U.S. staffing companies in China see chance for profits

By Nick Zieminski

China may have plenty of man power, but it could also use some help from Manpower.

U.S. staffing company, Manpower Inc. , is one of a number of business recruiters putting emphasis on the world’s most populous country, where a rapidly developing economy is driving the demand for engineers, finance professionals and technology specialists.

China’s growth rates of about 10 percent per year, which already makes it the world’s No. 4 economy, pushes companies to develop leaders at a faster pace than most other countries.

A McKinsey & Co. study estimates that, within five years, China will need 75,000 executives who have either Western technical skills or language ability — ideally, both. Only about 5,000 are in the work force now.

“The challenge is not in finding 500 or 1,000 people to man the factory. The challenge is in finding leadership skills and functional management skills,” said Iain Herbertson, president of Asia-Pacific for Manpower, which has 350 consultants in 11 Chinese cities. About half its contracts are for information technology workers.

For now, the numbers are relatively modest. Of Manpower’s $4.4 billion in second-quarter revenue, the “other” segment — which includes China, Japan and Australia, as well as Mexico — reported sales of $577 million. Its operating profit of $15 million was about 9 percent of Manpower’s quarterly total.

But the segment is among the company’s fastest growing. Within three to five years, Manpower will have a staff of 1,000 to 1,600 in mainland China.

New rules this month allowed foreign companies to own a controlling stake in their local joint ventures if they set up shop in Pudong, the fast-growing financial center in Shanghai.

The move is part of a broader relaxation of rules, which should help draw more companies to China, and will enable Manpower to expand its range of services, Herbertson said.

“Our business is more than doubling every year,” Herbertson said in a telephone interview from Shanghai.

Monster Worldwide , which this year raised its stake in ChinaHR.com to 45 percent, may take majority control of the venture by 2008, though the unit is currently losing about $2 million per quarter.

“We don’t expect it to be (profitable) because we are at the beginning of the beginning,” said Marcel Legrand, Monster’s senior vice president of strategy and corporate development. “Profit is not of great interest to us in that particular market — it’s about an investment.”

ChinaHR has about 600 staff and 4 million resumes on file, but those numbers will grow as more Chinese go online, Legrand said.

Monster, parent of the world’s largest recruitment Web site, followed customers like Procter & Gamble , L’Oreal , and Hewlett-Packard to China, which fits with a goal for international operations to account for more than half of its revenue by next year.

That global expertise, including serving multinationals in other markets, is what differentiates companies like Manpower and Monster from their smaller competitors.

“We can bring to China the best of what happens in Brazil, or what happens in Korea, and they can help us export their best practices,” Legrand said.

This week, Monster hired a former Nike Inc. executive, Tony Balfour, to head its Asia-Pacific operations.

He will have competition.

Rival job site Careerbuilder.com on Wednesday said it was entering the Chinese market in an exclusive deal with human resources company 51job Inc. , to link to each others’ sites and sell job postings and access to their resume databases.

At executive recruiter Heidrick & Struggles International Inc. , Asia-Pacific operations had faster revenue growth and highest profit margins than either the United States or Europe. The region accounts for 10 percent of total company sales, and China about a fifth of that.

Since rules are different depending on the services offered, Heidrick owns 90 percent of its Chinese joint venture, said Kevin Kelly, who heads Heidrick’s European and Asian operations, adding that consumer goods, technology and industrial companies are its main clients.

Financial companies, including investment banks, will need experienced staff starting in 2008, when new rules take effect under China’s commitment to the World Trade Organization.

Heidrick’s China operations are expected to double within three years, and the company is recruiting Chinese-speakers in the United States and Europe for positions there, Kelly said.

“European and U.S. markets are more mature, so everyone sees China’s huge potential for developing or expanding their businesses,” Kelly said.

