Sindy Ward, Manager of Sales and Marketing Recruitment at Robert Walters Auckland says: “Our latest ‘Hiring Intentions Survey’ questioned hundreds of hiring managers across New Zealand for their hiring forecasts over the next six months, including their plans to take on new staff, at which level, and the prospect of salary increases.
The quiet start to the year reflected caution around permanent sales & marketing hires in the FMCG sector, especially after the number of large-scale business restructures that took place in 2014.
Yet hiring is set to pick up in the second half of the year, with 87% of recruiting organizations forecast to take on new staff in anticipation of fresh growth. Permanent hires are also expected to rise, compared to the same period in 2014.
Many employers will be looking to revamp their packages to attract and retain top talent, especially as experienced jobseekers are seeking significant career progression opportunities or salary increases as a prerequisite to moving jobs.
Skills gap
Key account managers and insights specialists will be in particularly high demand, as will brand managers with specialist product experience.
In spite of climbing demand, however, the number of employers who say they are affected by skills shortages has risen by 6% since 2014, with candidates lacking both technical ‘hard’ skills and communication-driven ‘soft skills’. We advise clients to utilise their recruitment partners in order to streamline the recruitment process and help with a more targeted sourcing campaign.
Strengthening at all levels
The survey forecasts an increase in hires at all levels of seniority over the next six months, suggesting that companies are again focusing on strengthening teams across the business and investing in the next generation of leaders and managers
Salary levels set to rise
54% larger share of employers are planning wage rises for their employees this year, up from 42% in 2014. Additionally, a majority (68%) do not anticipate these to affect their ability to hire, a sure sign of rising market confidence.
Moving forward, contractor hires are expected to slow as organisations commit to more permanent hires.
We advise employers to focus their attention on promoting their brand and value proposition to better compete for fresh talent. Publicising the wider benefits of the role and showcasing company success stories are particularly helpful to delivering an edge on the competition.
