Elevating Supply Chain Agility with Strategic Talent

The Imperative of Agile Supply Chains

In today's fast-paced business landscape, the demand for agile and responsive supply chains has never been greater. Customers expect faster deliveries, real-time updates, and seamless experiences. To meet these expectations, supply chain professionals need to possess the right skills and expertise. At Manning + Company, we're here to assist you in strengthening your supply chain's agility by providing the strategic talent you require.

Unlocking Supply Chain Excellence

The journey toward a more agile supply chain begins with the right talent. Let's explore some critical roles where Manning + Company can offer talent advisory to bolster your supply chain:

Demand Planners

Demand planners play a crucial role in forecasting trends and purchase variability. They have the expertise to analyze historical data, market conditions, and consumer behavior to develop accurate demand forecasts. This is essential for optimizing inventory levels, reducing excess stock, and ensuring that your supply chain is responsive to changes in demand.

Procurement Leaders

Procurement leaders are responsible for establishing supplier flexibility and redundancy. They possess the skills to identify and develop supplier relationships that can adapt to changing market conditions, ensuring a reliable and robust supply chain. Their expertise is vital for mitigating supply chain disruptions and risks.

Logistics Analysts

Logistics analysts specialize in designing efficient and responsive distribution networks. They can optimize the flow of goods, reduce transportation costs, and enhance delivery speed. With their input, your supply chain can become more nimble and capable of meeting customer expectations for swift and efficient deliveries.

Regulatory Specialists

Navigating changing trade policies, tariffs, and regulatory requirements is a critical aspect of supply chain management. Regulatory specialists are experts in managing compliance, ensuring smooth international trade, and minimizing disruptions caused by regulatory changes.

Empower Your Supply Chain for the Future

The strength and resilience of your supply chain depend on having the right talent in critical roles. Let's connect and explore how Manning + Company can assist you in finding the talent you need to power your supply chain of the future. Whether you require demand planners, procurement leaders, logistics analysts, or regulatory specialists, we have the networks and expertise to help you build the ideal team.

Contact us today to discover how our deep connections in the supply chain community can empower your supply chain projects and help you navigate the challenges and opportunities in the ever-evolving world of supply chain management. Your success is our top priority, and we're here to help you enhance your supply chain's agility and responsiveness.

Emerging Victorious in the Battle for Blockchain Talent

The Blockchain Talent Battlefield

Blockchain technology has ignited a global revolution, creating an unprecedented demand for blockchain talent across various industries. With experts in short supply, professionals have the luxury of choosing from a plethora of roles. In this competitive landscape, Manning + Company is your strategic ally, providing the means to secure the blockchain talent your organization needs.

Our Arsenal for Winning the War for Blockchain Talent

To thrive in the race for top blockchain talent, you need more than just a recruitment agency; you need a partner who understands the dynamics of this rapidly evolving field. Manning + Company offers a comprehensive set of solutions to ensure your victory in the war for blockchain talent:

Targeted Networking with Specialist Blockchain Communities

Our extensive network spans the breadth of the blockchain landscape, including connections with specialized blockchain communities. By tapping into these networks, we can reach out to professionals with the precise skills and experience required for your projects, giving you access to the cream of the crop in blockchain talent.

Consultative Career Conversations

To attract and retain the best blockchain talent, it's not just about job offers; it's about selling them on the opportunities your organization provides. Our approach includes consultative career conversations that highlight the unique aspects of your projects and the exciting challenges they offer, ensuring that candidates are enthusiastic about joining your team.

Compelling Compensation Structuring

In the highly competitive blockchain talent market, offering an attractive compensation package is paramount. We can assist you in crafting compensation structures that not only entice top professionals but also align with industry standards, ensuring that your organization stands out among the competition.

Responsive, White-Glove Communication

Effective communication is a critical factor in securing top talent. Our white-glove communication approach ensures that your interactions with potential candidates are not only seamless and professional but also responsive, leaving a positive and lasting impression of your organization.

Strategizing Your Blockchain Recruiting Victory

Securing the right blockchain talent is essential for the success of your blockchain initiatives. Let's connect and craft a blockchain recruiting strategy tailored to your unique needs. Whether you require targeted networking, compelling compensation packages, or consultative career conversations, we have the expertise and networks to ensure your victory in the war for blockchain talent.

Contact us today to explore how our deep connections in the blockchain community can empower your organization and help you secure the blockchain talent you need to lead your projects to success. Your triumph is our utmost priority, and we're here to guide you through the fiercely competitive world of blockchain talent acquisition.

Fueling the FinTech Revolution with Blockchain Expertise

The Blockchain Revolution in FinTech

Blockchain technology has revolutionized the financial services sector, driving innovation and reshaping the future of FinTech. To harness the full potential of blockchain in this dynamic landscape, connecting with Manning + Company is the key to accessing specialized skills that can drive your financial technology initiatives forward.

