Hays Construction - October 2008

Hotspots

Increased focus on cost control, stronger construction schedules and the maximisation of return on investment for assets has seen increased demand for project management and project controls candidates across the board.

Notably, in the Northern Territory recruitment in the construction industry is booming. For Darwin, a town of a population of 110,000 people, there are in excess of 10 major high-rise developments due for completion in the next 12 months, as well as the INPEX project coming to Darwin leading to the creation of 4000 jobs. These projects will see the demand for construction professionals increase dramatically.

In Victoria, the civil industry is continuing to benefit from government expenditure, with a number of major projects recently being awarded and more on the way. Contracts administrators are a hotspot of demand in Victoria, and skilled project managers and project engineers are highly sought after, particularly within the larger tier two builders.

The coming quarter

Hiring intentions are positive and the coming quarter will see consistent demand for site managers, contract administrators, structures and finishing forepersons, and project managers. With tendering active and more projects on the horizon, particularly in the health, education and aged care and infrastructure sectors, demand is largely focused on permanent recruitment. There are also a significant number of positions arising for building graduates, with employers now more willing to search further a field to source quality candidates.

In Victoria, a steady flow of government-funded infrastructure projects are pushing up demand, such as the proposed new rail tunnel under Central Melbourne. The fit out/refurbishment industry is also enjoying the influx of a number of projects from both the commercial and institutional sectors.

Executive recruitment

Increased development work and the resultant diversification of business have led to increased levels of executive vacancies.

Salaries

Salaries across the Eastern Seaboard are stabilising, causing some candidates to pursue positions in the North where salaries are steadily increasing as a result of new projects.

Candidate trends

Candidate shortages remain across the industry, with contract administrators and estimators in the highest demand.