Hays Construction & Property - January 2008

Hotspots

Construction remains one of Australia's most active recruitment markets, with demand across the board from graduate to senior level vacancies. Contract administrators and project managers remain in highest demand, although activity in civil construction has increased strongly and demand for skilled candidates is now accordingly high.

Demand for staff also comes from top tier builders who are gaining momentum and picking up work since a number of new top tier projects are underway or moving into the next stage.

Geographically Queensland is a very active market with a vast amount of projects and vacancies, particularly within civil construction and for commercial and project managers. Brisbane and the Gold Coast are very successful at attracting experienced professionals, which places pressure on Australia's other states to compete.

The coming quarter

January will explode with activity, with both new civil and building projects commencing. Activity will be highest for permanent staff within all types of construction, although flowing on from this activity will be temporary technical requirements as permanent candidates are employed and the lack of available quality candidates takes its toll.

Executive recruitment

There has been a slight increase in executive requirements, in line with company growth and some companies expanding their areas of operation by establishing new divisions.

Salaries

Salaries are at an all-time high. The industry is thriving and as employers recognise the right people are crucial to business success, they are continuing to pay slightly above market rate to secure or retain the skills they need. Counter-offers are increasing and pressure remains on salaries overall.

Candidate trends

While skills shortages are universal, there are exceptions in the form of a noticeable surplus of forepersons and site managers.

Candidates at the intermediate level remain the most active in the market as they search for roles offering higher salaries and increased opportunities. Having said this, the senior level is not immune to candidate movements either, with numerous examples existing of senior candidates changing roles for lucrative opportunities available with new and growing builders.