Episode 503: Recruiting for warehouse automation
Today’s episode of The New Warehouse Podcast welcomes Cian Denvir, the Director of U.S. Business for Proactive Global. Proactive Global specializes in recruitment for warehouse automation and robotics, providing a unique perspective on industry trends, talent development, and the future of automation. Cian shares insights into the current dynamics of the warehouse automation market, the challenges and opportunities in recruiting talent, and how to attract the next generation of professionals to this rapidly evolving field.
Navigating the Recruitment Landscape in Warehouse Automation
Cian emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique dynamics of warehouse automation recruitment. “We recruit for OEMs and system integrators, robotics businesses, end users, and even venture capitalists involved in automation,” he explains. This niche approach allows them to stay in tune with industry trends and meet the diverse needs of their clients.
Cian sees the warehouse automation industry as tight-knit “in the sense that everybody knows everybody,” which is why talent hops from one company to another in a culture of grabbing from competing systems. He further highlights the challenges of salary expectations in the industry. “Salaries have cooled slightly from the highs of Amazon and COVID, but they are still great,” he notes. This cooling effect has led to a mismatch between candidates’ high expectations and current market realities, making recruitment a more nuanced task.
Trends and Innovations in Warehouse Automation
The warehouse automation industry is experiencing significant growth, with notable trends such as elections and interest rates shaping its future. Cian believes we will see “consolidation in the market, with bigger businesses through private equity roll-ups or mergers and acquisitions.”
He explains that “a lot of deferred work from 2023 into 2024” could shape up for a strong 2025. The role of software in automation is also gaining prominence. “AMRs are not becoming a commodity, but the software side is more valuable than ever,” Cian asserts. They are proving how software platforms’ reliability, scalability, and maintainability are crucial for the success of automated solutions.
Attracting the Next Generation of Talent
One of the critical challenges in the warehouse automation industry is attracting and retaining talent. Cian believes that visibility and hands-on experience are vital. “It’s about making sure we bring people into the organization every year to give them a flavor of what warehouse automation is,” he says. Internships and rotational programs, like the Leadership and Development Rotation (LADR) program at Fortna, are effective ways to expose new talent to various aspects of the industry.
Cian also stresses the importance of collaboration between companies and universities. “It’s about ensuring that we have the right HR and talent organization to create relationships with leading universities,” he explains. These partnerships help ensure a steady pipeline of skilled professionals ready to support the industry’s growth.
Key Takeaways on Recruiting for Warehouse Automation
- Proactive Global recruits across various sectors within warehouse automation, ensuring a holistic approach to meeting industry needs.
- The cooling of salary expectations and the consolidation of businesses are significant trends shaping the current market.
- New products must solve specific operational challenges, and the importance of software in automation solutions is growing.
- Visibility, hands-on experience, and strong university partnerships are essential for attracting and retaining the next generation of talent.
503: Recruiting for Warehouse Automation
