Senior-level human resources professionals in Singapore will see abundant opportunities this quarter as global companies create more regional positions to support their expansions in Southeast Asia.

According to recruiting experts Hays, HR business partners will be in demand that have worked closely with their businesses on human capital initiatives.

“More regional positions will be created as companies continue to bolster their Southeast Asian operations”, says Lynne Roeder, Managing Director for Hays in Singapore. “As a regional hub which many international businesses gravitate to set up their branches and offices, Singapore will likely grapple with a shortage of senior-level HR talent.”

In its latest Quarterly Reports for October to December 2016, Hays’ finds that financial services, commercial, Education, informational technology and pharmaceutical sectors will see huge demand for HR managers.

See: SkillsFuture Helping Singaporeans to Upskill Themselves

“Compensation and benefits candidates at mid to senior levels are also in high demand as many multinational companies look to localise their global HR policies and create a high-performing culture for business expansion”, says Lynne. “Recruitment of talent acquisition professionals will also continue this quarter with employers optimising their hiring costs to build up a healthy pipeline of talent.”

Also HR candidates who can implement frameworks for development purposes across local and regional levels will be highly sought after.

“We find that as new roles are being created, this is a fresh sign that global organisations are determined to further explore the market potential in this region,” Lynne added. “Learning and development professionals will be among the top beneficiaries of companies’ expansions of their regional headquarters.”

In terms of candidate trends, Hays’ predicts that the market still sees more permanent roles despite a consistent number of temporary jobs being registered each month.

“Given the pickup in the market, employers are realising that they have to respond quickly and shorten recruitment processes to secure their preferred candidates,” says Lynn. “We expect the market will continue its positive momentum until the end of this year.”

Also read: HR Dilemma: Why Outsource Payroll?

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