The Market Outlook

With earnings season upon us, forecasts are showing that 06/07 will be one of the most profitable reporting years in corporate history worthy of much celebration. Whilst a small number of industries have struggled with the impact of drought, rising fuel prices and interest rate concerns, unease in these sectors has lessened over recent months making way for a more positive outlook. Strong employment growth has continued which has flowed onto the HR profession. Consequently, the talent shortage in HR shows no signs of abating.

The issue of Talent Management remains a major talking point in HR with attraction and retention strategies and solutions taking centre stage as priority issues for many companies. The spin-off is that many HR leaders are now exploring a range of response options that will best mesh with business needs. Referral programs, off-shore sourcing, talent raids, incentive programs, engagement surveys - everything is up for consideration and redefinition in the quest for innovative solutions. One of the changes we are seeing as a result, is the growth of the Resourcing and Retention specialist role. For many organizations, this is becoming a "must have" differentiator and may provide great opportunity for those suitably experienced or seeking change. Keep your eye out for these exciting roles as businesses get creative around the HR function.

Until next time ......

Craig Mason

Please feel free to provide your comments.
Email cmason@thenextstep.com.au

 
Singapore Snapshot

Fiona Lim, one of our specialist contract recruiters from Sydney, recently spent 3 days in Singapore meeting clients across the banking, logistics and IT industries. Fiona offered the following observations about current Singapore activity.
"The market in Singapore remains extremely buoyant with several of the financial services organisations projecting significant personnel growth for the remainder of 2007. There continues to be an increased demand for senior HR professionals in Senior Business Partnering roles, Remuneration & Reward, Talent Acquisition and Resourcing. Singapore remains an attractive proposition to foreign organizations due to its highly skilled local workforce, significant tax breaks, operating exemptions and other generous incentives. It is currently refocusing its economy on high technologies, value-added clean, capital-intensive products, and sophisticated business and financial services".
With many of our clients actively promoting Australian talent to international roles, Fiona also caught up with Australian HR professionals currently working on 2-3 year secondments in Singapore. From speaking to these colleagues, it was clear that the move had been good both professionally and personally. One noticeable change for many now working in a head office role, was the greater ability to impact on global operations HR strategy. Others noted that while a recent move away from expat salaries had seen many overseas candidates now being recruited on local packages, a significantly lower tax rate along with cheaper food and transport, still made Singapore a very attractive career choice financially and professionally.


Recent HR Market Moves

• Andrew Boyd has accepted the role of Executive General Manager People & Performance with CSR. Andrew was previously with Multiplex where he was Group General Manager Human Resources.

• Brigitte Fairbank was recently appointed the role of General Manager People - Airports. Brigitte was previously with Pepsi Co/ The Smith Snack Food Company as the National Human Resources Manager.

• Rachel Freeman is the newly appointed Human Resources Director with Abbott Australasia Pty Ltd. Rachel was previously with Life Therapeutics Limited where she was the Senior Vice President, Human Resources.

• James Hay has recently accepted a role with the Commonwealth Bank as a Human Resources Relationship Manager Wealth Management. James was previously with the Diocese of Lismore as the Human Resource Manager and prior to this Westpac & AMP.

• Ross Hargreaves is the new Head of Human Resources for Linklaters Asia, where he will be based in Hong Kong. Ross was previously National Human Resources Manager for KPMG.

• Samantha Cummins is now Head of Recruitment at Woolworths. Samantha was previously with Luxottica as Head of Recruitment.

• Duncan Hewitson joins TABCORP as Human Resources Manager. Duncan's most recent role was with Mirvac Group as Human Resources Manager.

• Donna Harding has recently been appointed as Manager Learning & Development with MBF. Donna was previously with Unisys as Learning & Development Director.

• HBOS Australia has recently appointed Leisa Wass as Human Resources Business Partner in the Business Banking Division. Leisa was previously TABCORP Human Resources Manager - Wagering Division.

• Kerri McFarlane has recently accepted the role of Head of Human Resources for Macquarie University - Student Services. Kerri was previously NSW Human Resources Manager with PMP Limited.

• Ted Bradshaw has recently accepted the role of General Manager People & Culture with Aurora Energy in Hobart. Ted was previously with Corporate Express as Executive General Manager, Human Resources.

• Mari Ruiz-Pedley joins Insurance Line as Head of Human Resources. Having worked for Corporate Value Associates, Mallesons Stephens Jaques, Optus Communications and Ansett Australia, Mari brings a diverse background to this role.

• Jeff Pentney has secured the position of General Manager, Human Resources with Patties Foods. Jeff brings a wealth of experience gained in various industries, most recently with Telstra in the role of Group Manager Learning & Development.

• Leanne Foyle joins MLC as Learning & Development Manager. Leanne's most recent role with PricewaterhouseCoopers was as Senior Manager, Human Capital.

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