I’ve been noticing a big shift lately in what sets automation pros apart. Technical know-how is still a must, but soft skills? They’ve gone from a bonus to a make-or-break factor in who succeeds and who stalls out. It’s not just about coding or configuring systems anymore—it’s about guiding people through the chaos of change that automation brings.
This lines up with how automation itself is changing. It’s not stuck in silos; it’s weaving into every corner of how businesses run. The best automation folks I’ve placed recently aren’t just tech wizards—they’re the ones helping companies rethink how work gets done.
The Soft Skills That Employers Are Chasing
In my recent placements, it’s clear employers are zeroing in on candidates who bring more than just tech skills. Here’s what’s topping their lists:
- Change Management
Automation shakes things up, and pros who can get teams on board with new ways of working are gold. I had a manufacturing client pick a candidate with less tech experience because they’d proven they could win over operators skeptical of automated systems. That’s the difference-maker. - Cross-Functional Communication
Automation projects don’t stay in one department anymore—they sprawl across the whole company. Being able to break down tech jargon for finance, ops, or the C-suite? That’s a superpower. I’ve seen folks who nail this climb the ladder way faster than the pure tech heads. - Project Leadership (Beyond the Tech)
Running an automation gig now means juggling stakeholders and shifting priorities, not just managing the tech. One client told me their star engineer wasn’t the sharpest coder—they were the one who kept messy projects on track no matter what the business threw at them. - Business Process Smarts
If you don’t get how the business actually works, even the slickest automation can flop. I keep hearing clients say, “They nailed the tech but missed the point of our process.” That gap’s a killer.
Real-World Proof: Soft Skills Pay Off
I saw this play out with two engineers I worked with—same tech skills, totally different outcomes:
- One couldn’t land a gig despite a killer resume. Past bosses said they struggled to play nice across teams.
- The other? Multiple offers, even with less experience, because they’d crushed it managing stakeholders and tying automation to business goals.
The gap in their offers was almost 30%. That’s the soft skills premium—it’s real, and it’s growing.
Why This Is Happening Now
A few big trends are driving this:
- Automation’s Getting Visible
It’s not just humming in the factory anymore—it’s shaping customer-facing stuff too. That means user experience and stakeholder buy-in matter more than ever. - Systems Are Merging
Lone-wolf automation is out; integrated setups crossing departments are in. You need people who can handle that organizational tangle. - Change Is Relentless
Tech’s moving fast, and the pros who can help companies keep up are just as valuable as the ones building it.
A manufacturing exec I talked to summed it up: “I can hire tech skills all day. What’s rare is someone who can bring the whole team along for the ride.”
How to Build These Game-Changing Skills
For companies trying to stack their automation teams:
- Rethink Interviews
Skip the tech-only tests. I’ve seen clients have candidates explain tricky automation ideas to mixed groups—it shows who can adapt their communication on the fly. - Mix Up Project Teams
Toss your specialists into cross-functional squads. It’s the fastest way to build those bridge-building skills. - Train for It
The smartest companies I work with are teaching their tech folks change management, communication, and how to decode business processes.
For automation pros wanting to level up:
- Jump Across Boundaries
Raise your hand for projects with other departments or outside partners—it’s hands-on practice. - Learn the Business
Get a grip on how automation hits the bottom line or operations. It’ll make you indispensable. - Show Off Your Change Wins
Keep a list of times you’ve helped teams embrace new tech—those stories sell.
The Rise of T-Shaped Automation Pros
I’m calling it: the future belongs to “T-shaped” automation pros. The vertical bar is their deep tech expertise; the horizontal bar is the soft skills stretching across the org. These are the ones landing big paychecks, moving up fast, and making automation projects actually work. They’re where the field’s headed.
Let’s Chat: Ready to Ride This Wave?
Is your company hunting for automation talent with this magic mix? Or are you a pro looking to sharpen these skills and boost your career? Hit me up—I’d love to talk about how SGP Technology can help you navigate this shift.