Unlocking the Power of Blockchain in FinTech

In the realm of FinTech, the need for specialized blockchain talent is paramount. To thrive in the evolving financial services sector, you require a team that can deliver cutting-edge solutions. Here are some of the specialized skills we can help you access:

DeFi Developers

DeFi (Decentralized Finance) is at the forefront of blockchain innovation in the financial sector. DeFi developers possess the skills to design and build decentralized financial applications that offer users a range of financial services, from lending and borrowing to trading and yield farming. These experts are essential for keeping your FinTech solutions on the cutting edge.

Payments Innovators

The world of payments is evolving rapidly, and blockchain is at the heart of this transformation. Payments innovators specialize in leveraging blockchain technology to enable frictionless and secure global transactions. Their expertise is vital for building efficient and cost-effective payment systems.

Identity Experts

Identity is a critical aspect of FinTech, and blockchain technology is driving the development of self-sovereign identity systems. Identity experts are skilled in architecting and implementing identity solutions that put users in control of their personal data, ensuring privacy and security in the digital realm.

Crypto Financial Analysts

The cryptocurrency market is a major component of blockchain-driven FinTech. Crypto financial analysts have the expertise to track, analyze, and trade digital assets effectively. Their insights are invaluable for managing cryptocurrency portfolios and making informed investment decisions.

Empower Your FinTech Blockchain Initiatives

To stay competitive and innovative in the world of FinTech, having access to specialized blockchain talent is essential. Let's explore how Manning + Company can assist you in meeting your FinTech blockchain talent needs. Whether you require DeFi developers, payments innovators, identity experts, or crypto financial analysts, we have the networks and expertise to help you build the perfect team.

Contact us today to discover how our deep connections within the blockchain and FinTech communities can empower your financial technology projects. Your success is our top priority, and we're here to help you navigate the dynamic and promising world of blockchain in FinTech.

Empowering AI-Enabled Enterprises with the Right Talent

The AI Revolution in Business

The business landscape is witnessing a race to incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into various functions and processes. While AI pilots are crucial for experimentation, transitioning to production-grade AI solutions is a complex challenge. Manning + Company is here to assist in building the right talent for your enterprise's AI journey.

Building the AI-Enabled Enterprise

To truly harness the power of AI, you need a well-rounded team of professionals who can deliver reliable, scalable, and compliant AI solutions. Manning + Company can connect you with the talent you need to build an AI-enabled enterprise. Here are key areas where our expertise can make a difference:

MLOps Engineers

MLOps engineers are essential for transitioning AI models from experimental stages to reliable and scalable applications. They play a pivotal role in ensuring that AI models are efficiently integrated into production environments and continue to perform optimally.

Platform Architects

Creating a strong foundation for data management, model management, and monitoring is critical for the successful implementation of AI solutions. Platform architects specialize in constructing these foundational stacks, ensuring that your AI initiatives have a stable and secure infrastructure.

Risk Managers

AI adoption comes with regulatory requirements and the need for governance, explainability, and transparent reporting. Risk managers are responsible for ensuring that your AI solutions comply with these requirements and manage any associated risks effectively.

Change Leads

Introducing AI into an organization can be a significant change for impacted teams. Change leads are skilled professionals who can support teams in adapting to AI adoption and augmentation, facilitating a smoother transition.

Empower Your Enterprise with AI

Building an AI-enabled enterprise is a multifaceted endeavor, and the right talent is the key to success. Let's connect and discuss how our AI talent solutions can help you meet the specific needs of your enterprise. Whether you require MLOps engineers, platform architects, risk managers, or change leads, we have the networks and expertise to assist you.

Contact us today to explore how our expertise and connections in the AI community can empower your enterprise's AI journey. Your success is our top priority, and we're here to help you navigate the complexities and opportunities that come with AI adoption in the enterprise.

Conquering the Battle for Machine Learning Talent

The Scarcity of Machine Learning Experts

Machine learning (ML) has become a driving force behind innovation and disruption in various industries. However, the scarcity of machine learning expertise has made it a fiercely competitive field, with top professionals having their pick of roles.

Manning + Company's Dedicated AI Recruiting Practice

At Manning + Company, we understand the challenges of winning the war for ML talent, and we're here to help you secure the talent you need. Our dedicated AI recruiting practice is designed to give you the edge in this competitive landscape. Here's how we can assist:

Targeted Networking with Specialist ML Communities

We have established connections with specialist ML communities to help you access top talent. Our network spans across the machine learning field, allowing us to reach out to professionals with the right skills and experience to meet your needs.

Consultative Career Conversations

To win the battle for ML talent, it's not just about finding the right candidates; it's also about selling them on the opportunity your organization provides. Our approach includes consultative career conversations that highlight the unique aspects of your organization and the exciting challenges your projects offer.

Compelling Compensation Structuring

Offering competitive compensation is essential to attract and retain ML professionals. We can assist you in crafting compensation packages that are not only attractive but also align with industry standards, ensuring that you stand out in the competitive landscape.

