The manufacturing industry and supply chain sector in Hong Kong are experiencing significant transformations as they adapt to emerging trends in sustainability, economic uncertainties, and evolving talent dynamics. With the changes in market demands, employers are seeking talent with a new set of key specialised skills as they continue to navigate evolving labour market trends.
Download the 2025 Job Market and Salary Guide report to find out more about the key trends influencing the job market, in-demand specialised and soft skills as well as the latest salary benchmarks to attract the right talent in supply chain and manufacturing.
companies continue to face economic and operational challenges
Fluctuations in the global economy and geopolitical tensions continue to cause cautious spending among businesses and consumers, prompting companies to stabilise existing operations rather than invest in new avenues.
The rapid technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence and quantum computing, may outpace some companies’ ability to adapt, leading to widening skill gaps.
the rise of sustainability in manufacturing
A key trend is the growing demand for green manufacturing. Companies are increasingly focused on developing sustainable solutions that align with environmental initiatives, driven by heightened awareness of climate issues and pressures from policymakers and shareholders to transition to using green energy.
While this may not lead to immediate demand for talent with sustainability and green maritime expertise, some companies may start to hire corporate responsibility talent to support the reduction of waste and carbon emissions in the procurement and purchasing process.
As companies navigate these challenges while pursuing growth opportunities in green technologies, understanding evolving skill requirements will be critical when hiring for green jobs. Organisations that operate with lean teams should consider investing in upskilling their workforce in 2025. This will enable employees to adapt more easily to changes brought about by digital transformation and advancements in green technologies, ensuring that productivity remains optimised.
adapting skills sets for the future workforce in supply chain
The cautionary approach towards talent recruitment will likely continue into the first half of 2025. Many companies are delaying non-essential hires until market growth stabilises.
This is particularly the case in the electronics sector which saw large-scale restructuring, as companies moved their manufacturing plants from China to Southeast Asia or Mexico, which has impacted local employment dynamics. Offsetting this decline at the moment is the increasing number of Chinese firms establishing their regional hubs in Hong Kong as a gateway to the rest of the world. This has led to more applicants from mainland China and Southeast Asia, as they leverage talent schemes to work in supply chain management jobs in Hong Kong.
When hiring talent, the in-demand technical and soft skills that employers often look for are:
- Language Proficiency: Fluent in Mandarin, English, and a third language.
- Excel Skills: Good digital skills in pivot tables and VLOOKUP.
- Logistics Connections: Strong relationships with carriers and agents for last-mile delivery solutions.
- Supplier Relationship Management: Effective communication skills and good interpersonal skills to negotiate supplier contracts and prices.
Job seekers are expected to remain cautious about new job opportunities in 2025 due to ongoing economic instability and a higher-than-normal unemployment rate in the industry. As they prioritise stability over advancements during these times, professionals are likely to be discouraged from making risky career moves.
For employers hiring new or replacement talent, it is critical to communicate job requirements and expectations clearly from the outset. This includes clarifying whether the role is new or recently vacant, outlining available training opportunities, and sharing the company’s short-term priorities and direction. Clear communication will help attract the right candidates and set them up for success within the business.
download randstad hong kong’s 2025 job market and salary trends report
In 2025, expectations for salary increases when changing employers are earmarked between 3% and 4%. While the electronics industry may forego any salary adjustments given the economic climate, most other sectors are likely to experience conservative salary growth in the range of 2% to 3%.
Our 2025 Job Market and Salary Trends report cuts through the complexity to deliver actionable insights and expert analysis for insurance firms. In our annual report, you can find salary benchmarks to 50 jobs ranging from product development to warehousing; procurement to production to offer competitive salaries to attract top talent.
The report examines key talent expectations as well as current industry trends and salary benchmarks in the following industries:
- Accounting and finance
- Banking and financial services
- Business support
- Construction, property and engineering
- Human resources
- Insurance
- Legal
- Life sciences and healthcare
- Luxury and retail
- Supply chain and logistics
- Sales and marketing
- Technology
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