Hays Procurement - July 2008

Hotspots

The prime hotspots of candidate demand exist for purchasing officers and strategic sourcing managers, although demand is occurring for all specialist procurement functions as teams expand and promotions occur internally.

There is also a need for category managers within indirect spend and demand planners in FMCG. There is a push on contract administrators, contract managers, buyers and category managers with specific skills in indirect procurement, as opposed to directs for which candidate supply is very positive.

The coming quarter

The procurement function is becoming more important with a number of businesses restructuring their teams to pursue better talent and spend reduction without compromising customer/stakeholder satisfaction and quality.

Project roles are increasing as are greenfield opportunities. This is impacting the temporary market in particular, with an obvious increase in long-term contract roles evident. There has been an increase in permanent vacancies in the manufacturing/distribution industry.

Executive recruitment

As business recognises the value of procurement, executive recruitment levels have increased and the demand for specialist roles rises.

Salaries

The 2008 Hays Salary Survey, detailing typical salaries across Australia and New Zealand, has been released. The survey includes over 16 procurement roles in 4 locations and is available from www.hays.com.au/salary

Candidate trends

As procurement becomes a more critical function within the wider business community and formal recognition is obtainable from CIPSA, active and passive jobseekers have become aware of their value to a business, and also their market worth. This is creating movement at all levels as candidates seek to improve their prospects, and tougher salary negotiations are evident.

While there has been a decrease of candidates at many levels, there has been an increase of senior/executive candidates from a direct (goods, products, raw materials) background.