How Tariffs, Automation, and Inflation Are Shaping Hiring in Supply Chain & Manufacturing

As global supply chains continue to evolve in response to political, economic, and technological disruption, hiring trends are shifting just as rapidly. Taylor Gerkin, Vice President - Head of Technical Operations & Supply Chain at DSJ Global, shares her observations on the current state of the market - from the impact of tariffs and inflation to the growing demand for automation expertise across manufacturing and operations.

Tariffs are fueling strategic shifts in sourcing

Tariffs remain one of the most disruptive forces facing product-based businesses today. Ongoing shifts in trade policy have created cost uncertainty, forcing organizations to rethink how they structure and manage their global supply chains.

Taylor notes a major trend: many companies are reshoring operations and focusing on supplier diversification to reduce dependency on high-tariff regions. This change isn't limited to small firms - major players like Apple, Hyundai, and Walmart are also revisiting long-standing sourcing and manufacturing strategies.

• Most affected: Small and midsize companies with limited capital and high reliance on international suppliers are feeling the most pressure.
• Least affected: Fully integrated businesses that source, manufacture, and deliver domestically are more insulated and able to maintain strategic stability.

This shift is also influencing hiring - employers are increasingly seeking candidates with supply chain resiliency, risk management, and regional supplier expertise.

Automation and AI are reshaping manufacturing roles

With the push toward domestic production, companies are accelerating investment in automation and artificial intelligence to improve operational efficiency and reduce labor costs. This is creating significant opportunity for professionals in:

• Manufacturing leadership
• Supply chain strategy
• Operations roles with digital transformation exposure

Candidates with experience in automation systems, data-driven process improvement, or AI applications in production environments are becoming especially attractive to employers looking to modernize.

Conversely, professionals who haven’t adapted to these innovations may find themselves falling behind in a fast-moving talent market.

Inflation is redefining compensation strategies

Inflation is adding a new layer of complexity to hiring. Compensation packages once based on historical benchmarks are no longer competitive in many sectors. Organizations that fail to adjust salary bands, benefits, and incentive structures risk losing top talent to faster-moving competitors.

Taylor highlights that HR and finance teams that integrate real-time market data into hiring decisions are outperforming others. In today’s environment, flexibility and speed in compensation planning can be just as important as the offer itself.

What you should do next

While the challenges facing global supply chains are real, so are the opportunities. Companies that adapt quickly, with the right people in place, can build stronger, more resilient operations for the future.

For professionals, staying ahead of industry trends like automation and regionalization can be the key to unlocking long-term career growth. And for employers, attracting that kind of talent starts with a clear understanding of today’s market dynamics.

While the challenges facing global supply chains are real, so are the opportunities. Companies that adapt quickly, with the right people in place, can build stronger, more resilient operations for the future.

For professionals, staying ahead of industry trends like automation and regionalisation can be the key to unlocking long-term career growth. And for employers, attracting that kind of talent starts with a clear understanding of today’s market dynamics.