Responsive, White-Glove Communication

Effective communication is key to securing top talent. Our white-glove communication ensures that your interactions with potential candidates are seamless, responsive, and professional, leaving a positive impression of your organization.

Crafting Your AI Recruiting Strategy

Securing the right ML talent is essential to drive your AI and machine learning initiatives forward. Let's connect and discuss how our AI recruiting strategy can be tailored to meet your unique needs. Whether you require targeted networking, compelling compensation packages, or consultative career conversations, we have the expertise and networks to assist you.

Contact us today to explore how our dedicated AI recruiting practice can help you win the war for ML talent and drive your organization's AI and machine learning projects to new heights. Your success is our top priority, and we're here to help you navigate the competitive landscape of machine learning talent acquisition.

Fostering the AI Revolution with Specialized Talent

Unlocking AI's Transformative Power

The revolution powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries and driving innovation. To harness AI's transformative potential, it's crucial to have access to specialized skills that can bring AI concepts to life. At Manning + Company, we connect you with talent from niche communities of practice, providing expertise in various essential areas of AI:

Computer Vision Engineers: In the realm of AI, computer vision engineers are indispensable for perceptual use cases, such as image recognition. They have the skills and knowledge to develop cutting-edge algorithms and systems that can interpret and understand visual data, opening up a world of possibilities for industries like healthcare, autonomous vehicles, and retail.

NLP Architects: Natural Language Processing (NLP) architects play a crucial role in unlocking the power of AI for natural language generation and understanding. Their expertise is invaluable in creating chatbots, language translation services, and voice assistants that enhance human-computer interaction.

Robotics Experts: The future of intelligent automation lies in the hands of robotics experts. These professionals have the know-how to design and build robots and automated systems that can revolutionize industries, from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare and customer service.

Recommendation Engineers: Personalization is at the heart of many AI-driven experiences. Recommendation engineers are specialists in building powerful algorithms that provide personalized content, product recommendations, and more. They improve user engagement and increase conversion rates for businesses across various sectors.

Causality Researchers: Explainable predictive modeling is crucial for industries like healthcare, finance, and climate science. Causality researchers focus on advancing AI models that not only predict outcomes but also provide insights into why those outcomes occur. This level of transparency is essential for decision-making and problem-solving.

Accelerate Your AI Initiatives

The AI revolution is gaining momentum, and the right talent can be a game-changer for your organization. Let's connect and discuss how our AI talent solutions can help you accelerate your AI initiatives. Whether you require computer vision engineers, NLP architects, robotics experts, recommendation engineers, or causality researchers, we have the networks and expertise to connect you with the specialists you need.

Contact us today to explore how our deep connections in the AI community can help you access the specialized talent that will drive your organization's AI revolution. Your success is our top priority, and we're here to help you navigate the exciting possibilities and challenges in the world of AI.

Enhancing Sustainability in Supply Chains Through Strategic Talent

The Importance of Sustainable Supply Chains

In today's retail landscape, sustainability is no longer an optional add-on—it's a central component of brand value. Consumers and stakeholders expect retailers to take a proactive stance in reducing their social and environmental impacts through sustainable supply chain practices. However, the transformation of supply chains to meet these demands is a complex and challenging task.

Manning & Company's Role

Manning & Company is here to help retailers navigate this transformative journey and bring in the critical expertise required to build sustainable supply chains. We understand the significance of sustainability in today's retail world and offer support in various key areas:

Supplier Audits

To enhance sustainability, it's crucial to assess risks and evaluate the social and environmental impacts of your supply chain. Our team can assist you in conducting supplier audits, identifying areas for improvement, and developing corrective action plans that help mitigate risks and drive positive change.

Circular Design

Circular design principles focus on optimizing the use of recycled materials and recyclability. We can connect you with talent who excel in implementing circular design strategies that reduce waste and enhance the sustainability of your products and processes.

Packaging Innovation

Reducing the environmental impact of packaging is a top priority. Our experts can help you in developing eco-friendly alternatives to traditional packaging materials like plastics and shrink wrap. These innovations not only reduce waste but also resonate positively with environmentally conscious consumers.

Renewable Energy

Transitioning to clean energy sources is a significant step toward sustainability. Our team can assist you in procuring renewable energy solutions, such as wind, solar, and other clean sources, to power your operations, reduce carbon emissions, and meet sustainability goals.

Logistics Optimization

Efficient logistics play a vital role in cutting carbon emissions and reducing the environmental footprint of supply chains. We can connect you with talent experienced in logistics optimization, including route planning and load consolidation, to improve efficiency and sustainability in your transportation processes.

Meeting Your Sustainability Goals

Sustainability is not just a buzzword; it's a business imperative in today's retail environment. Meeting your sustainability goals and satisfying stakeholder expectations requires the right talent and expertise. Let's connect and discuss how our solutions can help you build a sustainable supply chain that aligns with your values and the expectations of your consumers and stakeholders.

