We originally developed this content for a webinar focused on early-career success in food safety and manufacturing. While we don’t place entry-level candidates, we’re proud to support workforce development efforts that nurture and grow future leaders.
These insights reflect what we see firsthand in our executive search work: the trends shaping the industry, the skills employers truly value, and the qualities that help professionals rise through the ranks.
Current Hiring Trends in the Food Industry
The food and beverage industry remains remarkably resilient, even during economic slowdowns. Consistent demand and increased regulatory attention continue to drive hiring in areas like:
- Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA)
- Operations & Plant Management
- Manufacturing & Supply Chain
We’re also seeing notable growth in:
- Private label & specialty food products
- Refrigerated & ready-to-eat categories
- Technology investment across facilities (including automation & food safety systems)
For early-career professionals, this means real opportunity—especially with companies expanding production, launching new SKUs, or upgrading systems. The right time to step in and grow your career is often when a company is evolving.
Career Growth Opportunities in FSQA & Operations
Roles in FSQA and adjacent areas offer clear, advancement-focused career paths—and the outlook remains strong. Job growth is steady across manufacturing, supply chain, FSQA, and R&D, creating ongoing opportunities for early-career professionals. At the same time, we’re seeing increased investment in innovation, especially in areas like sustainability, clean-label product development, and digital food safety systems.
FSQA in particular is evolving into a more strategic and visible function. With greater regulatory scrutiny and cross-functional influence, professionals in this space are playing a larger role in driving organizational success.
Many entry-level roles, such as FSQA Technician or Quality Assurance Associate, can lead to leadership opportunities within a few years, particularly for professionals who demonstrate initiative, adaptability, and a collaborative mindset.
What Employers Are Looking For
Across the board, hiring managers are seeking a blend of hard skills and soft skills. Here’s a breakdown of what makes early-career professionals stand out:
Hard Skills & Certifications
- HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points): A preventive system for identifying and controlling food safety risks during production.
- GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices): Standard procedures for keeping food production clean, safe, and consistent.
- Root Cause Analysis: A method for identifying the underlying cause of safety or quality issues.
- Digital Tools: Familiarity with systems and technology used to track food safety, inspections, audits, or production data – such as cloud-based logs, tablet-based checklists, or temperature-monitoring applications.
Even a basic understanding of these principles shows that you’re ready to contribute to a regulated environment.
But it’s not just about what you know—it’s how you show up, solve problems, and work with others.
Soft Skills That Stand Out
- Professional communication
- Accountability, dependability, and follow-through
- Critical thinking and effective problem-solving
- Curiosity and a willingness to learn
We often hear hiring managers say, “We can teach someone the technical process—but we can’t teach them to care about the details or take ownership.”
The most successful early-career professionals bring more than technical know-how. They show up with a strong work ethic, a genuine interest in learning, and the ability to communicate and contribute as part of a team. Those qualities go a long way in standing out and building long-term career momentum.
The Role of AI & Technology
AI and automation are transforming many aspects of food and beverage manufacturing. From the production floor to quality systems and warehouse logistics, here are just a few ways AI is showing up in the industry today:
- Smarter production: From ingredient mixing to line efficiency, AI is optimizing processes in real time.
- AI in quality and safety: Vision systems, digital logs, and automated alerts are streamlining food safety inspection and compliance.
- Predictive maintenance: Equipment performance is monitored continuously, with AI flagging issues before they lead to downtime.
- Warehouse and distribution: AI-driven tools support inventory tracking and route optimization, while automated packaging systems improve speed and consistency.
- Supply chain optimization: Machine learning models forecast demand more accurately and help companies reduce food waste.
Yet even in highly automated environments, skilled professionals are still essential. AI provides the data but people provide the context, judgment, and decision-making. That’s why employers continue to value individuals who are tech-aware, confident navigating new systems, and open to evolving as innovation drives change across the industry.
5 Ways to Build Momentum in Your Career
Whether you’re just starting out or mentoring someone who is, these five simple but impactful strategies can help build momentum and strengthen the kind of habits that lead to long-term success.
- Embrace technology. Familiarize yourself with the tools and platforms used in food production, safety, and quality—and stay open to learning new ones.
- Ask insightful questions. Show curiosity about how processes work and why they matter. Critical thinking starts with thoughtful observation.
- Engage with the industry. Stay active on LinkedIn, connect with others in the field, and get involved with professional associations, conferences, or webinars.
- Be consistent. Reliability, ownership, and follow-through matter—these are the traits that earn respect and make you someone others can count on.
- See the bigger picture. Learn how your role supports food safety, product quality, and operational success. Always look for ways to add value.
Final Thoughts
Early-career professionals bring energy, adaptability, and a fresh perspective to the food industry, but they need strong guidance, particularly in technical and regulated fields like FSQA.
Whether you’re an aspiring professional or someone helping guide them, we hope this advice offers clarity and encouragement for the journey ahead.
At Curtis Food Recruiters, we’re proud to support initiatives that strengthen the talent pipeline across the food industry, from entry-level to executive. If your team is growing or you’re looking to strengthen leadership within your organization, we’d love to be part of the conversation.