As an executive search firm, we’re on the frontlines of finding and placing the very best individuals at the highest levels of the org chart, but not all companies apply that same level of rigor and attentiveness for roles further down the hierarchy. We’re here to help.

by Ted Stiles & David Portney
Stiles Associates

One of the most commonly misunderstood factors in executive search is how many candidates are available in pursuit of finding the right individual for an open position. Access to professional networks through platforms like LinkedIn, ZoomInfo and in-house databases has resulted in a massive and highly visible marketplace of professionals to choose from. The work of recruiters is increasingly about strategies and tactics to sift through the expansive candidate field to find the best and most appropriate candidate for the assignment.

by Ted Stiles & David Portney
Stiles Associates

General Electric (GE) recently published its 2023 Annual Report and the results were significant, more than tripling earnings while generating almost 70 percent more free cash flow than 2022. This was no accident, as CEO Larry Culp led a shift to a back-to-basics mentality that fostered a culture of continuous improvement.

by Ted Stiles & David Portney
Stiles Associates

Americans are relocating for new roles at a record-low rate.

Recent data from outplacement services firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas reveals just 1.6% of jobseekers in the first quarter of 2023 packed up their things and headed for a new city or state. This is down from 6% in 2019 and down from nearly a third of workers from the 1980s and 1990s. The reasons are complicated, but it’s clear this downward trend creates headaches for companies that need to source talent outside of their geographic areas. This downward trend is especially challenging for manufacturers looking to hire on-site, executive talent in an already tight market.

Here's what many of the top companies are doing to address the relocation challenge head on and create industry-leading rosters:

by Ted Stiles & David Portney
Stiles Associates

The last couple of years have been the most challenging for hiring since the start of the 2010s. This is because post pandemic, hiring companies in several industries – especially manufacturing – have faced challenges at nearly every level of the organization. One of the most prevalent aspects has been the market conditions favoring candidates. Increased competition for top executive talent while hiring demand was spiking forced employers to flex on compensation, relocation packages, signing bonuses, quality of life factors including remote / hybrid work arrangements and more.

by Ted Stiles and David Portney
Stiles Associates

There’s no better time than the summer to recruit new executives. While many senior leaders take some much-deserved time off at their favorite vacation destinations; the kids spend their days at summer camps and pools; and companies experience a seasonal dip in activity – there’s a pool of A-players standing by who are available to drive performance and cultural change. By going on offense, hiring managers can impact their companies for the long haul by taking advantage of the environment right now.

Lean Manufacturing can be confusing to understand, and further obscured by a high rate of variability in how Lean is applied and deployed. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when considering whether or not it’s right for your company.

by Ted Stiles and David Portney
Stiles Associates

Over the last several decades, American manufacturing organizations have become faster, more productive and more responsive to customers’ needs – they’ve had to. In an increasingly global manufacturing economy with plenty of low-cost labor options, those organizations that continue to manufacture in the United States need to be very, very good at it.