Contact us today to explore how our expertise can assist you in achieving your sustainability objectives and enhancing the social and environmental impact of your supply chain. Your success is our top priority, and we're here to help you navigate the challenges and opportunities in the world of sustainable retail.

Mastering the Art of Holiday Hiring

The Importance of Holiday Hiring

The holiday season is a critical time for retailers. It can make or break the year, with the ability to capture outsized sales. With the temporary staffing needs skyrocketing during this period, building the best teams is essential to meet customer demands and maximize revenue.

Manning & Company's Expertise

At Manning & Company, we understand the significance of strategic holiday hiring in the retail industry. We offer valuable insights and solutions to help you excel in this peak season. Here are some key areas where our expertise can make a significant difference:

Recruiting Leaders

Scaling your hiring capacity is essential during the holiday season. Our team can help you augment your HR teams and bring in the leadership needed to efficiently manage the influx of temporary staff. This ensures that you have the right people in leadership roles to guide your seasonal workforce.

Workforce Planning

Efficiently forecasting hiring volumes by function and channel is a crucial part of holiday hiring. We can assist you in strategic workforce planning to ensure you have the right number of staff where you need them most, be it in your stores or handling online orders.

Candidate Sourcing

Finding the right candidates quickly is key to meeting your seasonal staffing needs. We tap into various channels, including alumni networks and social recruitment, to help you connect with a pool of qualified individuals who are ready to contribute during the holiday rush.

Assessment

Determining the fit of candidates for retail roles, from store associates to fulfillment staff, is crucial for your success. We can help you assess candidates to ensure they have the skills and attitude required to excel in their temporary positions.

Onboarding

Getting seasonal staff up to speed and productive quickly is vital during the holiday season. Our team can assist you in designing focused training programs to ensure that your temporary employees are prepared to handle the challenges of the season effectively.

Leapfrog the Competition this Holiday Season

Don't leave your holiday hiring to chance. The right team can make all the difference in capturing the holiday sales your business needs to thrive. Let's connect and discuss how our holiday hiring solutions can help you leapfrog your competitors during this peak season.

Contact us today to explore how our expertise can streamline your holiday hiring process and provide you with the talent you need to excel during this critical time of year. Your success is our top priority, and we're here to help you navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with holiday retail.

Transforming Quick Service Restaurants with Strategic Talent

Embracing Change in the World of QSR

Quick service restaurants (QSRs) are experiencing a seismic shift in their industry. Evolving consumer preferences, emerging formats like ghost kitchens, and the integration of technology are reshaping the QSR landscape, requiring fresh capabilities to meet new demands.

As a leading talent advisor, Manning + Company is committed to assisting QSR brands in acquiring the strategic skills needed to not only navigate these changes but to thrive in this evolving environment.

Our Role in Your Success

At Manning + Company, we don't just help you find talent; we help you find the right talent with the strategic capabilities that can elevate your QSR brand. Here are some areas where we excel in recruiting leaders who can make a real impact:

Customer Analytics

The QSR industry is data-driven, and understanding customer behavior is essential. We connect you with data experts who can glean valuable insights into changing tastes and behaviors, enabling you to tailor your offerings and strategies to meet evolving consumer needs.

Digital Product Development

The modern QSR experience relies heavily on digital solutions. We can help you find leaders who are experts in building intuitive mobile apps and self-service technologies like kiosks, making it easier for your customers to engage with your brand.

Experience Design

Seamless and personalized guest experiences are key to success in the QSR industry. We connect you with leaders who can envision and implement experiences that make customers feel valued and understood.

Off-Premise Excellence

With the growth of delivery, takeout, and drive-thru services, optimizing your off-premise operations is crucial. Our experts can help you make necessary changes to your operating model to ensure efficiency and customer satisfaction in these areas.

Loyalty and CRM

Integrated loyalty programs that span both digital and physical spaces are becoming increasingly important. We can assist you in finding architects of loyalty and customer relationship management (CRM) strategies that keep your customers engaged and loyal.

Supply Chain Agility

Having a flexible supply chain is vital in today's fast-paced QSR industry. We can connect you with leaders who can secure critical contingent sourcing arrangements, ensuring you can adapt to changes in the market quickly.

Lead the Way in the Evolving QSR Landscape

The QSR industry is changing rapidly, and to stay ahead, you need the right talent. Let's connect and discuss your talent needs. Our team is ready to help your brand lead the way in this evolving QSR landscape.

Contact us today to explore how strategic talent and capabilities can elevate your QSR brand, enabling you to meet the challenges and opportunities in the world of modern quick service restaurants. Your success is our top priority, and we're here to help you achieve it.

Recruiting Top Talent for Retail and Grocery Leadership

The Changing Face of Grocery and Retail

Today's grocery and convenience retail landscape is undergoing a transformation, and specialized talent is at the heart of this change. At Manning + Company, we're equipped to swiftly source high-caliber leaders across various functions, ensuring your business remains competitive in this dynamic industry.

