Hays Sales & Marketing - January 2010
Hotspots
Within marketing, FMCG and Retail employers will seek strong candidates with product-based experience and insightful consumer trend experience. Such candidates are in high constant demand.
Marketing Communications professionals at all levels, from recent graduates to Directors, will also be an area of demand. Many organisations now acknowledge the importance of having their corporate message and value proposition recognised in a clear, confident and precise manner. In addition to the demand for Marketing Communications professionals, Advertising and PR agencies are increasingly being engaged as expert advisors to aid this venture.
Within the sales arena, the IT&T sector is most active and is seeking candidates with at least three to four years experience. Information technology and telecommunications organisations are recruiting up to Regional Director level. Candidates require a proven track record in customer retention and new business development as well as strong knowledge of the developing trends in technology.
We have also seen increasing evidence of a revitalisation in both the construction and property sectors since employers have advised us of vacancies in their sales and business development teams.
The coming quarter
Based on employer feedback, the coming quarter is expected to see an increase in vacancy activity across all industries for sales and marketing professionals. Replacements are required immediately and the majority of organisations have current open headcounts.
Executive recruitment
Recruiting activity is occurring at the executive level. The last quarter saw an increase in senior management hires from country level Marketing and Sales Directors to Asian region Marketing and Sales Directors.
Some of these roles exist within new venues starting up in Singapore, while some are recumbent of ill-performing businesses or replacements of those moving to new roles.
Employer trends
Employers have recognised that 2010 will be a growth year in the Singapore economy; this translates to a greater demand for talent. The vast majority of organisations are willing to look for specialised talent both in and outside Singapore. Employers have also noted that due to increased demand, salaries are likely to rise this year between five and 20 per cent, depending on specific skill sets.
There is an increasing trend to offer relocation assistance and fringe benefits for senior specialists and senior managerial candidates.
Employers have reduced the time taken to sign off new headcount. The recruitment process has also shortened from five or six interviews to two or three. Senior managers are also increasingly flexible with their schedules in order to interview quality candidates.
Candidate trends
There is an increasing awareness that 2010 will be a better year for candidates. Many candidates chose to stay in secure employment last year rather than enter the job market. This is no longer the case, and we expect vacancy activity to rise accordingly as candidates are now more willing to explore their options.
The surplus of candidates that peaked towards mid to late 2009 is abating.