Legal Recruiting in Mainland China

(by Asian Legal online & DaCare Legal)

Over the last year or so the number of clients, both private practice and in-house, seeking to recruit lawyers for their operations in Beijing and Shanghai has seen a steady increase and this is expected to continue throughout 2004. Mainland China is a vast and complex market for most businesses and the position is no different for law firms operating there.

Recruiting the right people for offices on the ground is very difficult and for law firms it is often the case of making the upfront investment in people with the returns on the investment lagging far behind. Not only do language skills play a big part but also experience in the local markets is increasingly important. Beijing and Shanghai are different legal markets and if a client is recruiting for example in Shanghai their clear preference is to have someone already in the local market. The trend in the past has been to relocate people with the necessary skills from Hong Kong and, while this will continue, there will be a developing market in both Beijing and Shanghai for people already on the ground moving firms.

The development of local law firms is also worth noting. The writer on a recent trip to Shanghai met with a number of successful local firms who also face complex recruitment issues. While not an immediate trend, it is envisaged that major local players will eventually seek to recruit lawyers from Hong Kong for their offices in Shanghai or Beijing. The practising rules and CEPA already envisage this kind of movement with the only obstacle being the discrepancy in salary levels.

The Mainland in-house market will also continue to develop at a pace. Of all the legal recruitment markets over the last year, the in-house market has held up well. There is an ever-increasing need to recruit good quality local lawyers for in-house positions with multinationals. There already exists a well-organised in-house lawyers group whose members are being presented with an ever-increasing range of in-house opportunities.

There is no doubt that the legal market in Mainland China will continue to grow – the challenge for everyone involved will be how to attract the right people and how to make a return on the investment involved – there will be no easy fixes in this regard.

Search Firm: DaCare Legal Search
Website: www.dacare-legal.com

Office: shanghai, beijing, china
Keywords: legal recruiting, law jobs, attorney jobs in China

Unions focus on overseas firms

THE government wants the percentage of foreign-invested city enterprises with trade unions to exceed 80 percent by the end of this year, the Shanghai Trade Union said yesterday.

By the end of March this year, 9,063 of the more than 11,600 foreign-invested firms in the city had established trade unions, a threefold increase compared to 2003.

Chen Hao, chairman of the Shanghai Trade Union, said establishment of a trade union could help protect workers’ legal rights.

Chen cited Shanghai Uchino, an enterprise with 100 percent Japanese investment, as a good example of a company operating with a union.

The Japanese company was set up in Shanghai in 1995. The trade union was established at the same time. Of its 1,900 employees, more than 1,800 have joined the union.

“Every time we make a rule or plan, we discuss with our employees together,” said Ji Weizhong, chairman of the company’s trade union. “We have held two staff conferences last year and set every contract term with our workers.”

Organized by the trade union, the company also signed a special contract with female employees to guarantee their rights and interests. One of the contract terms stipulates that the company will hold health checks for women every year, and pregnant employees can have extra breaks.

“What we do for them added, but what they do for the company multiplied,” said Chen Longbao, the company’s manager. “We can benefit more, because when employees are favored by their contracts, they will work harder than before.”

Compensation and Benefits Data and Trends in the Shanghai R&D Sector – Invitation

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Type: Science and Technology Committee Meeting
Venue: Regus Shui On Plaza Centre
12/F Shui On Plaza, 333 Huai Hai Zhong Road
雷格斯环业会议中心
淮海中路333号，瑞安广场12楼
Time: 16:30 to 18:30
Price: Members (RMB): 0

The AmCham Shanghai Science and Technology Committee is pleased to host its third roundtable discussion of the year on May 23, 2007.

Eric Fiedler, Regional Director of Hewitt Associates and current AmCham Chairman, will discuss compensation and benefits data and trends in the Shanghai R&D sector. Fiedler’s presentation will cover how your company can attract and retain talent in this increasingly competitive market, especially regarding leadership and managerial positions.

The S&T Committee meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month. The forum will include an invited guest speaker to address a key topic of interest followed by an in-depth roundtable discussion.

Please email your RSVP to Christine Li at Christine.li@amcham-shanghai.org no later than Monday, May 21, 2007.

