February Focus:

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Hi everyone,

Welcome to my February update. Here are my latest observations on the hiring and talent landscape.

Market Dynamics

While there are more strategy roles on the market than last month, there remains a sense of caution among agencies when it comes to hiring and talent considering a change.

The job market is fluid, with some candidates pausing their searches as they wait to see the effects of organisational changes on their current roles. Agencies are primarily focused on filling vacancies left by resigning employees or on strategic senior-level hiring to mitigate risk and deliver value to clients with reduced budgets.

2024 Salary Guide and Market Report

I am excited to publish my 2024 salary guide next week. This edition follows a survey conducted in December and January and will update not only on salaries and rates but also on the market's condition from the perspective of strategy leaders, talent acquisition, and freelance and perm planners and strategists at all levels.

A huge thank you goes out to everyone who participated in the survey. Your opinions have been instrumental in capturing the status quo.

Key Insights

• A prominent issue identified is the 'generation gap.' This refers to experienced leaders assessing career progress and skills of today's emerging talent in a pre-pandemic context.
• Remote working is often mentioned as a factor contributing to this skills gap. As many hiring managers believe that the time candidates have spent in their roles does not necessarily equate to the development of essential foundational skills or the salaries expected.
• Many planners and strategists find that flexible working arrangements are crucial for managing both their personal responsibilities and their professional lives. However, there is a notable shortfall in learning and development (L&D) opportunities, particularly for those in junior positions. This suggests a need for more effective integration of L&D into contemporary work practices.

Ultimately, the research indicates that the key to addressing these gaps is a willingness to compromise. Embracing shared goals and motivations is essential for bridging differences and successfully managing change.

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I look forward to sharing details on how you can access the guide and full report next week.

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???I am THRILLED to represent a very talented Strategy Director available now looking for permanent and freelance opportunities

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• Strategy Director - Fire-Fighter, Builder, Consultant and Thought Starter
• Character : Warm, sincere, caring with a great sense of humour
• How they add value - A CRM aficionado, gets to solutions quickly, spots additional revenue opportunities, inspires confidence. Builds teams and departments. Develops strategy that leads to demonstrable ROI
• Background : Network agency leadership roles in digital, CRM and UX. Automotive and FMCG expert
• What they want : A long-term home, to be part of a team

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Every day, I post on LinkedIn with tips and insights, from work culture, great talent to new roles, so if you're interested in planning and strategy recruitment, I'd love to hear from you and stay in touch.

Thanks,