Tariffs & Talent: How to Future-Proof Your Team Amid Trade Uncertainty
The recent announcement of sweeping U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods—and Canada’s swift response—has set off a wave of uncertainty for companies operating across the border and with that comes a crucial question:
What does this mean for your people?
At Eleven Eleven Talent, we believe now is the time for companies to think proactively—not just about trade and logistics, but about talent. Tariffs impact more than just margins; they ripple through supply chains, operations, pricing strategies, and risk profiles. And behind every strategic pivot is a leader, a specialist, or a high performer driving that change.
Key Talent Questions to Be Asking Now:
Do we have the right people to model and manage financial impact?
Roles in FP&A, pricing strategy, and treasury will be central to scenario planning and cost optimization.
Is our supply chain built to flex with changing trade realities?
Leaders in sourcing, procurement, and logistics will be crucial as companies look to reroute or diversify.
Are our operations teams agile enough to respond to change?
Roles in operations, manufacturing, and inventory planning will need to level up fast.
Are we trade-compliant and legally covered?
Specialists in trade law, customs compliance, and international regulations will be essential.
How are we supporting our executive team to make fast, high-stakes decisions?
Strong executive leadership—especially in COO, CFO, and VP-level roles—will be the glue that holds it all together.
What We Recommend
As a global recruitment partner, our advice is simple: start the conversation now.
Whether you're forecasting talent gaps, building new functions, or strengthening your existing leadership team, the best time to plan is before the headlines become reality.
If you’d like to talk through what this means for your team—or how others in your industry are preparing—we’re here for it.
Let’s think this through together.
Warmly,
The Eleven Eleven Talent Team
Eleven Eleven Talent is a global recruitment agency headquartered in the beautiful coastal city of Vancouver, B.C.
If you are looking for recruitment partnership on a critical executive hire or confidential search – connect with us today.
