Hays Manufacturing & Operations
January - March 2012
Hotspots
Continuous Improvement Coordinators/Facilitators and Process Improvement Engineers are two hotspots of demand resulting from the increasing number of manufacturing companies that are reviewing their processes and looking at ways to become more competitive, reduce waste and improve downtime.
Manufacturing companies are also in need of Mechanical Drafters, since many of these candidates have left manufacturing to work in the mining sector. But this is a trend that is not solely restricted to the recruitment of Mechanical Drafters. Candidates across all areas of operations and engineering with heavy industrial backgrounds are needed for both white and blue collar roles. Manufacturers face competition from contractors, EPCMs and operators in the resources sector for the limited number of candidates with heavy industrial experience. The attractive financial packages offered by FIFO and contract roles have made it difficult for manufacturers to secure these candidates.
Finally, demand for degree qualified management professionals is increasing, with employers believing formal qualifications are critical for a successful hire.
Overcoming skills shortages
Employers have started to up-skill candidates, which is adding value to their skill set, allowing them to fill roles in skill short areas and aiding their future career potential. Many employers are also looking at employing candidates from overseas and increasing salaries for Drafters to compete with the mining sector.
The coming quarter
This quarter will be a mixed one for the manufacturing sector. Those manufacturing companies that are American or European owned are still facing recruitment freezes, yet those that are supplying the mining sector are adding to their teams at a moderate rate. Western Australia in particular will be active, with new jobs created this quarter as manufacturers take advantage of the buoyant Western Australian economic conditions.
Executive recruitment
There is always a need for high level Operations Managers however salary is a factor, with Queensland employers offering less than those in New South Wales or Victoria. When recruiting at this level, employers are also looking for candidates with a degree or MBA.
Employer trends
Many employers in the manufacturing sector will move quickly when they identify their ideal candidate. They do not want to lose them to competitors or other sectors. In particular, immediately available candidates do not last long on the market.
Yet there are businesses with a long approval process, which means they are less likely to compromise and more likely to demand a highly skilled candidate. These employers will also run a lengthy recruitment process as they seek a candidate who can match a rigid list of cultural and technical requirements.
Candidate trends
There are fewer Mechanical Drafters and Engineers in the market. Many of these candidates instead find roles in the mining sector. Electrical maintenance candidates are also attracted to the mining sector. As a result, the design/drafting space in manufacturing is very candidate short.
There are few immediately available candidates on the market. Most jobseekers are passively keeping an eye out for new opportunities and will only enter the jobs market when they see an ideal role.
