Trends in Consumer Products Talent

As companies continue to evolve, so does the criteria needed to be an efficient employee. Specifically, consumer product companies have had to adapt to COVID-19 and emerging digital marketplaces as well as changing consumer demands. Because of this, trends in consumer products talent are changing. Employees with extensive data analytic experience who can assess consumer behaviors will be needed. Digital strategists who understand how to navigate eCommerce, DTC spaces, and marketing will be in high demand. Individuals with knowledge of supply chain, experience in manufacturing, fluctuating supply and demand will also be essential to business success.  

Digital Strategists  

Digital strategists who can effectively direct the eCommerce and DTC (direct to consumer) marketplace are in high demand. The U.S. spent $431.6 billion in online sales in 2020, and it’s predicted that eCommerce sales will continue to grow at a healthy clip, reaching 23.6% of total retail sales by 2025 versus 11.0% in 2019. Consumer products continue to be sold on online sites such as Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and countless others. Expertise in the utilization of eCommerce and online sites will be critical to companies maximizing profit margins.  

Amid intense competition and ever-increasing customer expectations, retailers and consumer products companies also need to evolve their delivery models—namely, in the direct-to-consumer (DTC) space—as the “at home” economy grows. The $100 billion U.S. DTC market is growing among American consumers, according to an analysis of around 21,000 brands. Per a 2022 Direct-to-Consumer Purchase Intent Index, 65% of consumers surveyed said they planned to buy from a direct-to-consumer brand in 2022, and less than 60% purchased an item from a DTC brand in 2021. Talent regarding how to get new customers and how to get the most out of current consumers will be needed to get the most out of companies’ investments in DTC. Aptitude of concepts such as SEO (search engine optimization), opportunities for personalization, cross selling, upselling, and repeat purchase rates will be needed to drive revenue for consumer product companies.  

Supply Chain Experience  

With lingering economic effects from the COVID-19 pandemic and persisting issues with supply chain coordination, companies have had to put extra thought into how to enhance and optimize their own supply chains. Employees with considerable experience in supply chain management are a significant talent trend.  

It is essential for employees to properly forecast their consumer needs to make sure they have an adequate supply for their consumer demands. This is known as demand forecasting. With the lingering effects of the pandemic still present, this is especially important. Employees need to be able to look at historical sales to inform future trends and better predict demand.  

When considering supply chain, lead times and the time it takes for a product to go from the manufacturer to retailer or restaurant is a critical perspective to consider. Employees who understand the time it takes to place an order, the time it takes a vendor to process and ship the order, the time the materials are in transit, and the time it takes for their business to prepare the stock for sale are crucial. 

Data and Analytics 

Employees with robust experience in technological and analytical data will also be essential to consumer product companies. Businesses will need workers who can understand automated systems of record, survey instruments, and SAP (system applications and products in data processing). Employees who can run systems, implement code, and troubleshoot manufacturing processes are needed in consumer product businesses where millions of inventories are made per year.  

Assessing the data collected from analytics is an essential skill to have as well. Important information about the company itself and consumers can be found in this. A complete inventory of the tools, technologies, and systems can be acquired. Employee assessments, consumer behaviors, and anticipated demand can be efficiently predicted with the proper implementation of analytics. 

Knowledge of SAP (system applications and products) is also in increasing demand. SAP is essential for many businesses to control sales, production, logistics, human resources, marketing, and analytics. SAP can boost your organization’s efficiency and productivity by automating repetitive tasks, making better use of your time, money and resources. Having an employee proficient in the use of SAP will be tremendously beneficial to an organization.  

Moving Forward 

BCTG’s team of IT staffing experts bring decades of experience to each engagement. We value true partnership and think of ourselves as an extension of your team to ensure that each interaction serves not just your immediate needs but your long-term business objectives. As the consumer product market continues to evolve, so does the talent needed to understand these current trends. Bull City can help your company identify these changes and find the talent needed to address them.