Q1 2026 Automotive Aftermarket Recruitment Report

GCA Q1 2026 Automotive Aftermarket Recruitment Report: Field Roles Lead as Southern Hiring Surges

Glen Callum Associates (GCA) has released its Q1 2026 Automotive Aftermarket Recruitment Report, revealing a market still dominated by field‑based roles, a strong preference for industry‑experienced talent, and a clear shift in hiring activity towards Southern England.

Field‑Based Roles Continue to Drive Aftermarket Hiring

The aftermarket remains heavily reliant on people working directly with customers. 53% of all placements in Q1 were field‑based, reinforcing the sector’s ongoing focus on relationship‑driven, face‑to‑face engagement. Onsite and office‑based roles followed at 35%, while hybrid and remote opportunities remain limited at 6% each.

Kayleigh Bradley, Senior Recruiter at GCA, said: “Many of our clients still need people on the ground. Sales, operations and customer‑facing roles rely on real‑world interaction, and that continues to shape hiring decisions across the aftermarket.”

Sales, Marketing and Operations Dominate Q1 Recruitment

Demand remains strongest in roles that directly support business growth. 84% of all placements were in Sales, Marketing and Operations. Senior Executive and Management roles accounted for 11%, while Technical roles made up 5%. IT and data‑focused roles saw minimal movement, reflecting where immediate hiring priorities lie.

Kerrie Richards, Director at GCA, commented: “Businesses are prioritising roles that support growth and customer engagement. Sales and operations remain the backbone of aftermarket recruitment.”

Industry Experience Still a Key Hiring Requirement

The Q1 data shows a continued preference for candidates with direct automotive aftermarket experience.

• 94% of placements were within the aftermarket
• 76% of candidates placed already had sector experience
• 24% came from allied industries

While transferable skills are valued, employers still favour candidates who can hit the ground running.

Southern England Becomes the Most Active Hiring Region

One of the most notable shifts this quarter is geographical. Southern England emerged as the most active hiring region, marking a clear change from previous quarters and signalling evolving demand across the UK aftermarket.

Headhunting Remains Essential in a Competitive Talent Market

With many high‑quality candidates not actively applying for roles, targeted search continues to be a critical part of the recruitment process. 59% of all placements were secured through headhunting, compared to 41% via direct applications.

Kayleigh added: “Many of the best candidates aren’t on the job boards. Targeted search is essential, especially for specialist or hard‑to‑fill roles.”

A Market That Remains People‑Driven and Growth‑Focused

Overall, the Q1 2026 data highlights a market that is:

• Field‑focused
• Experience‑driven
• Operationally led
• Increasingly proactive in talent acquisition

GCA continues to support automotive aftermarket businesses with market insight, targeted talent search, and a consultative recruitment approach.

For more insight into how Glen Callum Associates can support your talent strategy, email jobs@glencallum.co.uk or visit www.glencallum.co.uk