BRISBANE

Market Overview
Over the last twelve months there has been a clear shift by many organisations towards fully embracing the value add that a dedicated HR function can bring to efficiency, productivity and ultimately profitability levels. Organisations are now aware that within an increasingly tight candidate market it is imperative to maintain a competitive advantage, and an effective HR function can contribute significantly to achieving and maintaining this. HR has now become a driving force behind achieving company objectives and goals and is seen as an integral part of the overall organisational strategic planning process.

Demand for generalist HR professionals is continuing to grow, particularly at the senior levels and for those candidates who hold tertiary qualifications. Alongside the general growth in the market, there has been an increased interest in candidates specialising in the learning and development fields as
organisations become more focused on staff retention and employee engagement strategies. Although there has continued to be a trend in appointing internal recruitment officers, the current and projected candidate shortage has resulted in these in-house recruiters continuing to maintain a multi-channel approach, utilising company branding, media advertising and partnering with recruitment agencies. In particular, this has been seen across national and multinational organisations, which are choosing to partner with agencies that can offer a global presence in sourcing the best candidates and offer increasingly innovative solutions to resourcing shortages.

Whilst the market is strong for those HR professionals seeking permanent employment, there has also been a significant increase in the number of organisations engaging HR professionals on a temporary or contract basis, either to solve specific issues or for specific projects. As a result candidates are able to offer a variety of skills and experience gained across a range of industries, enabling them to continue their professional development and ultimately provide the most innovative solutions to the issues at hand.

Indications for 2007 are that the market will continue to have a strong demand for tertiary qualified HR professionals, with industry sectors such as construction, property, engineering, energy and resources leading the growth.

MELBOURNE

Market Overview
2006 was a significant development year for the HR industry. The industry is facing a multitude of challenges including the ongoing issues with a ‘Generation X’ versus ‘Generation Y’ employee mix, management of a master vendor model to bring HR/recruitment back in house, and the changes in state awards and its effect on contracts and legislation.

Unlike other sectors, HR candidates are best sourced from the local market. Recruitment continues to remain highly competitive, with exceptional candidates demanding a premium.

Click here to read the Australian HR salary survey.

Robert Walters is a leading international recruitment consultancy, placing high calibre professionals into permanent, contract and temporary positions at all levels of seniority. With a developed network of 27 offices across 14 countries, we work with leading investment banks, multinational corporations, smaller enterprises, business start-ups and the public sector.

Every year we produce a comprehensive Global Salary Survey to provide you with information about salary packages and the latest market trends across an extensive range of market sectors including:

Accounting & Finance • Banking • Human Resources • Information Technology • Legal & Compliance • Sales & Marketing • Secretarial & Support