Relationship bankers of the world: Perth (yes, Perth) needs you!
With the mining sector booming and the impact of the GFC gradually diminishing, demand for relationship managers is gathering momentum in Perth. And banks are prepared to look abroad for candidates.
"We are seeing evidence of mid-level jobs lost during the GFC being replaced, while banks are starting to poach senior-level recruits from each other," says Ross Douglas, senior recruitment consultant, banking & financial services, Robert Walters.
With only CBA subsidiary Bankwest headquartered in the WA capital, Douglas says the majority of well-paid banking jobs revolve around relationship banking, with revenue writers and support roles in demand.
The call for relationship managers is also translating into bigger pay packets. The compensation range for Perth-based senior relationship managers/directors is $150k-$200k this year, compared with $140k-$180k in 2010, according to the latest salary survey from Robert Walters.
UK and South African bankers are also in the sights of recruiters. "They might not have local relationships, but often come with different skill sets that aren't currently available to the Perth market. If these candidates impress, the banks will try and create positions for them," says Douglas.
Another recruiter says Perth's proximity to Asia means expat Aussie bankers in Singapore and Hong Kong also being targeted.
"The banks want people with local networks, but trying to find the right skill sets can be hard and therefore they might look to expats who are keen to return to Perth for the lifestyle," says David George, director, Michael Page International.
A number of Asian banks are considering building a presence in Perth to tap the state's mining and resources boom. "While it's still too early to name the banks, they will be building teams from scratch," says George.