Best regards,

Science & Technology Committee

AmCham Shanghai

Purchase Manager

Company introduction: Our client is a leading, global application-oriented metal and materials Group, with a unique position as probably the most innovative company in its business. They aim to be at the core of new developments, and therefore a driving force in this exciting sector.

Job Description:
Report To:GM
Location:Kunming
1.Develop and improve policies for purchasing and planning
2.Responsible for recruitment, development and training of departmental staff
3.Direct and manage purchasing project
4.Manage purchasing information and systems, and purchasing services from IT
5.Managing purchasing staff managing suppliers, relationships, SLA’s (service level agreements)
6.Built a proactive liaison with other departments as necessary to forecast
7.Responsible to meet, and to supply demand to relevant quality
8.Establish proactive liaison with other departments to re source services as necessary.
9.Negotiate and administrate purchasing contracts
10.Analyse and recommend whether to make or buy
11.Evaluate and recommend whether to rent or buy
12.Responsible for cost saving budgeting and targets
13.Set and plan how to achieve supplier accreditation and service level management
14.Responsible for accounting evaluation and financial justification of capital revenue
15.Develop and manage outsourcing strategy
16.Responsible and negotiate payment terms and optimisation
17.Responsible for stock and materials management
18.Responsible for the warehouses, distribution and shipping management
19.Packaging and transport regulatory awareness, compliance and information communication
20.Other duties as assigned by General Manger.
21.International trading issues/imports/legal, awareness and management

Job Requirements:
1.Experience in strategic planning and execution. Knowledge of contracting, negotiating, and change management. Knowledge of structuring purchasing quota goals and revenue expectations. Experience in planning purchasing strategies
2.Work requires professional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to motivate teams to produce quality materials within tight timeframes and simultaneously manage several projects. Ability to participate in and facilitate group meetings.
3.This is normally acquired through a combination of the completion of a bachelors Degree in Sales/Marketing and seven years of experience in a senior-level purchasing or sales position.
4.Work requires willingness to work a flexible schedule. Demonstrated proficiency in the use of the English language in reading, writing, and speaking
5.Demonstrated ability in the use of computers and business related software

* Please send us your complete resume (both in Chinese and in English) to:
‘topjob_mn155km#dacare.com'(Please replace “#” with “@”)

Finance Manager

Company introduction: Our client is a leading, global application-oriented metal and materials Group, with a unique position as probably the most innovative company in its business. They aim to be at the core of new developments, and therefore a driving force in this exciting sector.

Job Description:
Report To: GM
Location:Kunming
1.Is responsible for finance and accounting, reporting and control, human resources and legal administration, supervise information systems of the company.
2.Produce timely accurate financial information to the mgt: monthly, yearly closings, reporting & consolidation, budget & forecast and the financial statements
3.Provide required data analysis and comments
4.Follow HQ Financial & Accounting Policies
5.Implement group financial systems, work-flows, analytic accounting & controlling, monitor the biz flows, performances & risks
6.Manage cash & liquidities, bank loans & currencies;
7.Supervise periodic tax filing accurately and on time;
8.Complete and report the local tax situation ( Income & VAT, Intrastat,..)
9.Supervise legal matters for the company and serves as legal contact to corporate
10.Launch HQ credit policy
11.Control credit risks & credit insurance issues & settlement of receivables
12.Provide assistance to internal & external audits
13.Supervise Payroll & related HR Admin
14.Organize office and car leasing
15.Set up & maintains a insurances
16.Responsible for general Adm. Issues
17.Provide support in the design and implementation of an adequate IS system and supervise IS
18.Supervise General accounting, AR, and AP bookings
19.Schedule closing time line and stick with BU policy
20.Organize Materials management and make sure cost of materials to be record accurately
21.Make sure accounting booking and follow both HQ accounting policies and local GAAP.

