Hays Sales & Marketing - July 2010
Hotspots
Solid mid-level Business Development Managers remain in high demand, particularly those with a proven track record of growing and developing accounts within a territory. Sales candidates still need significant experience within the relevant vertical market, with backgrounds in technical, FMCG or professional services sales in most demand. In line with strengthening conditions and increased consumer expenditure, FMCG companies in particular are looking to take swift advantage and expand their business. Competition for the best talent will steadily increase.
Public sector trends
Within the public sector, generalist Communications skills are sought, with a particular focus on web content writing in South Australia for the redevelopment of the State Government websites.
We expect the demand for contractors to fill short to medium term assignments will continue over the quarter as new projects and budgets come through.
The coming quarter
Organisations are creating new positions and given increased business activity, the demand for permanent and experienced sales professionals is rising.
While opportunities at State Management or senior Sales Management level remain limited, new jobs continue to be created at Territory or Area Management level.
National companies continue to identify South Australia and the Northern Territory as growth opportunities, creating a need for autonomous personnel in these areas.
Employer trends
More organisations understand that there is a shortage of skills and are consequently more willing to consider interstate candidates. We also suggest they consider candidates with similar industry experience and take advantage of transferable skills.
The recruitment timeframe should also be as lean as possible. Yet many companies maintain a lengthy recruitment process in their efforts to ensure they select the candidate offering the greatest return on investment, particularly at Sales Representative level. The best candidates are still hard to find however, so the danger is that employers will start to miss out on the top talent to organisations with more streamlined processes.
Candidate trends
Those candidates who are currently employed are becoming more confident and will only consider moving to a market leader or for a significant career progression opportunity.
