This week, New Zealand will celebrate one month of life at level 1. Per a recent Kiwibank report, in this time we’ve seen domestic holidaying resume, restaurant & bar spending leap back to levels above those seen pre lockdown, stadiums around the country fill up and an acceleration in online shopping & video consumption habits (at the expense of our movie cinemas). Just like our people, businesses have adjusted their operations and plans accordingly where necessary and started to gather more confidence.
Clearly, as a nation – and a global community, we are still walking the tight rope that is COVID-19 and what is around the corner is not 100% certain. But most reports suggest New Zealand is well placed to come out of this period relatively healthy. The question for most is not if, but when?
This edition we respond to a few of the question’s companies are asking us the most in this time of change, to give you an overview of what we are seeing in the market.
Are people currently employed willing to take a new opportunity? Or are they holding back at present?
There is a perception that most employed candidates are playing it safe and enjoying their stable jobs. But, with very low case numbers and life moving forward again, we are engaging with many candidates who are looking forward with hope, not backwards, irrespective of their current employment situation. That said, job and employer stability have quickly risen to the top of most candidate’s question lists as they explore their next opportunity with us. Additionally, newly added on that question list are, how have they dealt with COVID-19? What has changed in their organisation? Have they looked after their people? But, most candidate’s enthusiasm for better career opportunities has not been dampened by the last few months, whether they were impacted by COVID-19 or not.
Like prior periods, candidates performing well with their current employer are less likely to apply for an advertised vacancy. They are not out looking for new jobs – given the career path often clearly laid out in front of them. However, this does not mean that top candidates are not open to a new opportunity, they need to be engaged on the opportunity and how this matches back to their desires and career goals. It is difficult to get the full picture across in a job advertisement alone, this is where our team can play a key role engaging leading talent.
What is happening across the recruitment market? Where has this situation driven the greatest impact or change?
The recruitment industry overall took a dive during lockdown (levels 4 and 3 in particular) as many employers rightfully reassessed and went into protect mode. Like many other sectors, some recruitment segments (such as hospitality, travel etc.) have been impacted more than others. June data suggests we’re back to 70-80% of the levels of activity seen pre lockdown (across most segments).
Based on prior recession experiences, data suggests the temp staff and contractor offerings could see relatively higher demand in the current climate (vs Permanent recruitment). From our observations, we see this being the case, often for businesses as they balance their financial position vs required employee resource vs increasing demand as their operation grows, whilst not wanting to over commit.
We are still engaging across a range of roles, from entry level to Senior Management, across a variety of functions. These roles represent both replacements and new roles to accelerate growth. In the case of the new positions, these organisations see these incremental skills sets as paramount to unlocking their growth plans. There are strong opportunities coming out of this situation which some businesses are tapping into.
Are more candidates applying for roles and is it easier to find the right candidate?
As one can expect, we are seeing more candidates applying for vacancies. Depending on the role, the rate can vary from 50% more to twice the number we would have received prior to COVID-19. But, the challenge for anyone working in recruitment is not attaining a high number of applicants, it is finding them and engaging top performers who could fit their needs and add value to that business.
In many ways, this environment makes recruitment process longer. The screening stage can take significantly longer as you wade through a high number of ‘nearly right’ candidates.
What’s happening in the temporary staff market?
Like we mentioned in May’s bulletin, there are plenty of great candidates willing to consider temp and contracting roles. Additionally there are many who converted into that employment format recently and are now looking ahead to what’s next. A key focus of ours during lock down was refining and building our database of talent available immediately. As such, we have an extensive database of candidates across all levels of Quality/Laboratory, Scientific, Engineering, Operations and Commercial roles. Scitex has a variety of flexible options available – we can put staff on our payroll, set up independent contracting arrangements or temporary staff can be hired directly by your business on a fixed-term contract.
Are organisations continuing with flexible working arrangements?
As much as there has been a lot of talk that change has occurred, there is not a pattern here. There are a range of situations based on industry, business operation, roles, locations, and of course personal needs.
