UK
First up, digital transformation is at the forefront. The consumer market has always been one of the slower industries to adapt and adopt this change, but trends show that companies are on the lookout for professionals who can manage complex change & transformation projects, from ERP system implementations to process overhauls. Skills like advanced financial model building and the use of business intelligence tools like Power BI and Tableau are becoming more essential as businesses continue to adapt to the digital age.
Diversity and inclusion is another trend gaining serious traction. Companies are working hard to build more diverse teams to better reflect global consumer demographics and foster innovation. Hiring managers are feeling the pressure to ensure their shortlists are diverse, and this is something that's reshaping talent acquisition strategies across the board.
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While there is a gender imbalance at senior levels, efforts to increase diversity are ongoing.
Sustainability and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) concerns are also rising. In sustainability-driven finance, finance professionals are expected to be fluent in ESG frameworks and reporting. The challenge is finding candidates who not only have the traditional finance skills but also the expertise to navigate these growing complexities. This is becoming especially critical as regulatory frameworks around ESG continue to evolve, demanding finance professionals to stay ahead of the curve.
Amidst global economic uncertainty, inflation and cost management are top of mind. FMCG companies need finance professionals with the right skill set to manage margins, control costs, and optimise operational efficiency - a combination that's hard to find. Plus, the ever-changing nature of markets means finance professionals must be strategic and agile enough to forecast and pivot quickly.
Lastly, as e-commerce continues to dominate, finance professionals with expertise in digital revenue streams, pricing models, and customer behaviour analytics are becoming highly sought after. As FMCG companies dive deeper into the digital landscape, finding candidates who can navigate this shift will be crucial.
London remains the core hub, but talent in these sectors is increasingly being drawn to areas offering a lower cost of living and strong transport links to the capital:
Watford, St Albans, Chelmsford, Woking, and Colchester are all growing talent hotspots for professionals in the FMCG and retail sectors.
When it comes to flexible working, things are still in flux. While some big retail players are pushing for a return to the office five days a week (and, let's be honest, not everyone's thrilled about it), most FMCG and retail businesses are sticking with a hybrid model—three days in the office and the rest remote. Brands that have insisted on a five-day office workweek are already seeing the consequences, with many finance professionals resigning or actively seeking opportunities that offer more flexibility. Smaller businesses are sweetening the deal by offering even more flexibility with just one or two days in the office to stay competitive.
As competition for top talent intensifies, salary expectations in the FMCG and retail industries are on the rise. One challenge many companies are facing is the growing salary gap between sectors. In particular, the tech industry is offering significantly higher salaries for finance professionals, and FMCG companies may find it difficult to compete with the attractive compensation packages that tech firms can provide. As a result, many FMCG and retail businesses are struggling to retain and attract the best candidates, especially those with specialised skills in digital transformation or sustainability.
To stay competitive, companies in FMCG and retail will need to carefully evaluate their salary offerings and consider additional benefits, such as flexibility, career development opportunities, and wellness programs. While a higher salary is always appealing, many professionals are now placing just as much value on work-life balance and job satisfaction. Finding the right balance between compensation and benefits will be key to attracting the best talent in 2025 and beyond.
So, to sum it up, 2025 is shaping up to be a game-changer for the FMCG, consumer, and retail sectors. From shifting consumer habits to tech breakthroughs, there's a lot on the horizon. Businesses need to keep up with trends like digital transformation, diversity, and sustainability, all while offering the flexibility top talent craves. As the demand for specialised skills grows, the companies that nail the balance between pay, opportunities for skillset development, and work-life flexibility are going to have the upper hand. It's an exciting time, and staying ahead of the curve is the key to winning the talent game!
Hannah has almost 6 years of recruitment experience placing qualified finance professionals into the FMCG, Consumer and Retail sectors. She works with a range of clients to place candidates into permanent assignments.