Our Retail Expertise

Our team of retail experts and extensive networks enable us to identify and secure top talent for your organization. We understand that the modern grocery and retail sector demands specific skills and leadership at every level of the value chain. Here are some key areas where we excel in recruiting leaders:

CPG Partnerships

Collaboration with consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers is vital for retailers. Our team excels at brokering mutually beneficial branding opportunities with leading manufacturers, helping you secure win-win partnerships that can drive your brand's success.

Omnichannel Excellence

In today's retail world, the lines between physical and digital shopping are blurred. Our experts can connect you with leaders who understand the importance of omnichannel excellence, seamlessly uniting physical store experiences with digital shopping through store fulfillment, apps, and other innovative approaches.

Pricing and Promotions

Optimizing pricing and promotions is crucial for attracting and retaining customers. We can help you find leaders who excel at tactics like personalized discounts, flash sales, and other strategies to enhance customer loyalty and drive sales.

Fresh Foods Expertise

The presentation and quality of perishables can make or break a retail business. We specialize in identifying leaders who can elevate the selection, quality, and presentation of fresh foods, ensuring your offerings stand out in a competitive market.

Supply Chain Resilience

A resilient supply chain is essential, especially in challenging times. We can connect you with leaders who can build flexibility into distribution models and source suppliers strategically, enhancing the resilience of your supply chain.

Stay Ahead in the Evolving Retail Landscape

The retail industry is evolving rapidly, and staying ahead of the curve requires the right talent. Let's connect and discuss your talent needs. Our team is ready to help your brand maintain its competitive edge in the ever-changing retail and grocery sector.

Contact us today, and let's explore how we can work together to ensure your leadership team is equipped to navigate the exciting challenges and opportunities in the world of modern retail. Your success is our primary goal, and we're here to assist you in achieving it.

Navigating the Changing Food Industry with the Right Talent

The Changing Face of the Food Industry

The food industry is not what it used to be. New players, technologies, and consumer preferences are shaking up the traditional way of doing things. Whether you're a big corporation or a small food startup, staying ahead in this rapidly evolving landscape means having the right people on your team. That's where Manning + Company comes in.

Direct-to-Consumer Excellence

Selling directly to consumers online is a big deal these days. We can help you create a smooth online shopping experience, from making it easy for customers to order your products to getting them to their door efficiently. Being online-savvy is crucial for success in today's food market.

Alternative Protein Research and Development

Alternative proteins, like plant-based and lab-grown products, are gaining popularity. Developing these products involves unique expertise. We have a talent pool of experts in this field who can help your business stay on top of the latest trends.

Predictive Analytics

Using data to make decisions is essential in today's food industry. Predictive analytics can help you understand consumer behavior and market trends, enabling you to make smart choices about pricing, production, and more.

Robotics and Automation

Robots are making their way into food production, improving speed, safety, and precision. We can connect you with experts who can help you integrate the right robotics solutions into your operations.

Sustainability

Being kind to the environment is a big deal for modern consumers. We can assist you in making your food business more sustainable, whether it's through eco-friendly packaging, greener supply chain practices, or other eco-conscious strategies.

Get in Touch for Success

The future belongs to those who are adaptable and forward-thinking. In the ever-changing food industry, having the right people on your side is crucial. Manning + Company is here to connect you with the talent you need to succeed in this new food landscape.

Let's have a chat about how our practical talent solutions can empower your business. We're eager to learn about your specific needs and how we can help you navigate the exciting and ever-changing world of food. Contact us today, and let's work together to build the future of food. Your success is our top priority, and we're committed to helping you achieve it.

Fast Fashion Tries to Shed Its Mean Girl Image

Fast fashion brands have long been criticized for unethical and environmentally damaging practices. But in recent years, many have been attempting to clean up their act and incorporate more sustainable solutions. Is it enough to redeem fast fashion's "mean girl" reputation?

The Ugly Truth About Fast Fashion

The meteoric rise of brands like H&M, Zara, and Forever21 was fueled by trends and low prices, but it came at a cost. Fast fashion depends on:

• Breakneck production speeds to minimize costs and restock stores frequently. This leads to poor working conditions and labor abuses in factories.

• Cheap materials and poor construction that encourage disposability. Consumers buy more when items fall apart quicker.

• Overproduction and wasted inventory that ends up in landfills. Fast fashion is a key contributor to global textile waste.

• Lack of transparency in opaque, complex supply chains. It allows brands to feign ignorance of unethical practices.

• Encouraging hyper-consumerism through addictive marketing and revolving inventory. More volume sold means more environmental impact.

This damaging model has made fast fashion synonymous with environmental harm and worker exploitation in the name of profits. ButChanging Course

Stung by years of bad PR and facing regulation, fast fashion brands understand they must clean up their act. Efforts in recent years include:

• Supply chain traceability programs that map and audit all facilities. This adds oversight and accountability.

• Investments in new materials and manufacturing processes to lower impacts. For example, eco-friendly dyes or recycled textiles.

