The driving force for the finance industry is most definitely now available locally, with the local recruitment market having evolved greatly over the last few years. Here at Optimus we have experienced such a high number of applicants for our senior roles in the sector, meaning more and more businesses can recruit on island without the need to look offshore for talent. 
 

Historically, there was a need to identify top talent from overseas, but the array of quality professionals now on the island and looking for their next challenge is really encouraging to see. Our wish is to promote this top-level talent as much as we can to ensure all finance businesses look to local candidates, before extending their search. 

 

“For every senior role that comes in, we have around twenty candidates with the necessary skills and experience to perform well in the role, “explains Natalie McMullen, Senior Consultant. “I believe that some businesses locally aren’t aware of the changes to the market and still seek candidates from overseas. This means that the pool of senior candidates continues to grow, making it more difficult for these candidates to find new opportunities when they are ready for the next challenge, potentially driving them off island and away from their home.”

 

So what has caused the market to change in such a way? Jersey’s profile as one of the world’s top finance hubs has continued to rise, causing global organisations to change their attitudes and ensure their staff are rounded and as skilled as possible. This in turn has led to an abundance of more qualified candidates within the local market. There are now more global businesses operating in Jersey who can offer international exposure to their teams. These businesses have become more collaborative with the various jurisdictions they operate in, offering secondments, opportunities to travel and a wider sharing of information, training and expertise.” 

 

Currently we have so many talented candidates on our books for accountancy, banking and wealth management and trust and marketing sectors. The funds, digital and IT sectors could still benefit from an uplift in talent to strengthen the skill set in these growing areas on the island, but we are excited by the development of these areas and have no doubt the talent will flow once Jersey establishes its expertise. 

 

As a recruitment agency which has embedded itself within the finance industry for many years now, we are not only encouraged by the level of local talent available, but keen to play our part in enhancing the reputation of Jersey as a place of excellence and opportunity. We want to encourage this talent, share your success stories and be a resource to those businesses who want the expertise to become a global leader in their industry. 

 

To find out more about current vacancies or potential candidates for your growing business, drop us a message or pay us a visit at our Commercial Street offices.