Smart Hiring Strategy: Why Manufacturers Should Outsource Support Functions and Focus on Core Talent

A recent survey of 400 Wisconsin manufacturers found that 54% of them are actively hiring. The competition for top talent has never been fiercer. But here’s the strategic question every manufacturing leader should ask: Are you competing for the right roles?

While your competitors scramble to fill every open position in-house, the smartest manufacturers are taking a different approach—outsourcing non-core functions like IT and accounting to focus their hiring efforts on the talent that directly drives revenue and production.

The Talent Shortage Reality

Manufacturing faces a perfect storm of talent challenges. The IT sector alone sees 67% of companies operating with cybersecurity staff shortages, while the number of accounting graduates continues to decline after peaking in 2012. Meanwhile, 47% of accounting professionals are baby boomers approaching retirement.

“We’ve seen manufacturers waste months trying to find a qualified cost accountant who understands their ERP system, when they could have hired three production engineers in the same timeframe,” explains Rick Sovitzky, Head of Outsourced Accounting & Advisory Services at Chortek. “The opportunity cost of chasing support roles is staggering.”

Consider the math: When a manufacturing accountant suddenly quits, companies typically spend 3-6 months recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding a replacement. During that same period, they could have hired multiple engineers, operators, or sales professionals who directly contribute to the bottom line.

Strategic Talent Allocation

Recognizing when to outsource accounting and leveraging managed IT services isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about strategic resource allocation. When you outsource these functions, you gain immediate access to specialized expertise while freeing up your hiring bandwidth for roles that drive competitive advantage.

“Manufacturers who partner with us for both IT and accounting services can redirect their talent acquisition efforts toward production, engineering, and sales roles,” notes Michael Senkbeil, Head of Managed IT Services at Chortek. “Instead of competing for scarce back-office talent, they’re building teams that directly impact growth and profitability.”

The benefits extend beyond hiring speed. Managing back-office costs effectively means your valuable leadership time isn’t spent interviewing accountants or troubleshooting IT issues; it’s focused on strategic decisions that move the business forward.

Focus on What Drives Revenue

Every hiring decision is an investment. When you outsource support functions, you can concentrate your recruiting efforts on roles that directly impact your manufacturing success:

Production Excellence: Hire skilled operators, quality engineers, and production managers who optimize efficiency and reduce waste.

Innovation and Growth: Focus on engineering talent that drives product development and process improvement.

Market Expansion: Invest in sales and business development professionals who generate revenue and build customer relationships.

Meanwhile, your outsourced partners handle the complex technical requirements, from ERP system management to cybersecurity, with teams of specialists who understand manufacturing’s unique challenges.

The Competitive Advantage

While your competitors exhaust their resources competing for scarce IT and accounting talent, you’re building a lean, focused organization that excels at what matters most: manufacturing exceptional products and serving customers.

The manufacturers winning in today’s talent market aren’t necessarily spending more on hiring; they’re spending smarter. They’ve recognized that outsourcing support functions creates the bandwidth to attract and retain the core talent that drives sustainable competitive advantage.

Ready to refocus your hiring strategy on what matters most? Contact Chortek today to discover how our comprehensive IT and accounting services can free up your resources to build the manufacturing team that drives real results.