• Pilot programs around clothing resale and recycling to support circularity. Some brands now accept used garments in stores.

• Expanded transparency initiatives like supplier maps, ethics reports, and emission disclosures. This provides visibility into their footprint.

• Raising wages and signing enforceable accords on worker rights and safety programs. A starting point to improve conditions.

Do These Efforts Redeem Fast Fashion?

There is no doubt fast fashion brands still have far to go. Their core business model remains fundamentally at odds with sustainability. Faster inventory turns and disposable fashion don't align with circular principles.

While initial steps are promising, most initiatives remain small in scale or narrowly focused. Audits provide oversight but fall short of worker empowerment. Eco-materials lower impacts incrementally but sidestep reducing volumes and speed.

Ultimately, fast fashion may be structurally incapable of fully reforming. But consumer and regulatory pressure continues to mount. Brands resisting change do so at their own peril. The 21st century calls for an ethical approach to fashion - and no one can afford to be a mean girl forever.

Rebuilding Fashion Supply Chains for Resilience

The pandemic exposed fractures in fashion supply chains with severe consequences. Factories shut down, materials became scarce, and logistics were disrupted. The ripple effects were felt industry-wide:

• Mass stock-outs, order delays, and lost sales

• Overreliance on China and other single regions

• Surging raw material and transportation costs

• Growing consumer demand for supply chain transparency

While easing post-lockdown, risks remain elevated. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has further strained key material supplies like neon gas and minerals. And suppliers still confront soaring energy bills and labor shortages.

In this climate, fashion brands need to rearchitect their sourcing:

• Multi-country/region strategies to mitigate geographic risks

• Flexible contracts and reserves to hedge cost volatility

• Technology to forecast demand and Materials Requirements Planning (MRP)

• Circular design and manufacturing to conserve resources

At Manning + Company, we leverage our deep procurement and supply chain networks to help fashion brands secure critical talent for navigating uncertainty, including:

• Strategic Sourcing Leaders to revamp global supply ecosystems

• Operations Analysts to optimize production planning capabilities

• Digital Procurement Specialists to enable transparency and traceability

• Sustainability Experts to advise on circularity, emissions, and eco-friendly materials

By strengthening sourcing and supply chain capability, fashion companies can prepare for a turbulent future.

Elevating Fashion and Beauty Consumer Experiences

While digital commerce growth has been astronomical, fashion brands know the visceral power of immersive in-person experiences. Retail is being reimagined by blending physical and digital:

• Flagships as Branded Spaces – Store concepts that transcend shopping to create moments.

• Virtual Try-on – Augmented reality tools like "magic mirrors" that enable virtual try-ons.

• Showrooming - Smaller footprint stores focused purely on experiences.

• Pop-ups - Flexible temporary activations to drive buzz.

This experiential reinvention requires expertise across:

• Concept Design - Crafting participatory experiences native to the brand.

• Technology Integration – Deploying digital tools to augment the in-store journey.

• Store Development - Implementing designs leanly through modular buildouts.

• Data Analytics - Tracking interactions to optimize engagements and merchandising.

Manning + Company identifies talent from retail design, digital innovation, and brand building to bring next-gen stores to life.

Ecommerce leaders also optimize every aspect of their platforms:

• Mobile Optimization – Frictionless purchasing in apps.

• Localization – Tailored experiences for international markets.

• Social Commerce – Enabling frictionless social sharing and referrals.

• Subscriptions – Recurring deliveries aligned to lifestyles.

• Sustainability – Options like resale and recycling integrated into platforms.

As online revenue growth relies more on unlocking marginal gains, specialized skills become mandatory:

• Software Engineers to build modular, scalable architectures.

• Product Managers fluent in agile, iterative optimization.

• Automation talent to streamline fulfillment and drive down costs.

• Analysts to glean insights from detailed metrics on digital funnel performance.

The disruptions of recent years have underscored that agility is key. While daunting, increased volatility also brings opportunities. Let's connect to discuss how we can help you bring in the talent to reimagine consumer experiences.

The Future of Travel: How Emerging Players Are Driving Innovation

The Future of Travel: How Emerging Players Are Driving Innovation

The travel industry is undergoing a digital-first renaissance. While incumbents play catch up, nimble startups are leading the charge in reimagining the end-to-end travel experience. These disruptors succeed through cutting-edge design, strong technical foundations, and obsession with the customer. At Manning + Company, we help the innovators of tomorrow build skilled teams across key roles in technology, product, and customer engagement.

Digital Innovators Set the Pace

Established online booking platforms and OTAs have grown complacent. Their sites and apps fail to inspire or fully address evolving traveler needs. This has opened the door for disruptive startups placing big bets on where travel is headed next:

Hopper - One of the world's fastest growing travel apps, Hopper pioneered innovations like price prediction algorithms and flexible booking options.

SimpleNight - A direct booking platform offering individualized hotels curated for design, amenities and location.

