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Demand for top black HR talent

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 20:58

Changing corporate climate, coupled with an evolving HR industry, is creating a strong demand for business-minded, strategic HR executives across South Africa. So says one of the country’s top headhunting companies, who report that HR professionals in the current era need to be armed with a set of strategic and commercial skills that differ quite substantially from the type of administrative-focused HR practises of the past.

“Twenty years ago, solid interviewing and policy administration skills were considered sufficient for an effective human resources manager,” says Madge Gibson of Jack Hammer Executive Headhunters.

“Today, we are more likely to find human resource executives actively involved in strategic planning and formulating training & development initiatives. Rapidly changing technology, increasing competition and diverse customer needs have thrown the spotlight on human resources, where companies continue in the battle to source highly qualified personnel.

Gibson says the focus has also shifted to a demand for black HR professionals – she is personally aware of six large SA corporates seeking EXCO-level, black HR executives. “And these searches are not particular to any one industry”.

She notes a definite move towards companies recognizing HR as a valued business partner, dislodging old style HR-in-a-vacuum practices and elevating HR to business-minded strategic contributors. “The new principles of HR management require a focus on outcomes and results, not just numbers and compliance.”

“Business-educated, key HR professionals have become instrumental in the commercial environment in which we now find ourselves – heavily involved in the broader aspects of downsizing the workplace through efficient and effective corporate restructuring.

“Some of the most successful organizations recognize the power and effectiveness behind a well qualified, business-minded HR team.

ISSUED BY: Lange Strategic Communications ON BEHALF OF: JACK HAMMER EXECUTIVE HEADHUNTERS For more information contact Madge Gibson at Jack Hammer Executive Headhunters on: 021 425 6677 or Mervyn Dziva at Lange Strategic Communications on 021 448 7407 or go to: www.jhammer.co.za.

About Jack Hammer Executive Headhunting Jack Hammer provides a fresh approach to executive headhunting by cutting through the ordinary. They have achieved this over the last five years by using strategic research to drill down and expand their market intelligence beyond the obvious and source the real gems of talent. The knowledge gained in the process enables them to give clients a competitive edge by ensuring they find the right executive talent – in a manner that is both responsible and ethical.

Madge Gibson: Partner BA (Hons), MDP

Madge originally trained as a reporter in the Business Information sector and spent several years in London working within Financial Services, Corporate Finance and M&A. She maintains a broad network and has been responsible for the successful placement of several senior executives in South Africa. In addition to this, Madge also studied Business Management at the University of Stellenbosch, and holds qualifications in Marketing.p>