Hays Sales & Marketing - April 2007

Private Sector

Hotspots

• The FMCG sector is experiencing the largest surge of demand following a recent period of brand consolidation and streamlining of marketing teams. There is a continuing increase in demand for experienced marketers with private label product experience, to reflect the focus on private label branding that is emerging from within many of the major retailers.
• Senior account managers and account directors in the advertising and media industry, particularly in direct marketing.
• Marketing managers with financial services industry experience.
• Demand for staff exists at the campaign and sales level, rather than for executive managers.

The coming quarter

The shortage of quality sales and marketing professionals with solid experience in the Australian market will impact employer's recruitment efforts. This shortage is expected to continue over the coming quarter despite an increase in candidates returning home from a working holiday.

Executive recruitment

Executive vacancy activity is minimal. Senior candidates are often available for a number of months before securing a role.

Salaries

Salaries are increasing across all regions, albeit in relatively small amounts and much less dramatically than last year.

Candidate trends

Overseas candidates returning to the Australian market, particularly in the marketing communications sector, are increasing candidate flow. Demand for relationship-focused candidates rather than traditional sales representatives will continue. There are less pure salespeople available, which is impacting the industrial and manufacturing sectors in particular.