As summer moves into autumn, The Johnson Group is planning a few transitions of its own. We’re steadily executing our business strategy, which is based largely around growth, and we’ll be making some announcements within the next few months that will give our clients even more services.

There are staff changes ahead, too. Leigh Johnson, our founding director, and her husband Grant Cathro, non-executive director, are setting off on the adventure of a lifetime. Their travels will take them around Central America and the Caribbean for six months - with nothing more than carry-on luggage.

We wish Leigh and Grant well, and look forward to hearing about their travels. While they’re away, Mark Skelly will be stepping in as Alternate Director.

We have two new additions to The Johnson Group Team to support our growth.

Rohan Wakefield, our new Contracting Consultant will place contractors in public sector roles as well as working with Campbell to expand our national presence in the science and local government sectors. Rohan has substantial experience working with and advising people on critical personal matters and see's the transition to recrutiment as a natural fit.

Conor Quinn, our new Candidate Manager takes enquiries from candidates, manages our talent pool, runs our involvement in the Skilled Migrant Programme and leads our marketing on social media. Conor, who has a Master of Science in International Relations from University College, Dublin, Ireland is in New Zealand for a year to gain a greater understanding of our public sector.

We’re delighted to have such a strong team to deliver to our clients, and to ensure we can continue to offer you all the support and advice you need to make your teams complete.

Leigh and Campbell

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Time to Review Skill Sets

Several surveys have found many organisations are suffering skill shortages again, with some employers offering up to $20,000 extra on salaries to attract the best candidates.

The public sector has been reduced in size, but there are skill shortages in some areas. Campbell Hepburn says there is increasing demand for the broad-ranging multi-skilled “super candidate” – for example, a senior policy analyst with strong economics skill, project management and leadership experience with multi-subject matter expertise and exceptional organisational skills. Campbell believes this is an ideal time for candidates to look at their CVs to see if they have more skills than they’ve previously identified. “Do you just say you’re a policy analyst, or do you also point out that they have cross-sectoral experience, can lead staff, and have economic skills? Think about whether you’re packaging yourself correctly, and how you can convey all your skills at an interview.”

For further guidance, The Johnson Group can link candidates with an associate who offers career coaching. 

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Public Sector Reforms

Building a “smaller, better” public sector will be a focus for the Government in 2011, says Prime Minister John Key.

In a speech to parliament in February, Mr Key said the number of full-time equivalent staff positions in core government administration had been reduced by 5% since National came to power but it was “still a long way from being a lean and efficient machine”.

In 2011 and beyond, New Zealand should expect to see more back-office savings initiatives, further restraint in terms of core government administration positions, and more consolidation of agencies and functions to “steamline and improve” the public sector.

Finance Minister Bill English had a similar blunt message in February, saying that public sector workers unhappy with the restructuring should consider finding new jobs.

For further details of both speeches, go to TVNZ Press Statement

and English issues blunt warning public sector workers 

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New Kea CEO

Kea, New Zealand’s international network for Kiwi expats and friends of New Zealand, has appointed Dr Sue Watson as its Global CEO.

Dr Watson is an educational academic, consultant and business director. She says her first task will be to implement Kea’s global strategy as it launches a new range of services to inspire, fund, connect and educate New Zealand businesses.

The Johnson Group is a Kea gold foundation member. We look forward to our ongoing association with Kea, and we hope Kea will find ways to tap into the skills and experience of returning Kiwis and skilled migrants.

For more, go to Kea.nz. 

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Sector Attracts Fresh Talent

An increased number of candidates from private industry are applying for jobs in the public sector.

At The Johnson Group, we’re finding growing interest from people with deep industry experience in areas including economics and law. They’re telling us they feel strongly motivated to make a contribution to New Zealand’s future.

Our advice to these candidates is to be realistic about coming into the public sector at the right level, and to think about what kind of role would be a good stepping stone for their career.  

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Contracting Boom

Contracting has had a very positive six months, with increased demand and some very interesting pieces of work.

If you’re already a contractor or are considering going contracting, this is an excellent time to contact us to explore your options. We expect the strong upwards trend will continue until at least the middle of the year, and probably longer.  

For more info please contact Heather and Conor.

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Job Doctor

“I feel a tension between doing my job and upskilling. I’d love to do a PhD, but is that a realistic goal?

Hillary, Khandallah

Be very clear in your own mind about your long-term goals and objectives. Ask yourself whether your study would further your employment goals, or your longer-term life goals.

Talk to your manager, to your manager’s manager, to HR, or to anyone else in the sector who might be able to give you advice on whether further study would be a good next step. At the moment, for example, the public sector is crying out for management and leadership capability, so gaining more experience in that area may be better for your career than achieving deeper technical expertise.

It’s also important to get your manager’s buy-in so that you have someone to talk to if you strike problems or find it tiring to juggle work and study. 

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And Finally

As Wellington’s only public sector recruitment agency, The Johnson Group recruits all professional roles in the following areas: • Policy (strategic/operational, and economic analysis)• Research and evaluation• Planning and reporting• Legal• Human resources• Programme/project management, technical and operations• Communications• Records and information

We also recruit management roles in corporate services and public sector finance.

If you have friends, colleagues or family members who work in these areas and might be considering a change, we’d love to hear from them. And if you’d like to discuss your next career move, please contact us or 04 473 6699 or info@the johnsongroup.co.nz.

Wishing you all the best,

Leigh and Campbell