Manufacturing
The advent of digital industrial technology, dubbed Industry 4.0, has given rise to a series of new challenges for manufacturers. Although tech and automation have transformed manufacturing— giving industrial companies an opportunity to harness new levels of productivity— it’s difficult to capitalize on opportunities for profitable growth because of constant disruption. A tight labor market and a diminished supply of skilled labor makes it difficult for industrial manufacturers to find the talent and leaders needed to sustain themselves. Many firms are rightsizing their portfolio, spinning off and divesting business units, while others are engaged in strategic merger and acquisition activity.
For manufacturers, identifying, attracting and retaining top-level talent capable of leading through changes is a competitive advantage. They need specialized, learning-agile leaders capable of driving transformation in a lean environment to create new value for customers and stakeholders. These leaders must possess the expertise and strategic focus to extract growth from mature markets, optimize global supply chains, and enhance operational productivity—all while overseeing corporate culture and managing considerable risk.
