Castle Alliance, Inc.

Mixed Outlook for US Hiring in 2025: Opportunities Amid Challenges The US hiring landscape in 2025 presents a complex picture for recruitment firms. A slowdown in corporate hiring has driven financial strain for some, with industry giants like CareerBuilder and Monster, merged in 2024, filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to reduced employer demand and competition from platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed (Source: https://lnkd.in/gmx9VVpj). Similarly, USA Staffing Services cited economic pressures and declining demand for staffing services as reasons for its bankruptcy filing, reflecting broader market contraction following the pandemic hiring boom (Source: https://lnkd.in/gB3tnsNK). Yet, executive search, professional recruiting, and IT staffing sectors remain robust. Firms like Robert Half, leverage AI-driven solutions to place talent in finance, technology, and marketing roles, meeting persistent demand (Source: https://lnkd.in/gwgi5zUv). Executive search leaders such as Korn Ferry and Spencer Stuart thrive by addressing leadership transitions and succession planning, while IT recruiters capitalize on needs in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and AI. These sectors demonstrate resilience, with 68 percent of companies prioritizing culturally aligned leadership to navigate economic shifts (Source: https://lnkd.in/g4EQjXnV). At Castle Alliance, Inc., we maintain steady performance in this dynamic market. Specializing in retained and contingent searches for mid- to senior-level roles in manufacturing and technology, our practice remains at full capacity with sustained demand for technical, operational, and commercial talent. Leveraging AI, deep networks, and our consultative approach, we deliver leaders who drive innovation, transformation, and growth. Looking to secure top talent or explore new opportunities in 2025? Contact us at info@castle-alliance.com to discuss how we can support your goals. Follow Castle Alliance for more insights on navigating the evolving hiring landscape. #ExecutiveSearch #HiringTrends #LeadershipHiring #TechTalent #ManufacturingLeadership #Recruitment2025 #ProfessionalRecruiting

Featured Executive Talent: Supply Chain and Manufacturing Leader In the dynamic landscape of high-tech and capital-intensive industries, securing leaders who can scale global supply chains and drive innovation is essential. Castle Alliance is partnered with an accomplished Supply Chain and Manufacturing Leader with over 18 years of experience in transforming operations for semiconductor technologies, advanced materials, interconnect solutions, and electronics. This executive has a proven track record of delivering $900M in revenue growth, optimizing ERP-based planning, and leading cross-functional teams in R&D, engineering, and operations to execute complex, high-stakes projects. Key accomplishments include: 1. Achieved 11% annual growth in a $900M business unit by integrating contract manufacturing, reducing lead times by 33%, and cutting inventory write-offs by $10M. 2. Drove $12M in annual cost savings and 3% growth in a specialized chemistry business by scaling manufacturing and redeploying resources to address process constraints. 3. Optimized strategic planning for a lithography business, reducing $10M in CapEx while securing $15M for a global expansion project. 4. Led a rapid response to a top-tier semiconductor client, achieving $60M in revenue growth (17% of the business) by diagnosing yield issues and coordinating global supplier quality improvements. 5. Implemented ERP-based master planning and KPI dashboards, enhancing execution and resolving corporate-business team conflicts. With an MBA from The Ohio State University (Magna cum Laude) and a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Tennessee (Summa cum Laude), this leader combines strategic vision with operational expertise. Certified in APICS CPIM, they excel in contract manufacturing, CapEx initiatives, and new product supply chain launches. Flexible for relocation across the US, they are ready to drive growth in manufacturing, semiconductor, interconnect, or electronics sectors. Does your organization need a leader to transform your supply chain? Contact us at info@castle-alliance.com to connect with this exceptional talent. Follow Castle Alliance for more featured executives and industry insights. #ExecutiveSearch #SupplyChainLeadership #ManufacturingExcellence #SemiconductorTalent #ElectronicsLeadership #InterconnectSolutions #LeadershipHiring

