Demand is rising for transport managers and heavy haulage coordinators, while businesses are also struggling to attract fleet controllers
July 19, 2013
A diminishing talent pool is pushing up demand for transport managers and heavy haulage coordinators, while firms are also struggling to attract fleet controllers.
The latest quarterly report from recruitment firm Hays on jobs in demand highlights a number of vital roles across the transport and logistics sector employers are having trouble filling.
Hays blames an ageing workforce for causing a drain on the amount of transport managers in the marketplace.
“Very few new professionals are entering the market and new talent is highly sought after,” it says.
Competition is fierce for heavy haulage coordinators, according to Hays, which says employers are focusing on those with experience.
“The talent pool is very small and consequently there is high competition for those experienced professionals who are available,” the agency says.
Employers are also on the hunt for fleet controllers, but Hays blames poor pay rates as the primary reason for the shortage of available professionals.
“Employers are looking for experienced candidates at all levels who can work long hours. However without the offer of competitive salaries in line with other industries, candidate attraction is difficult,” Hays says.
Other positions in demand include transport schedulers, operations managers, transport supervisors, warehouse and distribution centre managers and multi-combination (MC) drivers.
“In Perth we are also seeking a need for MC drivers and experienced reach stacker operators in response to the lack of qualified operators,” Hays says.
A senior regional director at Hays, Tim James, says employers have high expectations when they recruit and are making selective investments in roles that can add immediate value to the business.
“Employers will only make job offers to top tier candidates. They are still looking for industry specific skills and background that matches their industry,” James says.
One area where employers are being highly selective is the role of distribution manager. Hays says firms are looking for candidates with a very specific skill set.
“While a high number of candidates apply for these roles, very few have the management or industry experience employers need,” Hays says.
However, businesses may not have the luxury of being picky when filling vacant freight forwarding positions. Hays says a combination of an ageing workforce and a lack of new entrants is causing a shortage in the profession.
“In addition, many candidates with five or more years of experience are looking for a branch manager role, which further depletes the pool of suitable talent,” Hays says.