Overall it does seem a greater flexibility has become the norm for many as a result of the lockdown, but many businesses report their teams (in office based roles) who have been offered to work remotely part of the week, have ended up working in the office more than expected. It seems the benefit of team collaboration and camaraderie is hard to replace, but that extra day at home a week is also good!
As always, below are some of the candidates we have engaged with recently who offer great skill sets, for your perusal. Like our last edition, we have not included a ‘Temp & Contractor’ section, as in this climate many candidates normally only open to Permanent roles are now also open to shorter term or Temporary assignments. We can’t include everyone who we meet, so feel free to reach out should you be seeking a different skill set or have a question.
We wish you a safe passage over the coming months.
Kind regards,
Gareth Robertson, Managing Director
Available Talent
Quality & Laboratory
BM106 Quality focused professional with excellent experience on modifying Quality Manuals, writing SOPs, owning NCR logs and training production staff. Available for immediate start and happy to consider all areas of NZ. $70K
BM109 Seasoned Technical Manager with outstanding experience in GMP manufacturing. Proficient in leading development and quality teams in the food industry. Waikato, $90K
BM102 Food Technologist with experience leading team of 12 QC and R&D staff. Strong background in quality systems, factory trials to reduce cost and new product development. Looking to find her next challenge in the food industry to build on her manufacturing experience. $80k, Auckland.
PB203 Validation Specialist 20 years’ work experience in Pharmaceutical & Biotech Manufacturing with 12+ years as a Validation Lead. Experienced in creating, implementing & managing Validation plan, IQ/OQ/PQ, regulatory, quality assurance, change control, documentation, analytical method development/analysis, stability studies, GXP (GMP, GAMP, GLP), ACVM, EMA & FDA regulations. Experienced in validation of site, cleaning, equipment, method transfer, etc. Auckland, $90k
OS102 Microbiology Technician and Quality Control Analyst with extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Working knowledge of GMP, GLP, HAACP, GCP, & ICH regulations. Proficient in autoclave operation, media prep, plating, ELISAs, HPLC, PCR. BPharm & GDip – infection risk management. $55k, Auckland based.
OS103 GC-MS Specialist, chemical ecologist, and biosecurity research associate. Applied research in market access and biosecurity. Extensive working experience of GC and GC-MS, lab management, staff training, head space samples, chemical inventory management. Looking for medium-term contract work. $55k+, Auckland based.
OS104 PhD, & MSc – Microbiology. Environmental Microbiologist with a strong academic and research background in environmental biotechnology, specialising in wastewater engineering. PC1 & PC2 laboratory. Good knowledge of QA/QC standards, SOP preparation, IC, HPLC, GC-MS, spectroscopy. Strong work ethic, diligent, intelligent. Seeking a chance to join industry. $50k
OS106 Quality and Microbiology Specialist, 10 years’ experience. Analyst and KTP; staff training, technical support, assisting laboratory management (2IC), internal auditing, consumables sterility testing, analysing food and water samples. Passionate about quality and safety practice; ISO 17025, GMP, also ILCP. Review of SOPs and methods. Bachelor Resource Management, PgDip – applied science. $60k+
OS107 Wine, dairy and Food Microbiologist. Good industry background – sample collection and analysis of wine: raw materials & finished products. Autoclave operation, sterility testing, spectrophotometer, media prep, QC inspections, etc. Great working experience of GMP, HAACP, CQA. BBioTech, & MSc – microbiology. Auckland, $60k
OS110 Senior-level microbiologist with 15 years’ experience, including pharmaceutical. Has set-up and accreditation for a microbiological laboratory, great lab management and team leader experience, method verification and validation experience. GMP, GLP, HACP, ISO internal auditing experience. Auckland preferred, $70k+
VP222 Master in Biotech & Food Sci. Intelligent Grad, independent candidate on Work Visa – 2022 req’s Lab Tech role pref in Food. Exp in Microbiology, Food, Chem, processing & HACCP knowledge. Exc computer, analytical & numerical skills. Dayshift role $40-$45K
PB207 Industrial Chemist with R&D and Manufacturing experience across paints, coatings, adhesives, chemicals, aerosols & polymers. Proven experience in complete product development cycle, manufacturing support, QA/QC, regulatory. Waikato or Auckland. $85k+
Operations & Supply Chain
BM107 Production Manager, recently returned to NZ with fantastic experience in food & pharma manufacture and a focus on staff motivation and development. Auckland, $80K.
