Hays Facilities Management - April 2008

Hotspots

Facilities managers with a trade background, specifically mechanical or electrical, are of great interest to employers at present, as they value applicants with the detailed technical appreciation that comes from a trade background. Employers also value candidates with a hands-on approach to set tasks, yet these candidates are in shortest supply, particularly in states where the resources and construction industries are attracting all the available talent with their higher salaries.

OH&S and environmental management experience is also a requirement, and new legislation and increased awareness makes these areas highly significant to managing a building. The need for facilities managers with this experience will only grow in importance.

Knowledge and qualifications in the area of renewable energy (in terms of building management) are becoming a requirement, with many companies contracted to provide Green Star rating, and a growing awareness and public pressure to make buildings more climate friendly. This area of experience and knowledge will become a greater prerequisite in coming years.

The coming quarter

The facilities management recruitment market is clearly buoyant, with employers creating vacancies. Having said this, there is a feeling that non-revenue generating roles will be put on hold in the private sector. Government recruitment will however increase, particularly for contract roles, as we approach the end of financial year and departments begin to utilise excesses in their budgets. Permanent roles are being created in bid management teams in the private sector.

Executive recruitment

There has been some movement recently at the executive level, and we expect this to continue. There has been an increase in interest from executive candidates from the UK, however most of these candidates have not researched the market or looked into relocation issues to any extent.

Salaries

Quality candidates will continue to command increased salaries. At the executive level, discerning candidates are prepared to wait for their key drivers to be satisfied before accepting a new role, and this includes a substantial increase in salary.

There is pressure on salaries for candidates moving from trades into management roles. The increased interest rates and general concern over economic forecasts have resulted in some hesitation for these candidates unless they receive a salary increase.

Candidate trends

As mentioned, there has been an increase in UK candidates applying for opportunities in the Australian market, however most require sponsorship and are still a number of months from arriving in Australia. This has resulted in only a few specifically qualified and experienced candidates successfully gaining opportunities in the Australian workforce.

Dubai and the lure of an overseas post has continued to attract candidates, particularly at the mid level management level and above. The high Australian Dollar may have an impact on the attraction of these skills.

Trades candidates remain incredibly scarce, particularly security, controls, air conditioning and refrigeration candidates.

Employment trends

The FM industry is heavily candidate driven, and employers are advised to be more flexible in terms of expectations and experience levels for the salaries on offer, offering training and development to combat the skilled candidate shortage.