June 10, 2026 · Herk & Associates Recruiting Team
Material Handling Recruiters Who Understand the Industry
Finding experienced talent in the material handling industry has never been more challenging. The most qualified candidates are often already employed, highly selective about new opportunities, and difficult to reach through traditional recruiting methods.
That's why many of the most successful material handling dealerships, OEMs, distributors, automation companies, and equipment providers partner with recruiters who understand the industry.
Why material handling hiring is different
The material handling industry operates differently than many other sectors. Successful hires often require a unique combination of technical knowledge, leadership ability, customer relationship skills, and industry experience — professionals who understand dealership operations, service departments, parts operations, equipment sales, warehouse solutions, fleet management, automation technologies, and customer support.
General recruiting firms may understand recruiting. Industry-focused recruiters understand the people, positions, career paths, and challenges that exist within the material handling space.
At Herk & Associates, we've spent more than 25 years building relationships throughout the heavy equipment industry, including the material handling sector. Our recruiters speak with industry professionals every day, giving us real-time insight into hiring trends, candidate motivations, compensation expectations, and workforce challenges.
Material handling positions we recruit
We support hiring efforts across a wide range of material handling roles, including:
- Branch Managers
- General Managers
- Regional Managers
- Service Managers
- Parts Managers
- Territory Sales Representatives
- Product Support Specialists
- Safety Leaders
- Human Resources Professionals
- Executive Leadership
- OEM and Manufacturer Positions
The challenge facing material handling employers
Across North America, material handling companies continue to face several workforce challenges:
- Increased competition for experienced talent
- Leadership succession planning
- Retention of high-performing employees
- Growth through acquisitions and expansion
- Demand for experienced sales professionals
- Hiring managers with limited time to recruit proactively
At the same time, candidates are evaluating opportunities differently than just a few years ago. While compensation remains important, many professionals are placing greater emphasis on company stability, leadership consistency, culture, communication, and long-term career growth. Organizations that effectively communicate these strengths often gain a significant advantage in attracting and retaining top talent.
Active in the material handling industry
Our commitment to the industry extends beyond recruiting. As active members of MHEDA, we remain engaged with the challenges, trends, and opportunities shaping the material handling industry — staying connected with industry leaders and better understanding the evolving needs of dealers, distributors, manufacturers, and service organizations.
Our goal is not simply to fill positions. We strive to serve as a long-term hiring partner for organizations navigating today's increasingly competitive talent market.
What our clients say
"Our Talent Acquisition Team at Alta Equipment Group had a great experience working with Herk & Associates. Their recruitment services and industry-specific job board helped us effectively reach qualified candidates for our roles. The team was responsive, knowledgeable, and easy to work with throughout the process. I highly recommend their services to companies in the equipment industry."
— Alta Equipment Group
Why companies partner with Herk & Associates
When organizations choose Herk & Associates, they gain access to:
- Industry-focused recruiters with deep material handling experience
- A nationwide network of equipment industry professionals
- Access to passive candidates not actively searching job boards
- Customized recruiting solutions
- Executive search and leadership recruiting expertise
- Industry-specific job advertising options
Most importantly, they gain a recruiting partner that understands the unique challenges of hiring within the material handling industry.
Looking for material handling recruiting support?
Whether you're searching for leadership talent, sales professionals, operational experts, or technical specialists, our team has the industry knowledge and network to help you find the right people.
Contact Our Team
