The market has been relatively constant, with the unemployment rate remaining steady at 6.9 per cent in February and March.
This stability has translated to flat job growth over the last year, with total job numbers increasing by only 1%. The growth has been most noticeable in white collar employment with 1.5% growth compared to .6% for blue collar.
The biggest news in the job market are the changes to the 457 visa, as announced by Malcolm Turnbull on the 19th April. The full implications of these changes are yet to be realised. Although, as it stands organisations can continue to use the 457 to hire overseas talent but there has been an immediate reduction in the number of eligible roles.
Regional talent still scarce. Many of our food manufacturing clients face ongoing battles to attract and retain key talent in engineering and operations functions in regional locations. Despite lower living costs, attractive lifestyle options and relocation assistance, it remains a key challenge for businesses. Some of the barriers for talent include lack of opportunity for their partner to find work, current or future schooling commitments and existing family or friends support networks in their current location.
Marketers put their social and environmental conscience first. Health, nutrition and “better for you” organisations are in high demand, as well as those affiliated with the not for profit sector such as Thank you, Keep Cup, Made and Table of Plenty to name a few. Marketers (and talent more broadly) want to work for companies that resonate with their personal interests and values. Now more than ever marketers are more socially conscious of where they work and what they market.
A shift in procurement needs. Many senior, strategic procurement roles and in some cases the entire procurement function are being shifted offshore to align regional or global strategy. Due to this there has been a surge in the number of senior buyer and sourcing specialist roles required to facilitate local execution.
The dairy crisis, not over. Consumers that shifted their preferences to branded milk during the height of the dairy crisis have returned to cost based purchasing behaviours. This has resulted in a return uplift in private label sales for retailers and further troubles for the dairy industry.
Consumer insights a priority. Business are investing significantly into this function as the market becomes more competitive and the retailers squeeze tighter. It is a strategic priority to understand exactly what consumers need. From a talent point of view this translates into an increased demand for consumer insight and shopper activation managers to drive brand strategy and return.
Maya Antczak is an Executive Consultant specialising in marketing recruitment at Six Degrees Executive, a specialist recruitment consultancy providing talent solutions within the FMCG space.
