Hays Human Resources - Public Sector
January - March 2012
Hotspots
Within Australia's public sector, the first quarter of a New Year is always active as departments seek key personnel to drive initiatives and projects that were put on hold during the previous calendar year but now need to be implemented before the end of the financial year. As a result, Change Managers and Project Managers will be sought to develop, drive and implement business critical programs. Organisational Development Consultants will also be needed.
Overcoming skills shortages
Employers typically engage the above professionals on a contract basis due to the non-ongoing nature of the work. Thus, departments are turning to recruiters to help them overcome skills shortages.
The coming quarter
A number of Government departments are currently restructuring, so there will be slightly different roles in the market this quarter. The focus will be temporary assignments as employers look to cover staff on annual leave and look for professionals to implement projects.
At the executive level the focus will remain on Head of HR roles. We have however seen a steady flow of executive level roles in the not-for-profit and higher education sector.
Employer trends
Employers are taking the opportunity to hire quality staff. If they interview multiple candidates that meet their expectations for a role, they will often create additional roles to secure their skills.
Candidate trends
We have seen an increase in the number of available candidates at the $50,000 to $60,000 level, although there is a shortage at the more experienced levels. There is also a shortage of specialist HR professionals.
