How strategic hiring adds big-time value to businesses in Singapore

By Chris Mead

Accountancy and finance, supply chain and banking employers are recruiting, but they are not the only industries hiring new staff; we are seeing vacancies in most industries across Singapore for select strategic roles.

This focus on strategic hiring is the key; while most industries are recruiting, they are recruiting in select areas. Employers are looking to secure candidates with the required technical capability, cultural fit, and the expertise to provide long-term benefits to the organisation.

It may help you to know that while demand is not evident in every function in every industry, there are pockets of specific skill shortages. Employersare replacing departing staff and making selective staff investments in roles that can add immediate value to their businesses.

In particular, we are seeing high demand for tax professionals in both direct and in-direct tax. There are a limited number of indirect candidates available in Singapore and we have recently been sourcing these candidates from overseas. Candidates with regional exposure and commercial experience are highly desired by employers as they are not looking to train new entrants.

Specialists in the supply chain industry such as Demand & Supply Plannersare sought after to make business forecasts. These professionals can give a business optimal profits and stock levels while minimizing or eliminating costs incurred from overstock.

In the banking sector skills in risk and regulatory reporting, compliance and internal controlsare in high demand as they share the same synergies focusing on tighter controls as well as more in depth and regular reporting. These skills are expected to stay in high demand while there is increased importance in the current market for local regulatory reporting such as MAS.

The latest Hays Quarterly Hotspots list includes:

Accountancy & Finance- Tax Professionals, Pricing
Banking- Risk and Regulatory Reporting, Compliance and Internal Controls
Construction- Quantity Surveyors, Construction/Project Managers and Tunnel Managers
Contact Centres- Telesales/Telemarketing
Engineering- Structural Design Engineers
Finance Technology- Developers (Core C++/C#/Java)
Information Technology- Mobile Developers (Android, iOS), Cloud Sales/Pre-sales
Human Resources- Compensation & Benefits
Insurance- FP&A/Management Accountants
Office Professionals- Corporate Secretariat Managers, Office Managers
Life Sciences- Medical Sales Representatives
Oil & Gas- Oil & gas Senior Project Managers
Procurement - Indirect Managers
Property - Property Managers
Sales & Marketing- Regional Business Developers, Internal Communications
Supply Chain- Demand & Supply Planners

Finally, it’s also worth noting that employers are only making job offers to the top tier candidates as they are still looking for employees with the background and specific skills that match their industry.

View our latest Hays Quarterly Hotspots list here.

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