The procurement contractor landscape remains steady, according to new data from Cozens Mabel, but anticipated increases in unemployment will affect the job market over the next 12 months.
The specialist Australian recruitment firm says overall contractor numbers remained level between June to August across all key sectors, while healthcare, FMCG, mining, energy and education all saw increases of around 15 percent during this time.
However, this could be set to change, says Cozens Mabel’s Director Ilsa Cozens.
“Low unemployment levels and consistent levels of contractor engagement and retention, including contract extensions, have helped to support these numbers, but with anticipated increases in unemployment over the next 12 months or so, contracting and permanent recruitment demand will likely slow compared to historical volumes over the last few years.”
In terms of in-demand skills and experience, contractors with five years or more of contract management experience are currently sought after, as well as category management with IT and FM leading the way.
“We have also seen an increase in demand for procurement contracting talent with risk, assurance and governance skills over the last three months, combined with strong reporting, data and analytical skills,” said Ilsa.
Across supply chain, supply planners have been in demand. At the more senior level, there has been a steady demand for supply chain managers across all industries, particularly those with automation skills.
A new report from Deloitte has predicted more than 100,000 Australians will be unemployed in the next 12 months as the job market slows, with the unemployment rate – which currently sits at 4.2 percent – potentially set to peak at 4.5 percent.
The top professional services firm says private sector job growth is stagnant in Australia, suggesting it has entered a ‘hiring freeze’.