Job Requirements:
1.Above 30 years old with a bachelor degree in finance or other related major.
2. Work requires professional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to motivate teams to provide overall good quality service within tight time frames and simultaneously manage several projects.
3. Work requires willingness to work a flexible schedule. Demonstrated proficiency in the use of the English language in reading, writing, and speaking
4.Demonstrated ability in the use of computers and business related software
5.The potential candidate will develop to be the GM of the new plant

* Please send us your complete resume (both in Chinese and in English) to:
‘topjob_fi148km#dacare.com'(Please replace “#” with “@”)

Sr. Sourcing Mgr

Job Description:
Report To: GM
Location: Shanghai
1.Be involved in or responsible for a number of larger strategic sourcings such as trucking services, warehouse services, barge transportation and different key commodities. Some sourcings might involve USD 50-100 mill, include project teams of 10-15 people and last 4-6 months
2.pursue new suppliers in categories already sourced in the region as well as categories that potentially could be sourced in the region in the future
3.actively participate in the China related Strategic Sourcing Groups and act as spearhead towards new potential Chinese suppliers
4.keep close contact with suppliers to ensure smooth communication with APM-M and create a Most Favored Nation situation ensuring capacity when none is available
5.co-operate closely with key internal stake holders, lead buyers and colleagues

Job Requirements:
1.an extensive sourcing background including team/project leader experience
2.project management experience from larger strategic sourcing groups where leadership, communication and making decisive decisions is a key
3.a background within logistic and transportation
4.good planning and co-ordination skills and is a self-starter and motivator
5.professional English skills both verbal and written
6.has good co-ordination skills and ability to work independently and with drive
7.familiarity with MS Office package
8.a chance to develop his/hers own job and change the job description accordingly as we get to know each other

* Please send us your complete resume (both in Chinese and in English) to:
‘topjob_eo099sh#dacare.com'(Please replace “#” with “@”)

Office Administrator (China) (mn/154/sh)

Location:
Shanghai, China
Reports To:Managing Director/Chief Representative of Shanghai Rep office

Key Responsibilities:
a)Assist the Managing Director/Chief Representative in all aspects of administrative support and procedural implementations. This includes assisting in the monitoring and execution of Company¡¯s operating procedures, budgetary control, human resource, and all other directives as and when implemented;
b)Provide all levels of administrative and secretarial support to the Chief Representative, Sales & Purchase and New Building teams. This includes but not limited to process general office correspondence by email, fax, scanning and post.
c)Generating and consolidation of the office expense through proper accounting procedure and input of expenses into SAGE ACCPAC accounting system (general ledgers i.e. double entries only); Maintaining and recording of Petty Cash account;
d)Liaise with tax partners on all tax issues (chief rep¡¯s withholding tax and corporate tax filings);
e)Manage all travel-related activities (including arranging for corporate rates with regular hotels) for all employees within the Shanghai office;
f)Manage all inter-office administrative and logistic matters;
g)Telephone/Receptionist duties. (This is very important and you will need to learn to recognise clients/brokers and be welcoming on the telephone.)
h)Setting up and maintaining efficient filing system to include filing of ships¡¯ plans. Organise printing/photocopying of ships¡¯ plans and courier to third parties.
i)Liaise with suppliers to ensure competitive rates. Ensure stationary / stamps / refreshment / cleaning supplies are adequate.
j)Maintenance of telephone/IT networks and co-ordination with telephone and IT support locally and overseas.
k)Ensure daily backups are completed and backup tape taken off site.
l)When Trainee Broker absent, assist to update the shipping database.
m)Welcome visitors to office and make tea/coffee when necessary.
n)Planning of corporate events.

Essential Knowledge and Skills:
a)University graduate in business administration with minimum 2 years of experience as a secretary or an office administrator;
b)Must be an effective communicator in both written & spoken English;
c)Being resourceful, informative and a good team player are value added advantages;
d)Must be competent in MS Office software packages;
e)Must have basic accounting knowledge and experience;
f)Knowledge of Sage ACCPAC accounting software preferred but not essential as training will be provided.

