Procurement & supply chain professionals buoyed by permanent hires

63% of procurement & supply chain employers are prioritising permanent recruitment, according to a new survey from specialist professional recruiter, Robert Walters.

Asked about their hiring intentions for the second half of 2014, 60% say that growth in the business or new business will have the greatest impact on recruiting patterns, a figure that has doubled since the start of the year.

Junior procurement & supply chain staff will be in highest demand, although nearly seven in ten recruiting organisations will also be on the search for experienced, mid-level staff.

However, while the survey offers much positive news, over half of employers expect to face skills shortages in the second half of the year.

James Franklin, Manager of Procurement & Supply Chain Recruitment at Robert Walters, says:
“Growing businesses are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of strong procurement processes and an efficient supply chain. However, when the need to fill a general role arises at short notice, organisations tend to show greater flexibility than when recruiting for specialist positions.

“Recruiting urgently needed professionals with a high degree of technical expertise continues to represent one of the market’s most significant hiring challenges.”