BM108 Motivated Production Supervisor with thorough exposure to GMP manufacture, with an eye for detail and strong focus on 6 Sigma and Lean manufacture. Auckland, $70K
OS105 Warehousing, production, and customer service experience. Very hard working, and adaptable. Inwards good processing, dispatching, counter sales, customer service, driving experience. $48k+
OS109 Operations lead with chemistry background. Strong H&S, risk management, hazard analysis. Shift lead, and control room operator with full site ownership, on high hazard chemicals plant (biodiesel) Process validation, production optimisation and process R&D experience. Seeking roles in operations management, hazard/risk management & assessment. Auckland, $100k+
BM103 Senior Food Technologist with proven track record in product and process development, from inception to launch. Excellent knowledge of GMP and ANZ Food Standards Code with a strong focus on Quality Systems. Proactive mentor for junior food technologists. $100k.
LF333 Exceptional senior level Manager, supply chain, logistics & Operations Management exp both Intl & NZ in both food & civil engineering, excellent exp in numerous project methodology software, great communicator. Impressive commercial acumen. Immediate start, happy to relocate anywhere in NZ. $140K
LF334 qualifying as Electrician ERWB this week, extensive experience in industrial manufacturing environmental, pump & wastewater experience. Start immediately, $75K
LF336 Highly skilled Toolmaker, diverse experience. Seeking a role as a Service Technician in a team-based manufacturing environment. $76K
VP218 Machine Operator/ Production/ Assembly. Electronics Engineer seeks new challenge in manufacturing, good technical & trouble shooting skills, enjoys teamwork & learning, ability to diversify. East/Sth Auckland. $45K
VP219 Machine Operator – Physically fit & outgoing young man. Perm Resident, searching for a career in manufacturing. Good technical & minor maintenance / troubleshooting ability. Excellent IT skills prefers hands-on work, quick on his feet, very versatile candidate. $40-45K
VP221 Production Technician with a B.Tech in Food Science seeks stable role in food co. QC & QA exp incl GMP/GHP, ISO, HACCP, VACCP, TACCP & H&S measures. Involved in production planning, line team organising, working with raw materials to finished products. Nth/West Auckland pref, but will travel for right role $50-55K
PB200 Technical Plant Manager with strong experience in Industrial Chemistry R&D – formulations including polymers, coatings & chemicals. Manufacturing, quality, technical support to staff and customers. Great communication skills. $100k+, flexible location.
Engineering
OS108 Mechanical design engineer. Strong 3D modelling, CAD, AutoCAD experience. Very strong portfolio: experience designing/drafting aircraft interiors, production and manufacturing automation machinery for food and other industries. Seeking opportunity in the design of technically complex products ideally manufacturing/automation machinery. BEng, Mechanical (First Class Hons). $90k+
LF328 Fitter & Turner with extensive hands-on Food & Beverage exp, also worked as a Pump Technician. $70k, Auckland based.
LF331 Mechanical Engineer with an ME, Intl Automotive Eng from Melbourne. IPENZ. Skilled in Project Management, New Project Development, Process & Industrialisation Engineer. Superb communicator, strategic & results focused. $75k, Auckland
VP217 PCB Engineer Ready now for full time perm work in product assembly, testing, electronic component work, fault checking, ability to follow drawings & instructions, enjoys designing, good background exp. East/Sth Auckland $50K
VP220 B.Eng Chem & Process. Young, intelligent grad, NZ Citizen with some customer service/logistics work exp, looking to kick start his career in an engineering/production role. Exc comm, analytical & problem-solving skills. Pref Sth/East Auckland. Avail immediately $40-50K
PB202 Senior Project Manager, proven experience in managing challenging Civil Projects across Building, Infrastructure, 3 Waters, Transportation, Railway and Bridge Projects. Excellent relationship building skills, tenders, documentation, etc. Location flexible. $170k+
Executive
GR204 Very strong Consumer, OTC and Pharma background, covering Brand, Sales and Senior management. Seeking a role in healthcare. Seeking $185k. Location flex.
