Hays Logistics Personnel - January 2009

Hotspots

The main hotspot of demand for logistics personnel will be lower management positions in key operational roles such as team leaders and supervisors in warehousing. This is a direct result of the need to monitor costs and drive efficiencies where possible without impacting on service quality.

In the transport industry there has been an in increase demand for business savvy operational managers who are able to effectively manage the P&L as well as operational performance.

In shipping, the demand for candidates with export experience has increased, as has the need for qualified customs brokers, due to a predicted increase in cargo across the wharf.

The coming quarter

Although the requirement for talented lower and mid-level management will remain strong in the coming quarter, permanent senior management roles will experience a slight downturn. More and more employers will be turning to short and medium term contracts to bring in niche skills as required.

The supply chain and warehousing sectors will see a demand for contractors with experience in lean processes, while transport and shipping will see demand focused more closely on candidates who are able to manage process redesign and thereby increase service delivery to customers.

Executive recruitment

Executive recruitment remained steady over the last quarter and this likely to continue into the coming quarter. There has been a strong push for warehousing candidates who have exposure to lean processes, which extends to all levels of management. These candidates are needed to ensure maximum profits can be extracted from current operations without impacting on customer service levels.

Salaries

Senior management candidates will experience a decrease in salary levels this quarter following two years of solid increases due to the larger number of available candidates competing for the same roles. On the other hand, salaries for lower management roles will continue to increase, albeit at a slower rate than this time last year.

Candidate trends

Candidates have become less active in the current market with many preferring the security of current employment to the risk of a new job search. In addition, this growing pool of "inactive" candidates has become far more selective when considering new roles, with a view to longer-term job stability and career advancement opportunities. This has resulted in greater interest in working for larger organisations, which are perceived to be more financially stable. Candidates are still seeking work with organisations that are committed to creating an effective work/life balance for their employees.