How is 2025 going to change recruitment for the Industrial Machinery and Automation Industry?
The Industrial Machinery & Automation industry is seeing a lot of changes recently and at an unprecedented rate. As manufacturing, logistics, and engineering sectors are increasingly adopting advanced technologies, from robotics to AI-driven automation, the demand for highly-skilled professionals in this field is set to rise sharply in 2025.
While this growth brings excitement and new opportunities, employers are set to face the challenge of sourcing talent with the right blend not only of technical expertise, but who can adapt quickly under the pressure that the changes bring.
According to a study by Make UK, there are concerns that the UK manufacturing sector could face significant skills shortages, with around 50% of companies already struggling to find candidates with the required technical skills to support automation and digital plans.
This is partly due to these types of roles not being attractive to the younger generations. A study by Barclays found that 6% of Gen Z would consider a career in manufacturing, which highlights the efforts employers must go to in order to attract this demographic.
2025 Trends Driving Change in Industrial Machinery and Automation Hiring
As companies start planning for 2025, they’re investing heavily in innovations that streamline their operations. Here’s what’s driving the change – and what it means for recruitment:
AI and Robotics Integration
In recent years, robotics and AI have moved from theory to practice across production lines. Collaborative robots (or “cobots”) are revolutionising workflows by working side-by-side with human employees. These machines are designed to perform repetitive tasks with precision, freeing up human workers for roles that require problem-solving and decision-making.
As the global market heads towards a £208 billion valuation by 2025, companies need automation engineers, robotics programmers, and AI specialists who can deploy and maintain these sophisticated systems.
By 2025, nearly half of manufacturers across Europe are expected to incorporate collaborative robots in their facilities, especially in tasks that require precision but still benefit from human oversight.
The result? A new breed of roles focused on managing and optimising human-machine interaction. Employers are looking for candidates who bring both technical knowledge and adaptability, as well as strong communication skills to facilitate smooth collaboration between humans and machines.
Professionals who can work comfortably alongside robots are particularly valuable as companies seek to get the best from both human insight and machine precision.
Predictive Maintenance and Data-Driven Operations
Imagine a factory where machines can ‘self-monitor’ for signs of wear and tear, allowing potential problems to be addressed before they cause disruptions. Predictive maintenance – driven by IoT and big data analytics – is making this a reality.
Across Europe, the predictive maintenance market is expected to reach £5 billion by 2025, changing how companies approach equipment upkeep and reliability.
For businesses, predictive maintenance brings not only new ways to save on costs but also a means to drastically reduce downtime. This requires skilled data experts and IoT technicians who can manage and interpret large volumes of machine data.
In the UK, where unplanned downtime is especially costly, the stakes are high. Industry estimates suggest that unscheduled maintenance costs UK manufacturers billions annually, with some sectors seeing losses of up to £250,000 for a single hour of downtime, a big difference against the salary to hire an expert to prevent this.
As these costs continue to impact bottom lines, more companies are moving toward predictive maintenance. This approach shifts businesses from a reactive “fix-it-when-it-breaks” model to a proactive strategy, catching issues early, minimising disruptions to production, and extending machinery life cycles.
This move toward predictive maintenance is valuable for companies eager to protect productivity. Implementing this strategy requires specialised talent capable of analysing data on everything from vibration patterns to temperature changes, spotting potential issues before they impact production.
For businesses, investing in this expertise translates to fewer costly interruptions and a stronger, competitive edge.
Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
Sustainability is no longer a side project, it has become paramount to business strategy, and companies are responding. Almost 80% of businesses are investing in automation that has been specifically designed to reduce energy costs and environmental impact.
From using more efficient machinery to optimising production processes, businesses are actively working to meet sustainability targets. With this new focus, there is now high demand for engineers who possess both the knowledge of the company’s products, applications and green technology.
It’s not just about the equipment itself, either. Companies are also looking for professionals who can guide sustainability initiatives and assess overall environmental impact, making this one of the fastest-growing areas within Industrial Machinery & Automation.
Salaries: A Glimpse Into 2025
It is clear that the market is on the brink of significant transformation. This industry, long regarded as the backbone of innovation in manufacturing and production, is now growing rapidly under the influence of Industry 4.0 [write blog on what it is], cutting-edge technologies, and shifting markets.
