Working for the future
Ragtrader asks three recruiters how the market will change in the year ahead.
What will be the most sought-after roles in the TCF sector in 2007?
MICHAEL HARRIS, PERMANSER:
Product developers, merchandisers, patternmakers, garment technicians and quality assurance technicians because that's what the industry is about these days; predicting trends, getting samples to the customer, getting approval and then getting the range into production overseas, getting the bulk production delivered into store as per the sample in a very short time.
LIZ PEARSON, MCKENZIE CONSULTING
I don't think there is a hard and fast rule as to what will be the most sought after roles. However within the fashion retail space for instance there are always going to be the candidates who want to move into buying or assistant Buying, following perhaps a career working on the retail floor or in wholesale product development and sales.
MARGARET MACQUEEN, FASHION FIRST
The most sought after roles by candidates will continue to be roles in product development account managers and vertical store buyers as these are the glamour roles with overseas travel that we all aspire to. The most sought after roles by employers will be skilled account managers and sales people who can expertly manage and expand their valued client base.
What will be the hardest roles to fill?
MICHAEL HARRIS, PERMANSER
Garment technicians, patternmakers and quality assurance technicians.
LIZ PEARSON, MCKENZIE CONSULTING
NH sales manager, merchandise directors, buyers
MARGARET MACQUEEN, FASHION FIRST
Technical positions including pattern makers and quality assurance technicians with sound pattern making experience, good knowledge of fabric performance, technical drawing skills, offshore experience and can work in fast paced environments. Briefs for these jobs are too diverse and so hard to fill.
What will the industry's best paid employee earn in the year ahead?
MICHAEL HARRIS, PERMANSER
If you are the CEO of a large garment company quoted on the stock exchange (like Billabong) you will earn around half a million dollars-plus. Top product developers will earn $150,000 and above and a highly skilled technically qualified and experienced (min five years with a recognised label) designer or patternmaker will earn from $60,000 to $90,000 a year. Quality assurance willing to travel extensively $65,000 to $80,000.
LIZ PEARSON, MCKENZIE CONSULTING
Experience, credibility and market value at the time will decipher what the best paid employee will earn. A senior brand/marketing manager, export director, GM, CIO or CEO of course are always going to be at the higher earning bracket.
MARGARET MACQUEEN, FASHION FIRST
Account managers will remain the highest paid with average salary range from 125,000 to 150,000 and a top-performing manager can attract more. As most companies travel the same international route for trends, the account manager who has the most persuasive and confident selling skills will attract the orders and will attract a higher salary.
What will its worst paid employee earn?
MICHAEL HARRIS, PERMANSER
Someone moving into an entry-level position from University or TAFE will earn from $25,000 to $29,000 with the potential to substantially increase that salary in the first year.
LIZ PEARSON, MCKENZIE CONSULTING
Unanswered.
MARGARET MACQUEEN, FASHION FIRST
Sample machinists, lab technicians and production assistants attract salaries at the lower end around 35,000 to 38,000 and will probably continue to do so.
What works better a university degree/TAFE diploma or on the job training?
MICHAEL HARRIS, PERMANSER
For many of the larger, more corporate companies, it is important to have a degree in order to get your first job but industry experience becomes paramount when looking for further career development.
LIZ PEARSON, MCKENZIE CONSULTING
Of course with some positions, tertiary training is fundamental, especially for technical roles, like patternmaking, design etc. Some people don't have degrees in certain roles and they flourish and learn on the job.
MARGARET MACQUEEN, FASHION FIRST
TAFE courses which offer training on both levels are probably most attractive. Technical knowledge is important but just as important is on the job training and this should happen either in conjunction with or at the completion of a TAFE course.