The FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) industry is dynamic, diverse, and offers a wealth of career opportunities. FMCG products cover household items bought in the supermarket and pharmacy on a daily basis. They also include plastic goods, stationery, consumer electronics, restaurant and pub foods, beverages, newspapers, magazines, and books.
Most people will have heard of some of the best-known brand names in FMCG, like Unilever, P&G, PepsiCo, and Nestle, but the industry also comprises thousands of other much smaller brands, that produce everything from snack bars and tea bags to pens, toothpaste, and shampoo.
Given the huge range of goods covered by the FMCG market, you’ll also find pretty much any role or career path you can think of within the sector. What’s more, these roles often come with a wide range of short- and long-term career benefits, which we’ve delved into below.
Job stability
FMCG is one of the most stable industries to work in. When the economy faces a challenging time, the FMCG industry typically doesn’t suffer mass cutbacks or redundancies. When prioritising finances, people will avoid spending money on luxuries such as cars and holidays, but food, drinks, and hygiene products are necessities that people can’t, and won’t, do without.
The pandemic highlighted how secure the sector is, as FMCG was one of the few industries able to grow during this period of unprecedented uncertainty.
Opportunities and career progression
Working in the FMCG industry isn’t always dependent on specific academic qualifications. If you’re successful at your job, you can quickly advance your career. What you can do practically can be more advantageous than having the right qualifications. Skills and experience are often more valuable to employers within the sector.
In the FMCG sector, you are able to gain experience rapidly because, as the name suggests, it’s a fast-moving field to work in. Regardless of the role or sub-sector you start in, you’ll quickly learn the essential business skills of FMCG, and once you’ve gained enough experience, moving into a different sector will be an easy transition. You certainly won’t have to worry about getting bored because there is a wide range of roles and categories you can move into!
If you can think fast, work hard, and are good at your job, you can have a very successful career in FMCG.
Innovation
FMCG is a fast-paced industry that thrives on innovation. With such a vast selection of products produced in the sector, FMCG companies must keep up with demand for existing products whilst consistently developing new product ideas. In addition, FMCG companies strive to build successful sales and marketing strategies to attract and satisfy consumers. Therefore, creating new products and packaging is crucial for keeping up with their competitors.
A great example of a current innovative trend the FMCG industry is embracing is sustainability. Consumers are becoming conscious of the climate and environment. Therefore, FMCG companies must address what they use in their products, as cruelty-free and vegan ingredients are increasingly popular in both food and non-food items, such as cleaning products and cosmetics. Companies are changing their packaging too, with recyclable and reusable packaging steadily becoming more available to meet consumer demand.
So, if you want to work in a creative industry that’s frequently producing new ideas and ways of thinking and working, the FMCG industry could be perfect for you.
Big-name brands
The FMCG industry is home to some of the world’s most famous brands. Working for a global brand can be exciting and rewarding, especially knowing your work impacts many people.
What’s more, working for big-household name brands can make your CV stand out too. Being employed by a well-renowned company can lead to more favourable responses when you’re looking for a new role. It shows potential employees that you can handle the responsibilities of working there.
Of course, the big-name brands aren’t the only companies in the industry. There are many other exciting businesses you can work for. For example, do you have a particular product you genuinely believe in? Working for a brand you’re passionate about can be rewarding, giving you a strong incentive to work hard and succeed in your role.
Working in the FMCG industry is a great career choice if you want a stable role that provides variety and abundant opportunities to progress.
If you’re looking for a role in the FMCG sector, check out our latest vacancies. Alternatively, you can call us on 01422 413 813 or email us at info@cogentstaffing.co.uk, and a member of our team will be happy to help you.