One of the most striking indicators of this change is the rise in salaries across key roles such as Service Engineers, Technical Sales Engineers, and Manufacturing Engineers.
These salary increases are not merely a reflection of inflation or standard growth—they highlight the growing complexity of these roles, the demand for multi-skilled professionals, and the urgent need for businesses to adapt to challenges such as talent shortages, the impact of Brexit, and the aftermath of the pandemic.
In this section, we will examine how these salary trends have unfolded over recent years and, more importantly, explore why they are on the rise.
From the adoption of advanced technologies and global competition to the increasing importance of predictive maintenance and high-value sales, the forces shaping the future of this sector are as varied and diverse as they are dynamic.
Below, we take a detailed look at the trends driving change in one of the UK’s most important industries.
Industrial Machinery and Automation Industry Salary Trends:
Demand for skilled professionals in the industrial machinery sector has surged in recent years, leading to a significant boost in salaries for key roles such as Service Engineers, Technical Sales Engineers, and Manufacturing Engineers. These positions now typically command salaries in the £45,000–£50,000 range, reflecting the increasing complexity of automation systems, the integration of robotics, and the push for innovative solutions across industries.
As companies face growing competition to secure key individuals, offering competitive compensation has become crucial to attract and retain the people needed to maintain and advance cutting-edge technologies.
Why Salaries in Industrial Machinery and Automation Are Growing
The rise in salaries across roles like Service Engineers, Technical Sales and Manufacturing Engineers in the industrial machinery and automation sector is driven by several converging factors:
1. Increased Demand for Automation and Industry 4.0
- Digital Transformation: Companies are aggressively taking on Industry 4.0 technologies like IoT, AI, robotics, and smart manufacturing to stay competitive. This requires a workforce skilled in deploying and maintaining these systems.
- Automation in Traditional Industries: Sectors like automotive, aerospace, and food production are integrating more automation, creating a higher demand for specialists.
- Pandemic Acceleration: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift towards automation to reduce dependency on human labour and ensure a resilient supply chain.
2. Talent Shortages in the Industrial Machinery & Automation Industry
- Skill Gap: There’s a lack of skilled workers with the technical expertise required to work with complex automation systems and high-value machinery. Roles such as Technical Sales Engineers and Field Service Engineers require niche knowledge, making these professionals harder to find.
- Ageing Workforce: The sector faces an ageing workforce in engineering and manufacturing, intensifying the demand for younger talent.
- STEM Education Shortfall: Insufficient focus on STEM education and technical training in the UK only widens the talent gap, pushing employers to offer higher salaries to attract and retain skilled individuals.
3. Higher Complexity of Roles
- Advanced Skill Sets Required: Modern industrial machinery integrates technologies like AI, machine learning, and predictive maintenance systems. Engineers and sales professionals must have in-depth knowledge of these technologies to install, maintain, or sell them effectively.
- Multi-Skilled Roles: Companies are increasingly looking for professionals with overlapping skills, such as technical knowledge combined with sales expertise, to maximise efficiency.
4. Growing Competition Among Employers
- Global Demand: Industrial automation is a global trend, and UK companies are competing with international firms to secure the best talent. Professionals can often command higher salaries due to this competition.
- Retention Challenges: Companies are investing in better salaries and perks to retain their workforce amidst frequent poaching by competitors.
- Hybrid Work Benefits: Sales and field professionals are being offered better pay packages and flexible working conditions to stay competitive.
5. Regional Factors
- Industrial Hubs: Regions like the Midlands, North West, and South East have concentrated demand due to the presence of major manufacturers and automation firms. Employers in these areas offer higher salaries to meet demand.
- London Premium: Professionals in London command higher salaries due to the cost of living and proximity to global headquarters.
6. Surge in After-Sales Services and Maintenance
- Critical Need for Service Engineers: As companies invest in expensive automation systems, the need for regular maintenance and reliable after-sales services has grown.
- Predictive Maintenance: Employers are prioritising hiring engineers skilled in predictive maintenance technologies, further driving up demand for expertise.
7. Impact of Brexit
- Reduced Talent Pool: Brexit has reduced the availability of EU workers, especially in technical roles, exacerbating the talent shortage.
- Increased Reliance on Local Talent: Employers now have to attract and train local talent, often at a higher cost.
