Hong Kong developers seeking talents for large-scale projects

Find out who can make the cut.

Demand for skilled candidates in the Hong Kong property sector remains strong despite slowing development in China.

According to a release from Hays, in its latest Hays Quarterly Report of skills in demand for October to December, the recruiter says Project Managers, Quantity Surveyors and Facility Managers are still highly sought after.

“There remains a shortage of candidates in facilities management with specific skills in mechanical and electrical engineering. Those with experience in BCP (Business Continuity Planning) and Crisis Management are also in short supply,” says Dean Stallard, Regional Director of Hays in Hong Kong.

“As banks and large corporations continue to outsource, much of the demand for Facilities Managers is coming from outsourcing vendors.”

According to the recruiter, developers from both Mainland China and Hong Kong are still looking for skilled Project Managers with an architecture background to execute large-scale projects in both regions.

"Candidates who have previous experience with a property developer or a client side project management company are preferred. Strong people management skills and business acumen are required to deal with internal and external consultants,” says Dean.

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“Also, Quantity Surveyors with client side experience are in demand as there are a limited number of candidates on the market who are able to hit the ground running in this area.

There are many candidates with contractor experience who are hoping to move into a developer role, however it can be a challenge for them to adopt the procedures as a different perspective is required.

Given the large number of new mixed-use developments being completed in the region, there has also been an increase in demand for Retail Leasing and Property Managers with a strong understanding of contract negotiation with tenants and stakeholders.”

Dean says property developers are looking for talented individuals with contract administration skills to bolster their existing teams.

“Candidates must have a problem solving and can-do self initiated attitude to ensure they make a seamless transition from a consultancy. Demand is being spurred by the need for projects to be completed quickly in a low margin/high volume environment.”

The sector remains upbeat for the year ahead. “Although development has slowed slightly within China, the implementation of the connect programme between the Hong Kong and Shanghai stock markets is expected to have a positive impact on mainland developers who will be looking to invest in new developments in the Asia Pacific region,” says Dean.