Millennials warned that employers are valuing loyalty in its own right
While the return of employment demand in mining is promising on many fronts, it has remained steady in a transport and logistics sector focused heavily on cost control, according to recruitment firm Hays.
Mining’s resurgence, as signalled by a 70 per cent rise in related job vacancies on Hays’ figures and, in Western Australia, a 35 per cent rise reported by DFP Recruitment recently, would be a T&L boon, especially in WA and Queensland – though its effect on the wider economy may take a while in coming.
For T&L currently, where demand is strengthening, the Hays Quarterly Report echoes the recent Hays Salary Guide
https://www.fullyloaded.com.au/industry-news/1706/salary-rises-under-pressure-as-caution-and-change-rule-says-hays
in noting employer preference for candidates with a broad skills set who have a strong knowledge of systems and processes, combined with a proven track record in reducing costs and achieving demanding KPIs.
The context is a sector where “3PL providers continue to grow thanks to the trend towards outsourcing logistics functions.
“However, aggressive pricing strategies geared to win new business on lower margins are squeezing salaries and creating a significant gap between large providers and smaller transport companies.”
As identified earlier, this might include transport supervisors will often need to have relevant truck licences to be able to provide relief.
And it seems job-hopping ‘millennials’ are out of favour.
“Millennials continue to strive for quick progress. However, companies are focused on loyal individuals who can demonstrate a stable work history,” the Hays analysts say.
“With this in mind, candidates should be careful when selecting future positions; if they are the ambitious type, securing a role within a company that is able to offer internal progression should be the aim, as opposed to hopping from role to role.
“CVs are as ever a crucial area of focus when considering a new position. Specifically, candidates who are not only able to detail their roles and responsibilities across previous positions, but are able to communicate their achievements, really set themselves apart from the competition.”
On the other side of the desk, given skill shortages, employers need to be proactive and quick when recruiting as good candidates are not on the market long.
“As project activity increases, candidates with strong continuous improvement backgrounds will be in high demand,” the reports says.
High demand is seen for:
- Warehouse operators and supervisors in most locations. Operators with a forklift licence are especially sought
- Fleet controllers in the eastern states as logistics companies continue to seek out individuals who are able to operate and multitask within high pressure environments. Those who are technically strong, possess good communication skills and have a strategic and commercial approach to operations are in highest demand
- Supply chain managers and coordinators as companies continue to seek jobseekers who have strong systems knowledge, especially SAP/APO. However, these skills are scarce
- Demand planners from the FMCG industry with SAP/APO experience. They are extremely valued by employers. Given the challenging, technical and fast paced nature of the role, combined with more and more companies implementing SAP, candidates with relevant experience who can hit the ground running are highly sought after.
- Operations managers within a 3PL set up are also in demand across most locations. Companies are seeking candidates with a proven track record in implementing systems and improving efficiencies within challenging environments, along with the ability to effectively manage and motivate often large volume teams where stringent KPIs are employed.
The full report can be found here.