8. Innovation in Products and Sales Models
- High-Value Machinery Sales: Technical Sales Engineers now sell highly complex, expensive equipment requiring extensive expertise, increasing the value of their role.
- Subscription Models: Many automation firms are moving to subscription or service-based sales models (e.g., “machinery-as-a-service”), requiring professionals to maintain relationships and provide ongoing technical support.
To make sure your salaries align with what’s out there, we offer tailored salary benchmarking reports. Our reports give you real-time data on market rates and compensation packages for different roles, so you can offer fair and competitive pay.
Having the right data at your fingertips is essential. We’re here to help you stay ahead and make sure your salaries work for both your business and your team.
Recruitment Challenges You May Face in 2025
Recruiting the right people can feel like a minefield, and next year, it’s only going to get trickier. From sourcing talent for specialist roles to meeting the demands of today’s candidates, there’s a lot to consider. Here’s a look at some of the challenges you might face:
1. Sourcing Talent in Specialist Roles
The competition for skilled workers in fields like AI, robotics, and sustainability is fierce. Companies are struggling to find people with the technical know-how for niche roles. You need experts who not only have the right skills but also understand how to apply them in your business.
2. Meeting Changing Candidate Expectations
Today’s job seekers expect more than just a salary. They’re looking for flexibility, career development, and a company that offers a supportive work environment. The days of offering a job just to “make a living” are gone—candidates want purpose, balance, and growth opportunities., especially those who are of the younger generation.
3. Retaining Your Best People
Hiring exceptional people is just the beginning. Once you’ve got the right people, holding on to them is a whole new challenge. Employees are seeking opportunities that offer more than just a job. Companies need to work harder to keep their best people engaged and motivated.
4. Addressing the Skills Gap
The demand for new skills—particularly in emerging technologies like AI, robotics, and automation—far exceeds the supply of candidates. The skills gap is a real concern, and businesses need to find creative solutions to upskill their teams or recruit from a wider talent pool.
5. Creating a Diverse Workforce
Diversity and inclusion aren’t just buzzwords—they’re essential to building a strong, innovative team. Companies that fail to prioritise diversity risk missing out on the best candidates and falling behind in the competition for talent.
How We Can Help You Overcome These Challenges
A trusted talent partner, known for our expertise in identifying and headhunting technical sales and engineering professionals across the United Kingdom, Central, and Northern Europe.
Achieving an impressive 92% placement rate, we excel in attracting top-performing professionals in challenging industries. Supported by a team of expert recruiters, we guarantee high-calibre talent for your organisation.
Our additional services, such as salary benchmarking, have become an essential tool for our clients to ensure they offer a competitive compensation package that goes beyond just basic salary.
Being confident in our own abilities, we have introduced our Retingency service, a unique and distinctive approach offering the full suite of retained recruitment services but with the advantage of the pay-on-placement contingency model.
The benefits of partnering with Mase Consulting
Access to a Network of Candidates
Over the past decade we’ve taken a proactive approach to building lasting relationships with key industry performers, which has created a unique and well-established network of high-calibre industry experts that have proven to be invaluable to our clients.
Bespoke, Strategic Approach
Our personalised and consultative approach to technical recruitment ensures that we quickly find the right fit for each of our client’s unique requirements.
Transparency
We adopt transparent and efficient processes. We keep in regular contact with you throughout the process, offering hiring advice and guidance, so you feel confident about the hire you make.
Effective Hiring Solutions
We do more than recruitment. Our behavioural assessments provide insights into a candidate’s potential performance. This data-driven approach enables you to make informed hiring decisions, reducing the risk of a poor hire.
Recruiting the right people in 2025 in the industrial machinery and automation sector will be one of the biggest challenges for businesses. The demand for skilled professionals is increasing, with roles becoming more specialised and competitive than ever. Finding and securing the right talent requires not just effort but a strategic approach—and that’s where we come in.
At Mase Consulting, we specialise in connecting businesses with industry-leading candidates for technical sales, engineering, and niche roles. But we also go further. Our full suite of services, including candidate behavioural assessments and salary benchmarking, helps you make confident hiring decisions while ensuring your offers remain competitive.
If you are in the Industrial Machinery & Automation industry and would like to discuss your recruitment needs, you can give our team a call on 0161 870 5000, or book a discovery call at a time that suits you here.
