Eyes wide open

Skill shortages, downsizing and a small talent pool means fashion recruiters are working harder than ever to earn their crust. Tracey Porter talks to three firms to find out what changes within the industry will be keeping them awake in the next 12 months.

What will be the most sought after roles in the TCF sector over the next year?
McKenzie Consulting spokesperson Liz Pearson

I think the candidate market is changing slightly from even a year ago, and roles that are sought after will be ones that can guarantee security, opportunity and growth for their career in highly reputable companies. Candidates are more selective now more than ever, as the fashion industry goes through many upheavals when the economy is talking recession, like it is at present. People at the senior management end will still be looking at other opportunities but will not jump from another role unless completely comfortable with short and long term prospects.

Chase Recruitment director Debra Haigh
The most highly sought after roles will be in design (apparel, accessories and graphic design) and marketing. The hot areas of the market are in the young designer brands and streetwear brands.

Jivaro spokeswoman Chantelle James
I can see the next 12 months being consistent with the current year with entry level buying and design roles at high profile brands, being the most sought after roles. The graduate's desire to have a recognised brand on their resume and tough market conditions are likely to result in demand significantly exceeding roles available.

What will be the hardest roles to fill?
McKenzie Consulting spokesperson Liz Pearson

Technical roles: garment technicians & quality control, plus buyers and senior account managers.
Chase Recruitment director Debra Haigh

The hardest roles to fill will be garment technician positions. These roles have a salary range of $80,000 to $100,000. These roles have evolved over the last few years as offshore manufacturing has increased. It is hard to find people with the combination of skills that are required - strong knowledge of patternmaking, garment construction, off-shore production and QC. Also sales/ product development roles, these have a salary range of $100,000 to $150,000. There is a strong demand for people with the combined skills of 'private label' development and sales/account management, to handle major retail accounts. These roles pay well, but there is a real shortage of experienced people in the marketplace.

Jivaro spokeswoman Chantelle James
Planning and store management roles are the hardest to fill. Australian companies have introduced planning roles within the past five years and therefore the talent pool is small, due to the lack of formal training and development. Store management and retail shop floor roles are a challenge as suitable candidates are not considering these roles as attractive careers. This trend is forcing companies to offer higher salaries and increased benefits to store teams; resulting in some excellent opportunities.

What key information are candidates looking for from prospective employers?
McKenzie Consulting spokesperson Liz Pearson

Growth, profitability, cultural fit. Candidates want to know that there is a path for further personal success and that they can make a difference to prospective employers. Must have clear direction for their business under all circumstances. Communicate with openness and integrity.
Chase Recruitment director Debra Haigh

The most important information candidates want to know is that the company is progressive, has a culture of treating their staff well, and that the move to the new company is a positive step for their career and lifestyle.
Jivaro spokeswoman Chantelle James

With a skill shortage running throughout the Australian fashion and retail market place, candidates are demanding more information from employers about their training and development programs. Green or environmentally friendly workplaces, ethical manufacturing sources and products are now on candidates agendas. Benefits including maternity remuneration and health insurance are also very topical.

What is the biggest challenge facing the sector?
McKenzie Consulting spokesperson Liz Pearson

Downsizing of businesses within retail and manufacturing arenas due to economic downturn. Sometimes this is a short lived condition but has long term ill-effects for growth. Securing employment following redundancy.
Product competitiveness! Relationships with suppliers need to be strong, to take advantage of research and development, new technologies and innovation in textiles, design and manufacturing, to build on its existing strengths and move into new areas where the sector can be competitive.
Chase Recruitment director Debra Haigh

Being competitive in the international market - not just the local market is the biggest challenge facing this sector. It is becoming more an international marketplace, and brands are the focus, no matter where they are produced. Companies will need to develop effective marketing strategies to develop strong brand recognition.
Jivaro spokeswoman Chantelle James

A workforce skill shortage at all levels. The major shortages are senior head office teams (senior merchandise management roles, buyers, planners and designers) and store teams. Our clients are working with us on sourcing international candidates into these roles in conjunction with increased emphasis on their staff training and development plans. Economic conditions impacting the sector; high interest rates and fuel prices are obviously affecting consumers' disposable income and therefore funds available for discretionary retail spend. Competition on the high street is set to intensify, testing consumer brand loyalty.

What do you hope will be the single biggest change to come out of the
federal government's TCF review?
McKenzie Consulting spokesperson Liz Pearson

I don't think it is a single biggest change that we need to consider, but a combination of the following: Everyone's talking about the effects of climate change and our Industry will not be excluded. Impact of global and domestic economic developments on this eco subject. Identify current skill shortages and the availability and appropriateness of education, training and professional skills development opportunities within and for the sector.
Chase Recruitment director Debra Haigh

Unanswered.
Jivaro spokeswoman Chantelle James

Ensuring that Australia is on the international fashion map and continues to gain respect in the global textile, clothing and footwear industry. There has been an increase in the success of Australian brands in international markets. If government funding can be directed to protect emerging Australian businesses through their tough growth and expansion phases, and protect Australian employment opportunities by ensuring the design and manufacturing roles do not migrate overseas, the flair and talent within Australia will continue to flourish and become more recognised internationally.

By Tracey Porter