The Build Up - Melbourne's Monthly Construction & Property Update
Martin Preece
Helping Construction & Property Leaders Recruit better people and build better projects through the Recruitment of high-performers | Talking with industry professionals as Host of - The Building Talks Podcast
As we move into the final quarter of the year (is that the distant patter of Santa’s reindeer I hear?), the recruitment landscape in Melbourne’s built environment remains patchy. While some sectors are gaining momentum, others are still finding their footing, hoping for an uptick in work as the year winds down. It’s not quite a “two-speed economy,” but the uneven pace across sectors is clear.
Some businesses are comfortable with their workloads, anticipating a successful financial year, while others are holding out for new projects before Christmas to set up a solid 2025. Residential construction, particularly housing and apartments, remains sluggish, with developers in Melbourne raising concerns about the lack of meaningful government action (although their goals are certainly ambitious!). Despite the challenges, there’s optimism for a future housing boom—if the authorities take more decisive steps.
On a brighter note, the fit-out and refurbishment market is going pretty well, and projects within the data centre setting, keeping plenty of organisations nice and busy – a good market to be in currently. (If you’re curious about this booming sector, check out my podcast episode with Simon McFadden from Aurecon, where we delve into why data centres have become such a sought-after asset class). Meanwhile, the education sector is also picking up, with tender results for the latest VSBA school projects expected soon, and many of the private school building projects, progressing well. While the market remains uneven, it seems we’ve passed the worst of the downturn, and there’s a glimmer of hope for those in the residential space as we approach the year's end.
Martin Preece - Director
Building Environs Recruitment
On the Blog
Perspective Discrepancy – What Employers Really Think About Your Reasons for Wanting to Change Jobs
Introduction
One of the most common questions employers ask when I present a candidate for a role is, "Why are they open to a new opportunity?" As a recruiter, I’ve learned that the reasons candidates give for seeking new roles often differ greatly from how employers interpret those reasons. Many of the candidates I work with are not actively job hunting—they’ve been approached by me as part of a headhunting process. But even in these cases, there’s typically a push factor, an underlying reason that motivates them to be open to a conversation.
Industry News
Here are the top 8 stories that caught our attention this month
On the Podcast
Brian Sands on Leadership, Turnarounds, and Growth in Construction
What does it take to lead a construction business to success? Join me as I chat with Brian Sands, a former CEO turned corporate advisor, about how he's helping companies navigate challenges and achieve growth in the construction and property sectors.
Reach out to Brian - FYI, if any business owners or leaders out there could do with some of Brian’s expert insights to business strategy, expansion (win and deliver better projects) or business turnaround (turn that loss, into a healthy profit) or some assistance in building a better business (better teams and systems) – reach out to him here.
Ciara Ritchie on Breaking Barriers and Thriving as a Young Woman in Construction
What’s it like navigating the construction world as a young woman? Join me as I chat with Ciara Ritchie about her early career journey, the lessons she’s learned, and the challenges she’s faced in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
What’s on in Melbourne this month?
The Victorian Major Projects Conference will spotlight the infrastructure projects driving the state’s economic recovery and feature leading industry experts and stakeholders. This year’s event will focus on networking and delivering insights across key sectors like transport, health, urban renewal, arts, and more.
13th Edition
29 - 30 Oct 2024
Timings
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Oct 29) (General)
Recommended by LinkedIn
8:15 AM - 3:00 PM (Oct 30) (General)
1 Convention Centre Pl South Wharf VIC 3006 Melbourne, Australia
Come along to the Construction Industry Meet Up in Melbourne for a chance to network, exchange ideas, and connect with fellow professionals!
Wed, 9 Oct 2024 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM AEDT
340-344 Victoria Street Richmond, VIC 3121
Join the Women in Construction Information Sessions this October, hosted by TBS in partnership with Tradeswomen Australia. Participate in these engaging and interactive sessions to learn more about opportunities in the construction industry!
Thursday, October 10 · 4:30 - 6 pm AEDT
Tuesday, October 15 · 6 - 7:30 pm AEDT
5-11 Stephen Road / Rear 85 Frankston-Dandenong Road Dandenong South, VIC 3175
Join the October Building Industry Meetup—a great opportunity to network, connect, and expand your circle with fellow professionals in the building sector while enjoying some drinks!
Thu, 10 Oct 2024 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM AEDT
Hard Road Brewing
31 Holloway Drive Bayswater, VIC 3153
Jobs spotlight
Head Contractor | $10M - $40M projects
Full-time, Melbourne
$130,000 - $160,000
Multi-disciplinary projects
Full-time, Melbourne
$140,000 - $160,000
Multi-Disciplinary builder
Full-time, Melbourne
$170,000 - $200,000
Top Tier 3 Builder
Full-time, Melbourne
$160,000 - $210,000
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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!
Martin Preece
An experienced executive transforming built environment businesses, projects & people.
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