Hays Construction & Property - October 2007

Hotspots

Construction remains one of Australia's most active recruitment markets, with estimators and contract administrators in highest demand. Vacancy activity levels are incredibly high for these vital skills, with no easing expected over the coming quarter.

The recent increase in D&C projects has created a hotspot for design managers, while senior top-tier candidates from project manager level down who are capable of working on $100million and above projects are also in demand.

Civil project managers with demonstrated experience and a good track record have emerged as another hotspot across the country, while civil project engineers, civil forepersons and civil leading hands are all required for the delivery of subdivisional, water infrastructure and road/bridge projects.

The coming quarter

A key feature of the coming quarter will be the increase in the number of major projects reaching super-structure, which will cause demand for site staff to increase. Permanent candidates remain in most demand, although companies are recruiting temporary staff when permanent candidates are not available. Some employers are also looking at international candidates as contract options to help ease the local shortage. For example, Irish and British trained quantity surveyors can be recruited for contract administrator roles.

The number of companies hiring staff before work is awarded has increased, as companies attempt to give themselves an advantage by having the correct staff in place to commence projects at full speed.

Executive recruitment

Executive recruitment is a notable strength of the current market, with virtually all construction companies expressing interest in recruiting executive staff as they become available. A number of companies have growth plans on hold while they source the appropriate candidates at this level.

Salaries

Competition for staff in a significantly candidate short market is forcing definite salary pressures. With the construction market remaining buoyant and high demand across the board, salaries have risen in many locations.

Over 80 construction & property roles are surveyed across 11 locations in the Hays Salary Survey, which can be viewed at www.hays.com.au/salary

Candidate trends

Candidates are aware of the demand for their skills and those at the intermediate level are particularly prone to taking advantage of vacancy levels to secure a senior position or higher salary. However the senior level is not immune to candidate movements, with the last quarter seeing numerous instances of senior candidates move for lucrative opportunities available with a number of new and growing builders.

Candidate movement in Victoria's market was very high over the last quarter, with momentum coming from the completion of major projects, such as the Eastlink project. However with many other projects either underway or about to commence, candidates do not remain available for long following the commencement of a project.

Interest in overseas campaigns remains high, with many employers filling their engineering requirements in this way.