the company you’re in process with will prepare you, from application tips to interviews and salary negotiation.
  • Exclusive Opportunities: We know from our direct relationships with leading OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and technology innovators that the best roles aren’t accessible via job boards and LinkedIn.
  • Career Alignment: A recruitment consultant should always take the time to understand your goals and strengths, connecting you only to opportunities that genuinely fit your expertise and ambitions.

Our role at Experts Group International – Join our Network, Explore our opportunities:

As we are seeing rapid growth across other key verticals beyond automotive production, including technology, private equity, and more, the need for skilled, adaptable talent has never been greater.

If you’re recruiting in the Value Chain or Automotive Technology space, our consulting team can help you build a talent strategy that fits your operational goals here.

Lastly, if you are exploring new work opportunities within the Value Chain industry, click here to see our available roles.

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