GR206 Commercial Director. 20 years of successfully introducing disruptive solutions into emerging and established markets across a range of sectors, globally. Experience spans healthcare, food, CPG, materials, biotech, geothermal, clean energy and many other sectors. $300k+, Auckland based.
GR207 Dynamic senior leader with 20-years’ experience in management, transformation, business development and advocacy within FMCG/CPG, Technology and Payments in NZ, UK, EU, and Asia Pacific. Hallmarks include a tenacious, collaborative results driven approach and a firm belief in ‘we’ not ‘me’. Auckland based, $200k min.
GR208 Company Director, Sales & Marketing leader with demonstrated history of people management within the FMCG, Cosmetics, Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Industry. A proven track record in leading teams to deliver critical business objectives. $200k, Auckland based.
LF325 Exceptional & high calibre Senior Divisional Manager with extensive & proven b/ground in Aeronautics. Trained as Mechanical Eng following through to Design & Fleet, P&L & Strategic/Planning Management. Superb communicator & leads by example. $190k
Sales & Marketing
LF332 Highly impressive candidate with extensive international sales & marketing exp in pharmaceuticals with proven & fantastic new business development outcomes supporting a strategic & highly driven focus. $65k.
LF337 Top level & proven industrial business developer. Exp in pumps & fabrication. A true effective sales hunter. $80K
LF338 Sales profession. Stunning candidate who has had snr level sales management exp across numerous industries, predominantly chemicals, seeking sales role or sales management, dynamic & top performer $90K
LF339 Chemical & Civil Engineer with international exp + 2 years NZ exp in chem sales, proven achievements, immediately avail. $85K
PB199 Highly experienced and proven Cheese Technologist and Operations Professional. More than 15 years’ experience in Cheese New Product Development, Manufacturing, Training, Process Improvement. Strong experience in Customer Relationship Management, developing Marketing & Innovation Strategies, Client Engagement, Problem Solving, extensive networks within NZ Dairy Industry. $120k, location flexible
PB194 Dynamic Sales & Marketing professional with very strong experience in business development across scientific capital equipment sales in a wide range of industries including food and beverage, pharmaceutical, academic & commercial sectors. Strong understanding of analytical chemistry Experience in driving product development, business plans, forecasting & budgeting, tendering & quotations, etc. Excellent communication skills and client relationship management working in global and small/medium sized businesses. $110k+
Primary industry
PB205 Agriculture Consultant with proven experience in stakeholder management, business development and providing consultation to a diverse range of farms: arable, livestock, seed production; good understanding of compliance practices, regulations. Great communication & leadership skills with comprehensive knowledge of modern technology, devices & information systems. AKL, $90k+
PB206 Senior Agronomist with proven experience in supplier relationship management, providing consultation to growers/farmers for enhancing farm productivity, managing contracts with growers, strong understanding of GAP regulations and other food standards. Experience across a range of crops and horticulture produce. AKL, $100k
PB192 Master of Management in Agribusiness with expertise in Precision Agriculture Technologies including software and hardware. Exceptionally bright, intelligent, energetic and self-motivated person with great communication skills. Experienced in managing a diverse mix of agriculture, horticulture and environmental projects. Focus on Business Development and client relationship management. Location flexible, $100K+
Our team:
Gareth Robertson (Executive, Commercial, FMCG) – gareth@scitex.co.nz
Linda Ford (Management, Sales & Marketing; Medical & Healthcare, Engineering, Operations) – linda@scitex.co.nz
Pavan Benepal (Veterinary, Agriculture, Engineering, Laboratory, Chemical Manufacturing) – pavan@scitex.co.nz
Belinda McKenzie (Food, Manufacturing, Quality, Laboratory) – belinda@scitex.co.nz
Viv Slade (Temping Coordinator) – viv@scitex.co.nz
Oliver Saltmarsh (Candidate Manager) – oliver@scitex.co.nz
Agustina Esmerado (Accounts & Insights Manager) agustina@scitex.co.nz