The Build Up
Market Update: Navigating a Challenging Yet Hopeful Landscape
Over the last two weeks and continuing into the coming months, I’ve been on the road meeting with employers in the Head Contracting, Property Development, and consulting Project Management sectors. One of the reasons for these meetings has been to introduce our clients to our recently completed 2024 Salary & Insights Report. This 50-page report is a vital tool for the Melbourne market, offering detailed data on current salary trends, which I’ve been helping employers interpret to ensure they’re measuring and applying this information effectively for their new hires and ongoing annual staff reviews.
Despite the market being relatively flat and many builders struggling for work, there’s a growing sense of cautious optimism. From my conversations with hiring managers across the built environment, it appears we may have reached the bottom of the market. While the next 12 months are expected to be challenging, there are signs of potential improvement. Consulting PM firms are reporting a promising pipeline of work, and even Head Contractors are starting to see positive indicators that the market might begin to improve towards the end of 2024.
Of course, this optimism is tempered by ongoing issues such as inflation, union negotiations, government policies, and other well-publicized economic factors, especially in Victoria. Yet, the positive mindset towards the next cycle is palpable, with many anticipating a residential building boom on the horizon. The exact timing remains uncertain, but the hope is for these positive changes sooner rather than later. For a deeper dive into the data and insights shaping these discussions, please reach out for a copy of our 2024 Salary & Insights Report. I'm always available to discuss these trends and help you navigate the evolving market landscape.
Martin
On the Blog
Think Not What Your Employer Should Do for You, But What You Can Do for Your Employer (and Your Career Development)
As a recruiter, I often hear the same questions from ambitious professionals: “How do I make a more successful career?” “What do I need to do to get that promotion?” “How do I stand out from my peers?” Having thought about these questions and reflected on conversations I've had with business leaders and high achievers across the built environment, including guests from my podcast, I’ve identified six key areas that are essential for career development: Commitment, Networking, Mastery of Skills, Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone, Finding a Mentor, and Resilience.
Industry News
Here are the top 6 stories that caught our attention this month
3. Surf's Up, Melbourne! $171 Million Mega-Water Park Gets Go-Ahead (largest in Southern Hemisphere!)
On the Podcast
Jonathan O’Brien on harnessing YIMBYism for urban growth
Join Jonathan and me as we explore how YIMBYism tackles Australia’s housing crisis through innovative solutions and increased urban density.
Adrien Mamet on enhancing construction through mental health, apprentice support, and industry innovations
Adrien and I dive into the challenges of construction, focusing on better support for apprentices, mental health improvements, and innovative solutions.
What’s on in Melbourne this month?
Attend the Timber Construct 2024 Conference & Exhibition for an in-depth discussion on innovative strategies to overcome industry barriers and promote timber as a sustainable building material.
Monday & Tuesday, 12-13 August 2024
Rydges Melbourne
Join the Future Building Initiative at Monash Art, Design and Architecture and Wood Solutions for "Making Buildings Better," featuring Dr. Jerker Lessing's insights on Sweden's innovative timber building solutions amidst Australia's housing crisis.
Wednesday, 28 August
Recommended by LinkedIn
Monash Art, Design & Architecture
900 Dandenong Road Building G Caulfield East, VIC 3145
Join the online event "Effective Stakeholder Collaboration on Complex Projects" to gain deep insights, powerful frameworks, and practical tools for fostering commitment and agreement among diverse stakeholders on tricky projects.
Thursday, 29 August
Join the Women in Construction, Engineering, and Infrastructure Summit 2024 to gain insights, tools, and connections for leading male-dominated industries while supporting their charity partner in empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through employment opportunities.
20 - 21 Aug 2024
Melbourne, Australia
Attend Contract Management & Administration Fundamentals 2024 to gain a comprehensive understanding of contract management, delivery methods, planning, reporting, claims, variations, roles, procedures, compliance, document control, communication, negotiation skills, and partnering.
20 Aug 2024
Melbourne, Australia
Jobs spotlight
Multi-disciplinary Tier 3 Head Contractor
Full-time, Melbourne
$130,000 - $150,000
Apartment Projects $50M +
Full-time, Melbourne
$260,000 - $310,000
$2M-$10M Fit-Out/Refurb Projects
Full-time, Melbourne
$170,000 - $210,000
Complex Fit-out & New Build
Full-time, Melbourne
$160,000 - $200,000
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Get in Touch!
Don't forget - if you're a professional in Melbourne or SE Queensland's commercial construction markets - working for a head contractor, developer, or consulting PM or QS firm, reach out to me if you are on the hunt for your next career challenge - just send me an email: Martin@buildingenvirons.com.au or send me a LinkedIn message!
Construction Manager
4moWell said!