Ryan FowlerField-based and office-based positions are driving recruitment growth in the automotive aftermarket, according to Glen Callum Associates (GCA), which released its Q2 2025 recruitment report this week.
The latest data shows a confirmed shift back to in-person working, alongside strategic hiring from outside the sector to address ongoing skills gaps.
Field-based placements rose to 45%, overtaking office-based roles at 41%, while remote roles accounted for 9% and hybrid just 5%. This marks a continued trend away from hybrid models seen earlier in the year.
Kayleigh Bradley, senior recruiter at GCA, said: “We’re seeing a continued swing toward in-person working, particularly in customer-facing sales and technical roles. Businesses are prioritising relationships, face time with clients, and on-site presence to drive performance.”
The report also revealed that 41% of successful candidates in Q2 came from allied sectors, showing that employers are actively seeking adaptable skillsets and external perspectives. Although slightly down from 43% in Q1, it reflects an ongoing strategy to address chronic shortages in core disciplines.
Kerrie Richards, director at GCA, said: “Automotive businesses are becoming more strategic with recruitment. With long-standing skills gaps in sales, operations and technical roles, organisations are increasingly looking beyond the sector to bring in fresh ideas and proven expertise. It’s a smart way to innovate while still filling vital gaps.”
Sales, marketing and operations roles dominated again at 82% of all placements, with technical positions at 9% and IT/data and executive roles each at 4.5%. Half of all appointments were headhunted, highlighting the competitive nature of the market, with the South of England leading as the most active region for hiring.
