Hays Procurement - July 2010
Hotspots
Australia's emergence from the GFC in addition to recent market improvements have allowed companies to gain a better understanding of, and accuracy in, their inventory and stock forecast. Procurement is increasingly valued and the need for Indirect Procurement Managers has risen, with a particular focus on travel, marketing and IT. Also in demand are Planners and Analysts across all industries.
In addition, a number of department changes, company mergers and new project demands with a focus on procurement efficiency have created a need for Strategic Sourcing Specialists and Contract Administrators.
Tackling the hotspots
A consultative approach ensures that suitable candidates with good procurement methodologies and the appropriate cultural fit are introduced to a business as soon as they enter the job market. Companies will create a permanent opportunity if they meet with a solid suitable candidate.
The coming quarter
We expect to see a high number of newly created roles, both temporary and permanent, as projects and budgets are approved. As budgets are released, we may see a rise in permanent recruitment.
Executive recruitment
While job numbers at this level took longer to improve compared to the rest of the procurement market, we have now noted an increase in recruitment at this level within procurement and strategic sourcing. CPO's and Head of Departments are moving between different industry sectors since good procurement skills are easily transferable.
Employer trends
Last quarter we reported that those employers with lengthy interview processes were becoming frustrated when they lost their preferred candidate to an organisation with speedier processes. Employers are now moving through their recruitment process much faster to avoid missing out on good candidates.
With job numbers rising and competition evident for the top talent, counter offers are increasing and employers have started to increase salaries across the board.
Employers remain very specific in their industry or product/services specialism requirements.
Candidate trends
As confidence returns, high-quality candidates are entering the jobs market. Despite this, candidate shortages are still evident and the top 10 per cent of candidates typically receive multiple offers. We advise employers to move quickly if they meet a suitable candidate, otherwise expect them to be lost within a week to a competitor.
Many temporary candidates are securing permanent roles for job stability rather than for the right career move. We advise candidates to consider your long-term career aspirations and look for a role that will suit.
