Transitioning to a Career in Manufacturing: Why Now is the Time to Make the Leap
Transitioning to a Career in Manufacturing: Why Now is the Time to Make the Leap
For job seekers considering a career pivot, manufacturing may not be the obvious choice—but it should be. With its evolving technologies, expanding career pathways, and long-term stability, the manufacturing industry is becoming an increasingly smart choice.
“The manufacturing industry as a whole is having a strong resurgence. We’re busy, and we’re continuing to be busy,” says Dr. Maja Durant, VP of Human Resources North America at Greif. “While there’s been a perception of non-glamour associated with jobs in manufacturing, automation and advanced technologies have made these roles more accessible than people might expect. There’s a growing demand for skilled professionals across all of our functions—not just on the plant floor.”
An Industry in Transformation
That growing demand—and the evolving nature of manufacturing—has opened the door to a wide range of talent, especially those looking to transition from other industries. From smarter supply chains to greater integration of digital tools, today’s manufacturing sector is more dynamic than many realize.
Michelle Loo, Chief Diversity Officer at Linde, sees that shift firsthand. “The manufacturing industry is really going through an interesting transformation,” she says. “If we think about the advancements in technology, automation, and overall sustainability, there are more and more roles in the manufacturing space.”
She adds that for those impacted by federal job cuts or considering a shift, manufacturing offers promising possibilities: “It presents really great opportunities to leverage transferable skills, especially in a space like manufacturing where there's such a strong demand for a wide range of positions. Also, it’s a fairly stable industry with a lot of competitive benefits and a lot of opportunity for upward mobility.”
Transferable Skills That Matter
Many professionals transitioning from government or service-based roles may be surprised to find how well their skill sets align with careers in manufacturing. The industry encompasses a wide range of positions—from plant floor operations and supply chain management to human resources, regulatory compliance, environmental health and safety, and emerging technology roles—offering diverse opportunities for those with the right skills.
Regulatory compliance is a standout strength, according to both Durant and Loo. “Manufacturing is a space that is highly regulated,” Loo notes. “Compliance, health and safety are key to ensuring long-term sustainable success.” Durant echoes this, adding that, “Regulatory compliance goes hand in hand with what we're doing.” The focus and attention to process is something that is really valued in manufacturing, Durant says, especially as companies work to stay ahead of changing requirements across different parts of the world.
Project management is another area where experience easily carries over. “A lot of what manufacturing does is managing cross-functional teams,” Loo says. “That could include anything from supply chain management to production planning. Project management skills are very transferable.”
Both Durant and Loo emphasize that strong leadership and interpersonal skills are essential in today’s manufacturing landscape. The ability to lead teams, communicate effectively, and adapt to change is often what sets candidates apart. “If you are a people leader, you are a strong candidate for manufacturing,” says Durant. “Candidates should talk about their ability to manage processes, lead teams, drive efficiencies, and navigate complex situations.”
Loo agrees, adding, “I can’t emphasize enough the importance of soft skills. Anything from leadership, the ability to adapt quickly, to build teamwork and collaboration, and really problem solve. That’s where you see the opportunity to innovate, which is very important in the manufacturing space. The ability to be agile and respond to socioeconomic and environmental changes and the changes in technology.”
This emphasis on agility extends to the growing role of data, digital tools, and cybersecurity in the industry. “I’m not sure any role in any company, in any industry, doesn’t rely heavily on data analysis,” Loo explains. From quality assurance to inventory management, the ability to interpret metrics and optimize processes is fundamental. Loo notes that as manufacturers integrate more advanced technologies, skills related to AI and cybersecurity are becoming increasingly valuable. Knowing how to leverage AI for data analysis and process automation is a major asset—and cybersecurity plays a critical role in protecting both the business and its customers. As manufacturers continue adopting AI and digital systems, candidates with experience in these areas bring a strong advantage and contribute to innovation and efficiency. “We have amazing IT professionals working behind the scenes—supporting both the plant floor and functional roles—to ensure operations continue running smoothly,” adds Durant.
Building Awareness and Access
Both Durant and Loo are committed to making manufacturing career paths more visible and accessible. Durant notes that Greif partners with community colleges, veterans’ organizations, and groups like Women in Manufacturing. The company also offers mentoring, apprenticeships, and co-op programs to expand access. “Anything that we can do to ensure that people see us as accessible, that they see us as a career of choice,” she says.
Loo shares a similar approach at Linde: “We’ve been really focusing on partnering with organizations like Women in Manufacturing and vocational partnerships to help folks who are early in their career think about manufacturing and the industrial space.” She emphasizes that in large organizations like Linde, employees often explore a wide range of opportunities over time. “You may start out in one area, but you really have the opportunity to learn a different skill set, move into another role, and build a full and awesome career within the same organization.”
Upskilling for a Career Pivot
For those looking to boost their qualifications, both Durant and Loo recommend certifications such as Lean Six Sigma (Yellow or Green Belt), OSHA 30, and project management credentials like PMP.
Digital tools also matter. “Anything AI-centered is going to be a win,” Durant says. “There's such a growth there and there are so many amazing things that the proper usage of AI can bring to an organization. If job seekers are looking to upskill their role, I think having AI training or certification will give them a leg up.”
Loo agrees with digital skills certification, zeroing in specifically on data analysis. “It doesn’t matter if you're in HR or on the shop floor—if you’re able to understand how your metrics and the changes you’re making impact the business, that’s always going to be a way to upscale.”
Durant pointed to accessible learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning and local technical schools as useful places to build job-ready skills for digital manufacturing. For those in human resources, she recommends certifications like SHRM or HRCI, which she holds herself and sees as valuable for long-term career development. “It really challenges you from a career learning perspective,” says Durant.
Advice for Making the Leap
Changing industries can feel daunting—especially for those who’ve built deep expertise in another field—but both leaders say not to think of it as starting over.
“I’ve been there,” says Durant. “It can be intimidating if you’ve been a subject matter expert and now you’re changing industries—but it’s really an opportunity to apply your strengths in a new way. Stay open to learning, focus on the value you bring, and seek mentors.”
Loo, who also experienced a big career shift, adds, “You’re not truly starting over. You’re just learning a different industry and applying your skills to that industry.” And, Loo says, your unique experiences and perspectives bring diversity to the team. “You are coming to the table with a valuable skill set but you’re also from a different background. You are going to provide value because you’ll see things differently, which will lead to your ability to provide immediate impact on innovation, immediate impact on problem solving and an overall fresh view on things.”
The Bottom Line
Manufacturing today isn’t what it used to be. It’s smarter. It’s broader. And it’s full of opportunity.
So if you’re weighing an industry switch, don’t count manufacturing out. Whether you’re driven by people, process, or problem-solving, there’s a place for your skills—and a real chance to grow a career that’s meaningful, challenging, and built to last.
As Durant puts it, “Manufacturing is really evolving—rapidly. And we’ve got to have people who can adapt, communicate, and lead through change.”
Your Next Step Starts Here
If you’re ready to explore your next step in manufacturing, don’t miss the Women in Manufacturing Education Foundation Virtual Career Fair on August 14, 2025. This free online event connects job seekers with top manufacturing employers through live video and text chat, offering a convenient way to learn about open roles, share your resume, and engage directly with recruiters. Whether you’re just starting your journey or bringing transferable skills from another field, this fair is a great opportunity to take the leap. Learn more and register here.