Exciting Retained Search Opportunity: VP/GM for High-Growth Architectural Products Business The US building products industry is poised for robust expansion, with spending projected to rise from $450 billion in 2024 to $556 billion by 2029, representing a 23% growth driven by residential and non-residential construction trends. Private equity is increasingly active in this sector, focusing on add-ons and platform investments to capitalize on market resilience amid economic shifts. At Castle Alliance, we are conducting a retained search for a Vice President/General Manager to lead a small, PE-backed, high-growth custom architectural products business. This pivotal role involves scaling operations, developing processes, structures, and talent while preserving the organization's unique culture and vibe. It is an ideal fit for a first-time Business Unit Manager seeking advancement or a Commercial Leader ready to assume P&L responsibility. The position offers strong potential for progression to Group President, overseeing multiple business units. Backed by a reputable PE owner known for granting significant autonomy, the role includes exit equity eligibility and targets candidates local to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Ideal qualifications include: Proven experience in scaling manufacturing or product-based businesses, preferably in architectural or related industries. Strong leadership in process optimization, team development, and cultural alignment. Strategic vision to drive growth in a PE environment, with P&L management expertise. With over 1,000 successful placements, Castle Alliance excels in securing leaders who foster innovation and long-term success in manufacturing and technology sectors. Interested candidates? Contact us confidentially at retainedsearchpractice@castle-alliance.com. Follow Castle Alliance for more executive opportunities. #ExecutiveSearch #ManufacturingLeadership #PrivateEquity #ArchitecturalProducts #LeadershipHiring #SupplyChain #OperationsManagement

Is This You? Navigating Late-Career Transitions in Product and Technology Sectors Making a career change later in life can be daunting, especially if you have not interviewed in 20 years and envisioned retiring in your current role. If this resonates, you are not alone. According to recent data, while younger workers change jobs frequently, mobility drops significantly with age—falling to around 7 percent annually by age 45 (Source: https://lnkd.in/eyZPtg3Q). In technology and manufacturing, where rapid innovation and automation demand adaptability, older workers often face additional pressures, with many feeling threatened by skill mismatches caused by technological advancements (Source: https://lnkd.in/ghtsE_sb). Encouragingly, 82 percent of those who pursue a career transition after age 45 report success in their new roles (Source: https://lnkd.in/g7ZPCFyn). At Castle Alliance, we go beyond talent search to partner with experienced candidates like you in product manufacturing and technology verticals. Our consultative approach includes comprehensive coaching and counseling tailored to senior contributors, managers, and executives. We provide: Resume optimization to showcase your decades of expertise in areas like engineering, product development, AI, or supply chain. Interview coaching to rebuild confidence and address modern hiring practices in tech and manufacturing. Career planning to align your skills with emerging opportunities in SaaS, e-commerce, or industrial sectors. New position onboarding support to ensure a smooth transition and long-term success. With over 1,000 placements and a focus on building lasting relationships, we empower you to turn uncertainty into opportunity. Whether you are exploring roles in automotive, medical devices, or corporate strategy, our boutique expertise, rooted in partnership, integrity, results, and excellence, helps you navigate the path ahead. Ready to discuss your next move? Contact us at info@castle-alliance.com or connect here. Follow Castle Alliance for more thought leadership on career resilience and hiring trends. #ExecutiveSearch #CareerTransition #TechTalent #ManufacturingLeadership #LeadershipHiring #MidCareerChange #ProfessionalDevelopment What has been your biggest hurdle in considering a late-career shift? Share in the comments below!

Retained Search: Vice President of Supply Chain At Castle Alliance, we are leading a retained search for a Vice President of Supply Chain on behalf of a large capital equipment manufacturer. This executive role offers the chance to oversee global supply chain operations, drive efficiency, and optimize sourcing strategies in a dynamic manufacturing environment focused on engineered products and industrial equipment. The ideal candidate will possess: -Extensive leadership experience in supply chain management within capital equipment or heavy manufacturing sectors. -Proven expertise in strategic planning, supplier relations, logistics, and risk mitigation to support scalable growth. -Strong ability to lead cross-functional teams and align supply chain initiatives with broader business objectives in competitive markets. With over 1,000 successful placements, we partner with clients to secure leaders who enhance operational excellence and innovation. Interested candidates or referrals? Contact us confidentially at retainedsearchpractice@castle-alliance.com. Follow Castle Alliance for more executive opportunities in manufacturing and technology. #ExecutiveSearch #SupplyChainLeadership #ManufacturingExcellence #CapitalEquipment #OperationsManagement #LeadershipHiring #TechTalent What key challenges do you see in supply chain management today? Share in the comments below!