Selina - A co-living hospitality startup focused on building a global community of digital nomads.

Pruvo - An AI-powered booking platform that analyzes traveler preferences to make personalized recommendations.

These companies understand that today's travelers expect seamless digital experiences, unique offerings beyond big brands, and mobile-first engagement. Incumbents playing catch up simply can't recreate the DNA needed to lead in Digital Travel 2.0.

Building The Modern Travel Stack

Startups reimagining the travel experience succeed through strengths in key capability areas:

Customer Obsession - Deep insights into evolving traveler expectations, especially for younger demographics.

Design Excellence - Intuitive and engaging interfaces across web and mobile.

Data Architecture - Flexible stacks that enable personalization and optimization.

Engineering Strength - Modern codebases that can scale and support innovation.

At Manning + Company, our deep networks allow us to staff our travel clients with in-demand talent including:

- UX Designers fluent in best practices for travel apps and sites.

- Data Scientists to build recommendation and forecasting engines.

- Full Stack Developers to construct reusable services and APIs.

- Product Managers with both technical and design instincts.

We take an holistic approach, ensuring complementary skills that allow teams to execute at speed.

Fostering Traveler Connections

Beyond great technology, next-gen travel brands thrive through authentic customer engagement:

Customer Success - Developing personal relationships with travelers during and after trips.

Community - Facilitating meaningful connections between travelers via forums and events.

Social Impact - Showcasing sustainability credentials that resonate.

Partnerships - Aligning with brands that share target traveler values and aesthetics.

Our recruiting team identifies candidates across functions who live and breathe travel's experiential ethos. We tap growth strategists, community builders, sustainability experts and other roles to round out the modern travel stack.

The Journey Ahead

Personalization, convenience, and meaning - that's what today's travelers want. Incumbents are slow to reinvent decades-old business models. But the pace of change also represents a huge opportunity for those bold enough to dream bigger.

At Manning + Company, we're passionate about travel's future and the innovators shaping it. Let's connect to discuss how we can help assemble talent to bring that vision to life - and transform travel for the better.

Building Dream Teams: How We Help Resorts Recruit across All Roles

Building Dream Teams: How We Help Resorts Recruit across All Roles

Resorts are magic factories - choreographing countless details into memorable guest escapes. But delivering exceptional experiences takes skilled talent across the entire resort ecosystem. At Manning + Company, our deep networks and recruiting capabilities allow us to staff every role for hospitality clients pursuing excellence.

Core Hospitality Roles

At the heart of every great resort is passionate talent focused solely on guest service:

Front Office – Welcoming and registering guests, managing check-ins/outs, resolving issues.

Concierge – Advising guests on amenities, offering personalized recommendations, arranging services.

Housekeeping – Maintaining pristine, comfortable rooms with meticulous attention to detail.

F&B Service – Orchestrating seamless dining experiences from reservations to table service.

Spa/Fitness – Providing personalized wellness experiences and building guest relationships.

Our recruiting team maintains connections with top hotel schools and training programs to source candidates for these critical roles. We evaluate for both hospitality skills and genuine service mentality.

Revenue Driving Roles

Resorts have enormous potential to maximize ancillary revenues through retail, activities, events and more. Key roles where we identify talent include:

Golf Operations – Pro shop staff, starters, player assistants ensuring an exceptional course experience.

Retail Management – Curating shops, optimizing merchandising, and elevating service.

Recreation/Kids – Designing engaging supervised activities tailored to guest demographics.

F&B Marketing – Promoting dining experiences through partnerships and local influencers.

Events/Catering – Managing weddings, corporate events, and group bookings.

With our pulse on hospitality trends, we help resorts build teams to create unique offerings that delight guests while driving revenues.

Backstage Roles

While the front stage delights guests, backstage roles work behind the scenes to enable the magic:

Culinary – Chefs, cooks, and culinary staff crafting exceptional menus and dishes.

Engineering – Keeping all resort systems and amenities fully operational.

IT – Managing infrastructure, guest Wi-Fi, POS systems, and cybersecurity.

Finance – Forecasting, budgeting, reporting, AP/AR, managing profitability.

Security – Protecting guests while maintaining subtle presence and service mentality.

Our recruiting experts tap into overlooked talent pipelines to source specialized support roles in areas like water sports management, horticulture, and sustainability management.

The Complete Resort Team

At Manning + Company, we appreciate that crafting incredible resort experiences takes complete team orchestration. Our passion for hospitality is matched only by our capability to recruit amazing talent across the ecosystem. Let us know if we can help build your dream team!

Working 9 to 5...On the Road: How "Work Tourism" Is Making a Comeback

Remote work changed the game for business travel. No longer chained to offices, today's workforce can mix work with leisure more fluidly than ever. This has fueled a revival of "work tourism" - blending travel escapades with getting the job done. For destinations and hospitality brands, this represents an enormous opportunity to capture business travel demand in new ways. But doing so requires building specialized teams focused on the work tourist segment. At Manning + Company, we leverage our deep travel industry expertise to help clients source the talent they need to cater to this fast-growing audience.

