How Forward-Thinking CPG Companies Are Winning the Talent Race in 2026

Key Insights 

• CPG hiring is shaped by sustainability, flexibility, and purpose-driven candidates.  

• The most successful leaders combine strategic vision, digital fluency, and agility. 

• Top companies are intentional about their hiring process.  

• The right search partner goes beyond sourcing—they provide market insights, compensation strategy, and brand storytelling to attract the best talent.  

The Consumer Products industry is evolving faster than ever, and the shifts underway are reshaping what it takes to attract and retain great talent. As 2026 approaches, one thing is clear: the traditional hiring playbook no longer works.  

The New Reality of Consumer Products Hiring

Today’s CPG candidates are more selective, more informed, and more value-driven than ever. They’re not just evaluating job descriptions; they’re evaluating your brand’s purpose, sustainability commitments, and flexibility. Candidates want to know they’re joining a company that’s both future-minded and people-centered.  

That means your employer brand must clearly communicate who you are and what you stand for. Your hiring process should be agile, transparent, and intentional from the very first conversation. Companies that set expectations early, move quickly, and show authenticity stand out in a competitive market.  

Leadership in a Changing Market

Evolving customer behaviors and global market forces have transformed what companies need from their leadership teams. Tariffs, supply chain volatility, and rapidly shifting retail channels have made the need for forward-thinking leadership non-negotiable.  

Today’s most valuable leaders are those who can anticipate trends before they emerge, who understand the ripple effects of tariffs and trade policy, and who can proactively strengthen operations and supply chains. They bring a predictive mindset—reading the market and steering their teams through disruption with agility and confidence.  

The Evolving Skill Set of Consumer Products Executives 

Category experience alone no longer guarantees success. The modern CPG executive must pair strategic vision with digital and data fluency. They must be able to pivot quickly as consumer behavior shifts, as e-commerce evolves, and as supply chains adapt to new realities.  

Beyond technical skills, the defining trait of tomorrow’s Consumer Products leaders is their ability to lead people well. Empathetic, inclusive leadership—rooted in trust and authenticity—is now a core competitive advantage. The executives who thrive in 2026 will be those who can inspire teams, unite cross-functional groups, and live out the brand’s purpose every day.  

What Winning Companies Do Differently

Across the industry, the companies consistently landing top-tier talent all share a few critical traits. They design intentional hiring processes that show candidates the organization is thoughtful about fit and culture. They compensate fairly and competitively, understanding that experience and excellence are worth investing in.  

Equally important, the company tell their story well. Candidates want to feel that their work will have purpose and impact. The best employers lead with that story—why the role matters, how the company makes a difference, and what kind of environment their people thrive in.  

The Role of a Search Partner

As Consumer Products hiring becomes more competitive and complex, the role of the search partner has evolved from recruiter to strategic advisor. Companies now rely on search partners who understand the industry, know how to find talent that isn’t actively looking, and can bring meaningful market intelligence to every search. 

For Jordan Kaliher, success means offering far more than access to great talent. She provides salary insights, advises on compensation strategy, refines hiring processes, and serves as a true business partner. Many clients turn to her not only when they need to fill a role, but when they’re looking for a trusted advisor to shape their broader talent strategy. 

Her consultative approach often extends well beyond hiring. Jordan partners with clients to build internal referral programs that tap into their top performers’ networks and helps them articulate their employer brand story in a way that resonates with the market. 

Partnering for the Future of CPG Talent 

The Consumer Products landscape in 2026 rewards brands that act with intention—both in how they market to consumers and how they attract their people. Jordan Kaliher’s CPG Practice at BrainWorks is built around helping companies do just that. She combines deep Consumer Products expertise with a strategic, data-informed approach that aligns talent strategy with business outcomes.  

Whether you’re hiring your next transformative leader or rethinking how your organization attracts, evaluates, and retains top talent, Jordan is the kind of partner companies turn to for perspective, not just placement.