* Please send us your complete resume (both in Chinese and in English) to:
‘topjob_mn154sh#dacare.com'(Please replace “#” with “@”)

China to spend US$4.3b in US shopping spree

CHINA is on another shopping spree in the United States that appears to be as much about salesmanship as the country’s rapidly growing purchasing power.

Hoping to ease tensions raised by the massive trade imbalance dividing two of the world’s economic powers, China has periodically come to the United States on “buying missions” to demonstrate the country’s willingness to import more goods and services.

China kicked off its latest campaign on Wednesday in San Francisco with a commitment to buy US$4.3 billion in US technology.

In two weeks, government leaders will begin talks in Washington on the US’ US$232 billion trade deficit with China and other issues.

Chinese President Hu Jintao and his US counterpart George W. Bush yesterday exchanged views in a telephone conversation on the upcoming second round of strategic economic dialogue between the two countries.

Hu appreciated the US government’s active attitude toward the development of China-US economic and trade cooperation.

Hu said he believes that with concerted efforts by both sides, positive achievements will be scored in this round of dialogue, which will contribute to giving fresh impetus to China-US economic and trade cooperation.

Bush hopes that great achievements will be made in this round of dialogue.

At a posh hotel in San Francisco, a broad cross-section of business and government leaders from China and the United States celebrated 27 contracts signed on Wednesday.

The deals primarily involved computer software, semiconductor and telecommunications companies. The list of US beneficiaries included high-tech bellwethers Microsoft Corp, Oracle Corp, Cisco Systems Inc and Hewlett Packard Co.

California Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi hailed the agreements as an “important step in furthering the deep relationship between this state, this country and China.”

To underscore China’s resolve to explore more US investments, executives from more than 200 Chinese companies are meeting with their US counterparts in 24 cities scattered across 23 states, said Ma Xiuhong, vice commerce minister.

She met with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger at the state Capitol on Wednesday, and the governor later said California had nearly doubled sales to China. California exports to China totaled nearly US$10 billion in 2006, Schwarzenegger said.

Assistant Mgr ¨C Vender Development

Company introduction: Our client is a TS 16949:2002 certified organization with engineering competency at their crux.
Three decades of hardcore expertise forms their backbone in designing and manufacturing of high technology precision engineering components viz. Compressor Valves, Disc/ Belleville Springs and Precision Auto Components. There has been a growth of 50% in three of the four product lines mentioned above.
The company also designs and manufactures mass finishing systems for a wide variety of finishing applications on the automotive and general engineering horizons.
They are working towards Business Excellence while catering to the needs of some of the most advanced countries in niche segments. As first foot forward for the same, strategic initiatives like domestic and international acquisitions and world-class plants in India and China are being implemented for Precision Metal Components in automotive and compressor applications.
They have carved their name deep onto the international scene over the last five years, with clientele spanning across continents from Japan to Europe to America. Additionally, the equity funding by India Value Fund (formerly GW Capital), an US based private equity fund, has put the company in a unique position to aggressively invest in marketing, R&D and operations to become a leading player in Precision Metal Components business.

Job Description:
Report To: GM
Location: Shanghai Feng Xian District
1.Sound network of Vendors in Shanghai particularly in Blanking, Heat Treatment, Casting and Machining.
2.Technical Process knowledge of Precision Sheet Metal operations
3.Experience in Sourcing and Cost Reduction
4.Systems knowledge in ISO 9001 / TS 16949

Job Requirements:
1.Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering with experience in Sourcing and Vendor Development.
2.Minimum 3 to 5 years in relevant function
3.Good skills of Negotiation Skills, Execution Skills and System Orientation
4.Decision Making skills, Analytical Skills and Proactive Approach
5.A good team player, responsible, open mind and self-motivated
6.Good command of English both in oral and writing

* Please send us your complete resume (both in Chinese and in English) to:
‘topjob_mn152sh#dacare.com'(Please replace “#” with “@”)