New retail roles, strong e-commerce management and employees who are a good cultural fit are in high demand according to recruitment service, Hays.

The Hays Quarterly Report is a guide to current hotspots of recruitment activity and trends from October to December 2015.

The report found new jobs are being created in the retail industry, especially in head offices and there is also a major focus on having strong management in e-commerce divisions, with many retailers now pushing their online forum as much as their stores.

“We are seeing more part-time roles, often with six-day rotating rosters or 7am to 12pm working days. Casuals are also sought to cover peak times in the day or to work on weekends,” the report states.

“Vacancy activity is high in regional areas in non-fashion retail. Metropolitan centres attract a lot of candidate interest but regional locations struggle to attract quality candidates for their roles.”

When recruiting, employers focus on identifying a candidate with the right cultural and behavioural fit.

On the other side of the coin, candidates are looking for the exact right opportunity and will not leave their current role until they find a job that meets all of their requirements, including an opportunity to grow and career progression. Senior retail professionals have adopted a more patient and speculative approach.

Candidates want clear career progression and to work for a retailer with strong growth potential. With many international retailers setting up in Australia, existing retailers are opening new locations, setting up new divisions and creating new roles.

Skills in demand

• Sales assistants will be in high demand for the October to December 2015 quarter. These candidates are sought by telecommunication pop ups, franchises and kiosk style retailers. These roles are experiencing high turnover and often pay low salaries, which creates ongoing demand for suitable candidates.
• Senior merchandise planners: This is a very specialised role and skilled candidates in high volume merchandise planning are in short supply.
• Category managers: Employers want highly experienced candidates with exposure across numerous categories, such as homewares, electrical, pharmaceutical and general merchandise. Typically such candidates are located overseas; local candidates are stable in their current roles and not looking to move on from big box retailers.
• Production coordinators: This is a highly specialised role and employers need very specific experience in particular areas. Candidates with exposure to the international market are preferred, as well as experience of overseas buying trips.
• Senior managers are needed in luxury retail. Many new and existing luxury retailers are entering the Australian market, especially in Melbourne and Sydney, which is creating this demand.

Hear more about recruitment and retention in retail at Inside Retail Academy’s Leadership Seminar: Inspiring People & Brands in Sydney and Melbourne next week. Click here for more information on speakers and ticket prices.