The industrial business environment continues to show strong interest in hiring new senior executives, following the positive trend of recent years.
Companies are making efforts to offer attractive compensation packages to candidates, particularly through variable pay that significantly improves on the packages of shortlisted finalists. Nevertheless, when it comes to fixed salaries, companies are finding it difficult to offer substantial increases to candidates.
If we analyse the executive search processes we have carried out in recent months, we see that commercial roles have gained prominence compared to operations and finance positions.
Companies in the automotive sector continue to face a high level of uncertainty. Those with ongoing projects are maintaining a good pace, while those with limited current order books are struggling more, as few new projects are being generated.
The energy sector is also undergoing changes. Businesses operating in renewable energy are experiencing a flatter phase of activity. By contrast, significant investments are expected in electricity transmission and distribution.
Leadership cycles in industrial companies are becoming shorter due to restructurings, shareholder pressure and the need for immediate results. This is driving demand for executive search processes, although not all candidates are attracted to these mandates.
The market is seeing an increase in interim projects to lead transformations, plant integrations or industrial restructurings. This model
Senior-level candidates expect salary transparency and variable compensation plans linked to clearly defined objectives (ESG, digitalisation, growth).