Castle Alliance, Inc.: Your Trusted Partner in Executive Talent Acquisition At Castle Alliance, Inc., we are more than just a search firm—we are strategic partners dedicated to empowering product manufacturing and technology companies with exceptional leadership. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Chicago, we have successfully completed over 1,000 permanent placements at senior contributor, management, and executive levels across global product and technology verticals. We deliver fast, responsive, and personalized service with a single point of contact for every client and candidate, minimizing bureaucracy and fostering lasting relationships. Embracing a customer-first 80/20 business model, we invest deeply in understanding your market, competition, goals, and pain points. This enables us to build robust teams that drive innovation, strengthen company culture, achieve competitive advantages, and optimize financial results. We specialize in contingent and retained searches across key industries like engineered products, industrial, automotive, medical, CPG, AI, SaaS, and e-commerce—for private, public, and PE-held entities. Our practice areas include: Commercial: Sales, Marketing, Business Development Operations: Supply Chain, HR, Logistics Technical: Engineering, Product Development, Quality E-Commerce: Digital Marketing, Analytics, UX Strategy: M&A, Corporate Strategy Financial: Accounting, Compliance, Treasury Guided by our core values, Partnership, Integrity, Results, and Excellence, we provide consultative support, market intelligence, and proactive talent pipelines to fuel your growth, transformation, and long-term success. 80% of our searches stem from repeat business or word-of-mouth. As Managing Partner Amit Patel shares: "We offer partnership that helps clients maximize performance and stay ahead of industry trends." Ready to elevate your team? Connect with us today to discuss how we can align exceptional leaders with your vision. Follow Castle Alliance for insights on hiring trends, case studies, and more! #ExecutiveSearch #TalentAcquisition #LeadershipHiring #ProductInnovation #TechTalent #ManufacturingExcellence #AICareers #Leadership What challenges are you facing in executive hiring? Share in the comments below!

Navigating the Future of AI in the Workplace: Balancing Productivity and Human Connections As AI evolves from a tool to a teammate in product manufacturing and technology sectors, understanding its impact on workplace dynamics is crucial for leaders aiming to build resilient teams. A recent Upwork survey of 2,500 global workers reveals compelling insights: 77 percent of executives report productivity gains from AI adoption, with employees experiencing a 40 percent increase in output. However, this comes at a cost—top AI performers are 88 percent more likely to face burnout, disengagement, and turnover, often trusting AI more than colleagues (67 percent) and preferring AI relationships (64 percent). The survey highlights a shift where 90 percent of workers view AI as a coworker, leading to anthropomorphic interactions: 85 percent of high performers are more polite to AI than humans, and 87 percent phrase requests conversationally. Freelancers fare better, with 88 percent noting positive career impacts through specialization and upskilling, compared to full-time employees who feel less control. Looking ahead, projections indicate that in five years, 47 percent of work output will stem from human-AI partnerships, underscoring the need for flexible ecosystems blending employees, freelancers, and AI agents. Maintaining human relationships is paramount to mitigate isolation and foster psychological safety. Leaders must redesign workflows to prioritize autonomy, trust, and genuine connections, ensuring AI augments rather than erodes team cohesion. At Castle Alliance, we specialize in placing executives who navigate these challenges—leaders in AI, SaaS, and manufacturing who build innovative, human-centered teams. How is AI reshaping relationships in your organization? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and follow us for more insights on talent strategies in emerging tech landscapes. (Source: Upwork Research - Navigating Human-AI Relationships) #ExecutiveSearch #AITrends #WorkplaceInnovation #LeadershipHiring #TechTalent #HumanAICollaboration #ManufacturingLeadership

Retained Search: Senior Controls and Engineering Manager At Castle Alliance, we are conducting a retained search for a Senior Controls and Engineering Manager on behalf of a mid-market B2B engineered products manufacturer. This is a clean-sheet opportunity to shape the future: Develop a comprehensive vision, strategy, and roadmap for automation, robotics, and controls across multiple plants. The ideal candidate will bring proven expertise in engineering leadership, with a track record in implementing innovative systems that enhance efficiency, precision, and scalability in product manufacturing environments. Key qualifications include: Extensive experience in controls engineering, robotics integration, and automation technologies. Strong strategic planning skills to align technical roadmaps with business goals. Leadership in cross-functional teams within industrial, automotive, or engineered products sectors. With over 1,000 successful placements, Castle Alliance partners closely with clients to secure talent that drives innovation and competitive edge. Interested candidates or referrals? Contact us confidentially at retainedsearchpractice@castle-alliance.com. Follow us for more executive opportunities in technology and manufacturing. #ExecutiveSearch #AutomationEngineering #Robotics #ManufacturingLeadership #ControlsEngineering #TechTalent #LeadershipHiring What trends in manufacturing automation are you most excited about? Share in the comments below!

Does this describe you? Remote work, travel, hunting, technical sales, HVAC product knowledge, channel management, data-driven, self-starter. If yes, see below.

Castle Alliance, Inc. is partnered with an engineered products company to search for a Sales Manager with HVAC industry (systems or components) sales experience. Fully remote role, preferably based in the Midwest, South, or East Coast. The ideal candidate would have worked for a manufacturer, but can also consider someone from a distribution or end-user background. This role is responsible for managing national sales, including overseeing manufacturers' reps, supporting end-users, and utilizing data to create sales strategy.