We solve critical talent gaps for automotive, aerospace, medical device, chemical, electronics, food, and other manufacturers — so your production lines never stall.
Unfilled roles cost manufacturers far more than recruitment fees. Every day a vacancy sits open, performance dips, pressure rises, and opportunities slip away. We know because we have seen it first-hand in factories across the UK.
That’s why we don’t just fill roles. We protect your operational continuity.
Before we search, we listen. We learn about your business, shift patterns, processes, and team culture. That insight shapes how and where we recruit.
We don’t wait for candidates to apply. Our network, which is built over 20 years of manufacturing recruitment, gives you access to passive talent you won’t easily find online.
Every candidate is assessed for technical competence and cultural fit (Can they do the job? Will they do the job?). You only meet people ready to perform from day one.
Our focus is on people who stay. By aligning skills, expectations, and culture upfront, we reduce turnover and help you build a stable, productive workforce.
We’ve been recruiting in the manufacturing space since 2005
Extensive network of manufacturing professionals available across the UK & Internationally
In 2025, we achieved success with more than 75% of positions.
Every manufacturer faces unique challenges: skills shortages, rapid growth, new product launches, or site transitions. As one of the most trusted manufacturing recruitment agencies in the UK, we offer flexible service models that adapt to you, not the other way around.
For essential positions across engineering, maintenance, supply chain, quality, and leadership. Build long-term capability with talent that fits your culture and technical needs.
Scaling fast? Whether you’re launching a new facility or expanding shifts, we can mobilise quickly to deliver multiple hires without sacrificing quality.
From Plant Managers to Operations Directors and VPs of Engineering, we secure proven manufacturing leaders who deliver results under pressure.
No rigid solutions. We adapt to your hiring challenges.
We’re not a generalist agency or a faceless brand. Sigma Recruitment is an independent UK specialist built on long-term relationships and deep industry expertise.
Rhys Williams, Managing Director. Sigma Recruitment is an independent UK manufacturing specialist built on long-term relationships and deep industry expertise.
When you work with us, you’re partnering with a manufacturing recruitment agency that understands both your production pressures and your people challenges.
We can recruit across the UK, from high-tech hubs to industrial heartlands.
UK regions and cities we can recruit for:
We also partner with select international manufacturing clients supporting their UK-based operations.
Quick answers to common questions about our UK manufacturing recruitment agency. Learn how we fill permanent and contract roles, our average time-to-hire, why we’re different from generalist recruiters, and how we support manufacturers of all sizes nationwide.
AI is shifting the focus from simple manual labour to data literacy. We are seeing a significant surge in demand for “human-in-the-loop” roles in which technicians must manage automated systems. Recruitment now prioritises candidates who can bridge the gap between traditional engineering and digital oversight.
The top skills currently include predictive maintenance, industrial IoT integration, and collaborative robotics (Cobots). Employers are no longer just looking for mechanical proficiency. They need “multi-skilled” engineers who understand how software and hardware interact in modern production lines.
The move toward Net Zero is creating a “green skills gap” in the UK. Manufacturers are competing for specialists in waste reduction, energy-efficient processing, and sustainable supply chain management. We help clients identify transferable skills from traditional sectors to fill these new environmental roles.
Beyond missed targets, a long-term vacancy can cause “overtime fatigue” among your remaining team. This often leads to a drop in Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and increased health and safety risks. Our goal is to reduce your time-to-hire.
SMEs can win top talent by offering “pathway clarity” and agility. While major manufacturers offer high salaries, smaller firms often provide more varied roles and quicker career progression. We help SMEs highlight their unique culture and flexible working patterns to attract high-tier engineers.
Active candidates are currently browsing job boards, whereas passive candidates are high-performers currently in a role.Most of the top 10% of manufacturing talent is passive. We use our 20-year network to headhunt these individuals who are not looking at traditional adverts.
Salaries vary significantly across hubs such as South Wales, the Midlands, and the North of England. We provide real-time benchmarking based on current placements and market intelligence. This ensures your offer is competitive enough to prevent rivals from issuing counteroffers.
When you’re ready to fill critical roles and protect your productivity, let’s talk.
No sales pitch. Just a conversation about your needs and how we can help you keep your lines running smoothly.