The Rise of Work Tourism

Prior to 2020, "workations" were a niche pursuit, relegated to digital nomads and the rare employee with flexible arrangements. But remote work hit the mainstream during the pandemic, opening new possibilities for combining work and travel.

No longer bound to physical offices, millions of professionals can now work from anywhere. This has blurred the lines between business and leisure trips. Travelers are scheduling longer stays, timing getaways to remote destinations around work blocks, and planning "bleisure" (business + leisure) trips.

In a recent study, 70% of travelers reported wanting to include remote working in their next trip. The work tourism segment is projected to grow to $275 billion annually by 2025.

For many destinations, remote workers represent an attractive target audience:

• They stay longer, providing more lodging revenues

• They spend money at local businesses during the week

• They pay travel expenses themselves rather than expensing costs

Hospitality companies also have much to gain by catering to work tourists' unique needs around spaces, amenities, and technology.

Building The Right Teams

While work tourism unlocks major opportunities, it also poses challenges for travel companies. Effectively targeting this audience requires moving beyond marketing to holistically designing experiences.

At Manning + Company, we leverage our deep networks to help assemble dedicated "work tourism" project teams for hospitality clients. Key roles where we provide advisory include:

Remote Work Experience Design - Envisioning end-to-end experiences optimized for productivity.

Analytics & Segmentation - Tracking and analyzing work tourist behavior and needs.

Ancillary Services - Crafting B2B offers like office space rentals, equipment, and supplies.

Partnerships - Building networks with companies catering to remote workers.

Property Management - Ensuring the right on-site spaces, amenities, and tech.

IT & Digital - Delivering reliable connectivity, cybersecurity, remote access.

Operations & Staffing - Training all staff on serving work tourists.

Our team understands the range of capabilities needed to deliver successful work-focused travel experiences. We can quickly source talent from across hospitality, workplace experience, and corporate travel.

Long-Term Potential

Work tourism is more than just a passing trend. Remote work flexibility is here to stay, and younger generations embrace the concept of "work from anywhere."

While economic uncertainties could curb its growth in the short-term, the long-term outlook is highly compelling. Forward-thinking travel companies have a prime opportunity to get ahead.

At Manning + Company, we're passionate about the future of work and future of travel. Let's connect to discuss how we can help you build the optimal team to lead in Work Tourism 2.0.

The Generative AI Talent Boom: How We Can Help Clients Build Complete Teams

The rise of generative AI tools like ChatGPT has sparked tremendous excitement about the productivity benefits for enterprises. However, while the core AI technology is becoming commoditized, realizing the benefits requires building thoughtful applications and most importantly, sourcing specialized talent. At Manning + Company, we leverage our networks and recruiting expertise to help clients build high-performing AI teams across the stack.

Large Language Models Proliferate

Generative AI took off with OpenAI's launch of ChatGPT, powered by the GPT model. This sparked a wave of large tech companies releasing their own models, including Google's LaMDA, Meta's LLaMA, Anthropic's Claude and more. Much like cloud infrastructure became commoditized between AWS, Azure and GCP, the core language model technology is headed in that direction.

But for enterprises, simply picking a model is not enough to drive value. The real challenge is piping in relevant datasets and building tailored applications. This requires hands-on work in data engineering, dev ops, application product management and design.

Sourcing AI Talent Is Critical

As AI moves from hype to practical reality, enterprises need specialized talent to build impactful applications. Our clients are hungry for engineers and developers skilled in areas like:

- Machine learning ops: Deploying and monitoring models in production

- Data engineering: Building pipelines and data models

- Backend development: Ensuring scalable infrastructure

- Frontend development: Creating intuitive, sticky user experiences

- Product management: Understanding customer needs and workflows

At Manning + Company, our recruiting team maintains relationships with universities, research centers, and training programs producing this high-demand AI talent. We tap emerging professionals skilled in languages like Python and frameworks like Tensorflow, PyTorch and Keras.

And it's not just developers. Our executive search practice helps clients recruit senior AI leadership to structure strategy and teams. We look for entrepreneurial executives that blend tech expertise from sectors like cloud software and analytics.

Building Complete Teams

Having individual specialists is table stakes. For generative AI to reach its potential, you need thoughtfully constructed teams. Our organizational design group partners with clients to map optimal structures, skill mixes and collaboration models tailored to AI goals.

We also drive a holistic recruiting process, thoroughly evaluating technical ability and culture fit. This ensures cohesive teams that can innovate quickly. And we provide ongoing support through onboarding, development and team effectiveness programs.

The Generative AI Shift Is Here

ChatGPT was just the spark. Realizing the promise of AI requires specialized talent and cohesive teams. At Manning + Company, we combine passion for generative AI with deep expertise in building high-performing groups. Let's connect to discuss how we can help you assemble the ideal AI team to drive results and gain a competitive edge.