UPfront Executive lifestyle discounts

The past year saw increased competition for executive roles in New Zealand largely brought about by rising level of interest from offshore candidates, according to international recruitment company Robert Walters.
The company’s recently released global salary survey shows general management position in this country is worth between $120,000 and $250,000, chief executive role between $150,000 and $500,000, finance director $125,000 to $250,000 and HR director between $110,000 and $220,000.
These packages might not compare with offshore generosity, but the company reports “more and more executives seeking to combine challenging career with the lifestyle choices New Zealand provides”. The trend is expected to continue throughout 2004, ensuring this market remains competitive.
Opportunities in the executive market here are limited by the small number of large organisations and salaries vary widely depending on company turnover and financial performance.
There is also wide variation in the human resources area with salaries ranging from $38,000 to $45,000 for an HR administrator to $100,000 to $180,000 for HR director. The survey describes the market for HR personnel as very stable with no notable shortages of candidates in 2003.
Demand for commercially focused candidates is strong in the Auckland market with growth driven by the performance of manufacturing and service industries. Current demand is high for candidates with expertise in accounts payable/receivable right through to those who are CA qualified with two or three years’ commercial experience. At the senior end demand outstrips supply.
In the banking sector, mergers during 2003 are expected to be followed by period of rationalisation that will depress demand for staff. Things look rosier in sales and marketing with the survey’s authors expecting salaries to outstrip inflation this year.
In the IT sector there was competition for high quality candidates but the contract market was described as “the real winner” with senior project managers and hands-on technical staff in strong demand.
With employment rates at their lowest levels since 1987, highly qualified professionals have largely had the luxury of choice of roles during 2003, however salary levels have remained stable, according to Auckland director of Robert Walters, Richard Manthel.