The most in-demand specialists in the food industry are named

The number of vacancies in the food industry has dropped to the level of two years ago, the Start of Quality industry consulting company told Izvestia on March 4. At the same time, employers have the greatest need for sales consultants and sales cashiers, sales representatives. Experts together with the service hh.ru we analyzed the number of vacancies in this field.

In January 2025, their number decreased to 31,506, which is almost the same as in the same month of 2023 (30,223 vacancies). In the same period of 2024, there were 40,040 such vacancies.

Employers have the greatest need for employees in the positions of sales consultant and sales cashier, the total number of offers for which amounted to 6,560. This is followed by sales representatives — 2,977, drivers — 2,857, packers and pickers — 2,197, sales managers — 2,170, loaders — 2,012 and production line operators — 2,007. Merchandisers and accountants also remain in demand. The number of vacancies for these positions is 1,788 and 1,742, respectively. In addition, entrepreneurs need cooks, bakers and pastry chefs — 1,586 vacancies, handymen — 1,566, storekeepers — 1,538, and technologists, for whom 1,277 are open.

The median proposed salary for food production employees is 68,700 rubles, and for a retail chain it is 78,079 rubles.

Experts noted that in conditions of high demand, companies are increasingly resorting to freelance staff to cover the shortage of staff.

"In 2024 and 2025 [the demand for part-time work is steadily growing, in addition to handymen, movers and warehouse workers, sales consultants and cashiers have entered the top professions. Therefore, we can say with confidence that the retail sector for temporary staff is one of the most in demand," said Alina Logunova, CEO of the temporary employment service RUQI.

Earlier, on January 15, it was reported that one in three Russians surveyed (28%) has planned to change jobs in 2025. This was mentioned in the results of the study of the Russian School of Management. Among the most common reasons for such a decision are low wages (47% of respondents answered this way), lack of opportunities for professional growth (45%), and lack of career prospects (39%).