Episode 114: The Hidden Talent Goldmine: Why Recruiters Should Look Beyond Tech with Michele Sutton

Episode notes

Tech recruiting may grab the headlines, but some of the most exciting opportunities for recruiters are found on the factory floor. Michele Sutton, Senior Director of Talent Acquisition at Chobani, has built her career connecting talent with purpose driven brands like Unilever, Ferrero, and now Chobani. Her journey proves that manufacturing roles can offer stability, growth, and meaningful community impact. In this episode of Recruiting Is No Joke, Joel Lalgee and Michele explore how recruiting looks different when the roles are tied to physical products millions of people consume every day. From the challenge of hiring maintenance techs to the rise of automation and AI, Michele reveals why manufacturing is a space recruiters should not ignore. She also shares how AI tools like Copilot and Gem are reshaping her workflow, why curiosity is the most important mindset when adopting new technology, and how candidates can stand out by doing their homework. The conversation wraps with practical advice on crafting the right LinkedIn outreach that actually gets a recruiter’s attention. The message is clear. Recruiting in manufacturing is not just alive, it is thriving.