Hays Manufacturing & Ops - July 2008

Hotspots

New process improvement teams are being created to cut costs and maintain quality, which has created a hotspot of demand for process improvement engineers. Mechanical engineers with three to five years experience are required since the mining and construction booms continue to attract skilled candidates away from the manufacturing industry, while maintenance planners are in demand as companies introduce preventative rather than reactive maintenance systems in order to save cost and time.

Intermediate engineers have emerged as a hotspot since these candidates seem to be extremely content at present and are highly regarded by management, which has led to very high levels of staff retention and thus a shortage of candidates for the available opportunities.

Design candidates with 3D modelling skills are also required. While the greatest percentage of candidates and employers use AutoCAD 2D software, there is still a shortage of skills with more advanced packages such as Pro Engineer, Unigraphics, Catia and Solidworks.

Increased requirement for customised technology solutions across a range of manufacturing sectors, including FMCG, heavy industrial, consumer products, special purpose machinery and automotive has led to significant requirements for senior electrical controls engineers.

FMCG employers have a need for graduates with one to two years practical experience. It appears that fewer candidates are interested in graduate schemes within manufacturing, preferring instead the more financially rewarding mining sector opportunities.

The coming quarter

Some industries may have moved manufacturing offshore, but others are doubling their production, and while the construction and mining boom may be attracting many skilled candidates from the manufacturing industry, it is also bolstering our market and ensuring the manufacturing industry, and consequently job market activity, remains healthy.

Vacancies will continue at steady levels, with companies preferring permanent candidates rather than contractors who often have high salary expectations. However temporary roles are still preferred as a measure of coping with peaks in demand.

Executive recruitment

Candidates at the executive level are in as much demand as mid-level candidates at present. Operations, state and general managers are needed for the FMCG industry, while executives with experience at lowering costs and implementing strategies such as lean manufacturing techniques and process improvements are in demand.

Salaries

The 2008 Hays Salary Survey, detailing typical salaries across Australia and New Zealand, has been released. The survey includes over 15 manufacturing and ops roles in 5 locations and is available from www.hays.com.au/salary

Candidate trends

The shortage of skilled and experienced candidates remains the primary challenge for employers. Unemployment is low, workforce participation is rising and candidates are aware of the demand for their skills.