7 Skills Top Lubricant Companies Seek In Senior Talent
Lubricant organisations seek senior-level professionals with a unique blend of expertise and adaptability. James Moorhouse, Director of ABN Resource, shares insights on the seven key skills employers seek in top-tier candidates.
#1 Strategic Vision
“Senior leaders must be able to anticipate industry trends and steer their organisations accordingly,” says Moorhouse. This includes understanding the impact of emerging technologies, environmental regulations, and market shifts on the lubricants sector.
#2 Technical Proficiency
While senior roles often focus on leadership, a deep understanding of lubricant chemistry, formulation, and applications is an added bonus. Moorhouse emphasises, “Technical knowledge allows leaders to make informed decisions and effectively communicate with various stakeholders.” Research from Machinery Lubrication highlights that 78% of successful lubrication programs are led by individuals with strong technical backgrounds.
#3 Business Acumen
Senior candidates should demonstrate a strong grasp of financial management, market analysis, and strategic planning. “The ability to translate technical innovations into business opportunities is invaluable,” Moorhouse notes.
# 4 Leadership and Team Management
Effective leadership skills are paramount. This includes inspiring teams, managing diverse personalities, and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
#5 Adaptability and Change Management
Adaptability is key in an industry facing rapid technological advancements, legislation changes and sustainability challenges. Moorhouse states, “Leaders who can navigate change and guide their teams through transitions are highly sought after.”
#6 Global Perspective
With the lubricants industry operating on a global scale, senior professionals need to understand international markets, cultural nuances, and global supply chains.
#7 Sustainability Focus
As the industry moves towards more environmentally friendly practices, leaders who can drive sustainability initiatives and ensure compliance with evolving regulations are in high demand.
The X-Factor: Transferable Skills
Moorhouse strongly emphasises the value of transferable skills in senior-level recruitment. “While industry-specific knowledge is important, transferable skills often set exceptional candidates apart,” he explains.
Transferable skills that are particularly valuable include:
Critical Thinking
The ability to analyse complex situations and make sound decisions is crucial in senior roles. A study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that 91% of employers value critical thinking skills in their hires.
Communication
Articulating vision, strategy, and technical concepts to diverse audiences is essential for effective leadership. Research from LinkedIn shows that communication is the most in-demand soft skill across industries.
Emotional Intelligence
Understanding and managing emotions, both personal and of team members, contributes to a positive work environment and successful leadership. A study by TalentSmart found that emotional intelligence is responsible for 58% of job performance in senior roles.
Problem-Solving
Creative approaches to industry challenges can lead to innovative solutions and competitive advantages. According to a report by IBM, problem-solving is one of the top skills required for future job success.
Digital Literacy
As the industry embraces digital transformation, familiarity with emerging technologies and data analysis is increasingly important. A survey by the World Economic Forum indicates that digital literacy is a key skill for 85% of future jobs.
Moorhouse adds, “Candidates who can demonstrate these transferable skills alongside their industry expertise are particularly attractive to employers. They bring fresh perspectives and can often bridge gaps between different departments or specialities.”
Conclusion
The lubricants industry is seeking senior professionals who possess deep technical knowledge and demonstrate a wide range of leadership and adaptable skills. As James Moorhouse of ABN Resource points out, combining industry-specific expertise and transferable skills is crucial for success in top-tier positions. Lubricant organisations that prioritise these diverse skill sets in their recruitment strategies are better positioned to innovate, grow, and meet the opportunities of in the lubricants sector.
