Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the world in ways few could have foreseen. For the UK’s manufacturing sector, its most enduring legacy is a renewed focus on supply chain resilience and a powerful push towards reshoring.

As more companies bring production back home, fresh opportunities and challenges are emerging at the executive level. At Wyman Bain, we’re seeing first-hand how this trend is transforming the market for senior leadership across manufacturing, construction, components, defence and beyond.

🔑 The Reshoring Imperative: What’s Driving the Shift?

The global supply chain shocks triggered by COVID-19 exposed serious vulnerabilities:

• Endless lead times ⏳
• Unpredictable logistics 🚢
• Rising geopolitical risk 🌍

The response? A wave of investment into UK-based production, modular construction, and domestic supplier networks.

But this isn’t just an operational tweak, it’s a strategic transformation that calls for a new calibre of executive leadership.

🏭 Who’s Hiring and Why?

Across our client base, three sectors are leading the reshoring charge:

1. 🏗️ Modular Construction & Housebuilding

Government backing and strong market demand are accelerating modular growth. To meet ambitious deadlines and quality standards, companies are localising supply chains and scaling up UK manufacturing.

👉 In-demand roles:

• Manufacturing Directors with both construction and advanced manufacturing expertise
• Operations Directors who can lead transformation from blueprint to delivery
• Supply Chain Directors with the skills to build resilient, UK-based supplier ecosystems

2. ⚡ Components & Semiconductors

The global chip shortage was a stark wake-up call. UK firms are now pouring investment into domestic capacity.

👉 Executives are needed to:

• Launch greenfield facilities
• Integrate automation and quality systems
• Build high-performing teams ready for global competition

Top roles: CTOs, Engineering Directors, and Manufacturing Directors with a background in complex, high-spec environments.

3. ✈️ Defence & Aerospace

With national security high on the agenda, supply chain sovereignty is critical.

👉 The most sought-after leaders combine:

• Deep sector expertise
• Experience with high-stakes transformation projects
• The ability to navigate UK & international regulatory landscapes

❌ Why Traditional Search Methods Fall Short

Reshoring roles aren’t “business as usual.” They’re hybrid leadership positions—requiring operational expertise, transformation skills, and sector-specific knowledge.

Conventional recruitment often fails here. The strongest candidates might not sit in the obvious sector they could be leading supply chain localisation in automotive or driving digital transformation in adjacent industries.

At Wyman Bain, our research-led, market-mapping approach uncovers these hidden leaders—those with transferable skills, not just the “right” job title.

📊 Market Intelligence: A Boardroom Essential

Today, the first boardroom question isn’t always “Who can fill this role?” but rather:

• “Does the talent even exist?” 🤔

That’s why our market intelligence and mapping services are in such high demand. Before committing to major reshoring investments, companies want to know:

• How large and skilled is the available executive pool?
• How do UK salaries compare to international benchmarks? 💷
• Where are the transferable skills and how do we access them?

Our £10k market intelligence projects provide a true talent snapshot helping businesses de-risk investments and build early candidate engagement.

✅ Recommendations for UK Manufacturers

If reshoring is on your agenda, here’s how to stay ahead:

1. Engage Early ⏳
   Don’t wait until the factory doors open, top talent is scarce and in high demand.
2. Leverage Data 📊
   Use intelligence to shape strategy and set realistic expectations with boards and investors.
3. Think Laterally 🔄
   The right leader may come from outside your sector, look for transformation specialists in complex, regulated, or fast-moving industries.
4. Choose Research-Led Partners 🕵️
   Partner with experts who can go beyond databases, offering insight and strategy, not just a shortlist.

🚀 Conclusion

Reshoring is no passing trend it’s a fundamental shift in how UK manufacturers compete on the global stage. Those who win will be the businesses that invest early in executive talent, guided by robust market intelligence and an open mind about transferable leadership skills.

At Wyman Bain, we’re proud to support UK manufacturers through this transformation helping them secure the leaders who will shape the future of British industry.

📩 Ready to discuss your reshoring executive talent strategy?
Email us at enquiries@wymanbain.com or visit wymanbain.com to learn more about our research-led executive search and market intelligence services.