“Wait-and-see workforce” defined by high jobseeker activity and cautious employers

Michael Page has released its 2026 Salary Guides, revealing a growing divide in the engineering and manufacturing job market: 39% of professionals are actively job hunting, yet 60% of hiring managers are struggling to fill roles. This mismatch is fuelling what the firm calls a “wait-and-see workforce”, where both sides are holding out for the perfect fit.

The new guides provide detailed insights into UK hiring trends, regional hotspots, and the most sought-after roles and skills across engineering and manufacturing. Based on thousands of placements and industry conversations, the reports cover 18 specialist areas across 15 sectors.

Hiring priorities are shifting rapidly. Demand is rising for talent with skills in automation, operational excellence, and design engineering – roles seen as essential to delivering technical resilience and long-term transformation.

But salary alone won’t clinch the deal. The data shows that 72% of engineering and manufacturing professionals would turn down a promotion if it threatened their wellbeing, while 83% say work-life balance is now their top priority. Businesses hoping to attract and retain top talent are being urged to take a more holistic approach to recruitment and compensation.

Transformation, Resilience, and Cross-Sector Skills

As firms adapt to shifting supply chain conditions, increased automation, and sustainability pressures, a new hiring pattern is emerging. Businesses are prioritising candidates who can build both immediate operational stability and long-term strategic change – with measurable improvements in efficiency, safety, and productivity.

This is translating into particularly high demand for roles such as:

• Supply Chain Manager

• Maintenance Engineer

• Engineering Manager

• Design Engineer

• Operations Director

And among the most in-demand skills:

• Influencing in manufacturing and supply chain

• Data analytics

• Positive disruption

• Systems experience (ERP, MRP, SAP)

Ruth Hancock, Regional Director, Manufacturing at Michael Page, says:

“The sector is undeniably undergoing transformation. With a focus on agility and resilience, particularly in manufacturing and supply chain operations, businesses must adapt quickly to disruptions, meet customer demands, and manage global logistics. Finding the right talent is critical; my advice to hiring managers in the current market is to remain open-minded about candidates’ sector experience and skills backgrounds. Considering those who align with the company’s culture, values, and ways of working will open up a wider candidate pool and attract the right talent for their business.”

Rethinking Rewards: Salary Is Just One Piece

Despite strong demand for engineering and supply chain talent, Michael Page’s research suggests many employers are missing the mark by focusing too narrowly on salary. The guides reveal a disconnect: while professionals are keen to move, they’re looking for packages that also prioritise wellbeing, flexibility, and meaningful career development.

Hancock adds:

“Despite high demand for roles and a pool of candidates actively seeking opportunities, over half of hiring managers in this sector are struggling to hire. This disconnect creates a clear opportunity for businesses to reassess their approach. To overcome this challenge, companies should take a broader view of their hiring strategies. This includes revisiting salary benchmarking to ensure competitiveness, offering comprehensive benefits beyond just salary, and considering training, development and clear progression plans for high-potential hires.”

Regional Hotspots and Skills Demand

The strongest regional demand for engineering and manufacturing talent is currently in the Midlands, London, and the Southern Home Counties*, where hiring activity remains resilient despite wider economic pressures.

Michael Page’s 2026 Salary Guides are now available to download, offering valuable insight for hiring managers and HR leaders planning recruitment strategies for the year ahead.