As part of a recent client tender process, we were asked to provide insights into our gender placement data. Our latest analysis revealed that 59.7% of the candidates placed by The TalentPool Co within the consumer sector were female, compared to 40.3% male. This split offers valuable insight into the evolving workforce landscape in the UK Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry.
Several key factors contribute to the 60:40 female-to-male ratio:
Strong female representation in commercial roles
Women continue to excel in commercial and consumer-facing roles such as brand, product, and shopper marketing — core pillars of the CPG sector. Many brands are also intentionally seeking talent that reflects their diverse customer base.
Leadership pipeline development
CPG companies have made significant strides toward gender diversity in leadership. Initiatives such as structured talent development programmes and gender equity targets have supported more women in advancing to senior positions.
Workplace flexibility
The post-pandemic shift toward hybrid and flexible working models has positively impacted female retention and attraction, particularly at mid-to-senior levels, where work-life balance is a key career consideration.
Client-led diversity goals
Many of our clients are proactively building more inclusive teams — requesting balanced shortlists and challenging traditional assumptions around leadership profiles and hiring norms.
While this is a positive picture overall, gender imbalances persist in certain functions such as Operations, Engineering, Procurement, and Logistics, where female representation remains significantly lower. We are committed to helping our clients address these gaps through inclusive recruitment practices and targeted sourcing strategies.
Ultimately, the 60:40 female-to-male placement ratio not only reflects the strength of the female talent pool in the CPG sector but also signals the industry’s continued efforts to foster more balanced and inclusive workplaces.