Transport and logistics salaries stay solid

The AIM National Salary Survey 2009 revealed that large companies in the transport and storage sectors recorded pay increases over the past year of 4.3%, which was in line with the national average, the recruitment firm said.

However, with next year's average likely to be down to 3.5%, the expected transport and storage dip was predicted be only marginally down at 4.2%.

Other findings included a:

• 1% increase to 4.8% of involuntary staff turnover rates;

• 20.1% decrease in large companies expanding permanent staff numbers to 39.6%;

• 15.1% increase in number of large companies reducing permanent staff levels to 23.5%.

This year's Hays Salary Survey showed Brisbane supply chain analysts were in great demand, with typical salaries rising from $70,000 to $75,000, driven by a need to "identify improvements and ultimately reduce costs".

However, there was a note of caution.

"Further salary pressure is expected during the latter part of 2009 if commodity prices continue to fall and there is a reduction of exports," Hays said, adding that companies had continued to reduce casual staff.

More generally, it highlighted a swing towards client-focused operators who could manage the operational site, streamline systems, manage performance and maximise opportunities.

In New Zealand, operations managers at the NZ$60,000-NZ$80,000 level are in most demand as companies look to position themselves in response to current market conditions.

However, demand for operations and transport managers at the NZ$100,000 level was waning.