Archives May 2008

Unemployment rate plummets

HONG Kong’s unemployment rate unexpectedly fell to 3.3 percent, matching the lowest in a decade, helping to boost consumer spending and sustain growth in the city as global demand fades.

The seasonally adjusted jobless rate was for the three months ended April, the government said yesterday on its Website. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg News had expected the rate to stay at 3.4 percent.

An improved labor market, lower interest rates and tax relief may support domestic household consumption and shield the city from weaker overseas demand.

“Export, visitor and capital flows from Chinese mainland have created most of the jobs for Hong Kong in the past few years,” said Kevin Lai, senior economist at Daiwa Institute of Research in Hong Kong. “Domestic demand will remain robust amid a solid labor sector, negative real interest rates and fiscal stimulus.”

Deutsche Bank AG, Germany’s largest bank, plans to triple its office capacity in Hong Kong by 2010. The expansion will allow employing as many as 4,000 workers, up from 1,500 currently, the company said on May 6.

Last month’s jobless rate matched February’s as the lowest in 10 years. The government calculates Hong Kong’s unemployment on a rolling three-month basis to smooth out seasonal factors.

Hong Kong’s economy grew 7.1 percent in the first quarter from a year earlier, the fastest pace in two years. Household spending jumped 7.9 percent.

Rising incomes are spurring consumption. The average wage rose 2.7 percent in December from a year earlier.

The increase in wages may also escalate inflation as companies pass on higher labor costs to buyers.

Contract Manager (hr104sh)

Job Title: Contract Manager
Report To: Senior Legal Manager
Location: ___Shanghai_
With operations in 50 countries and 68,000 employees, our client is a world leader in Mission-critical information systems for the Aerospace, Defense and Security markets with its global network of 20,000 high-level researchers.
Our client’s rich history goes back well over a century. Built slowly and with careful planning, the Group boasts remarkable cohesion and strength, and has often proven its ability to adapt its structures to prevailing conditions.
Leveraging a global presence and spanning the entire value chain, from prime contracting to equipment; our client plays a pivotal role in making the world a safer place. With the development in APAC, especially in China, they are looking for talents to join them.
Job Description:
Responsibilities:
1. Under supervision of the Senior Legal Manager, the job holder will be responsible for conceiving, drafting, negotiating and implementing contractual and legal solutions fit for the specific context of their business matters in China and will contribute to reinforcing the position towards partners, suppliers, customers and competitors by providing secured contractual solutions in all business;
2. The job holder will assist and support in contract management as regard to on going contracts;
3. The job holder will be as close as possible to the operational people in order to help them to elaborate relevant contractual solutions and identify possible legal stakes so that risks are clearly detected, measured and mitigated. He (she) will be an internal part of project teams for all aspects of the dealings(offer building, contract drafting, negotiation and contract performance monitoring and follow through);
4. The job holder will in close contact with Legal teams located in various countries ;
5. The job holder will ensure proper communication and process in a matrix organization where functional reporting lines will be split between various countries. He (she) will ensure timely and comprehensive reporting to the senior legal manager on a daily basis.
Requirement:
1. The job holder must be Chinese and International Law graduated and PRC BAR qualified;
2. The job holder will have some professional experience as in house lawyer or contract manager providing support to business in an international environment. He(she) will have a good practice of Chinese and Anglo-Saxon law and a perfect command of both Chinese and English Language(oral and written)
3. The job holder shall be a fast-learner and willing to grow up;
4. The job holder shall be a team player and work under pressure;

* Please send us your complete resume (both in Chinese and in English to: ‘topjob_hr104sh@dacare.com'(Please replace “#” with “@”)
* In the email subject MUST you plus the position name ?in either En or Ch ?

Sourcing Engineer (eng083sh)

Job Title: Sourcing Engineer
Job Description:
Company introduction: Our client is the world leader within Sports Utility Transportation delivering transportation solutions for active families, professionals and outdoor enthusiasts wanting to transport their equipment by vehicles safely, easily and in style.
After over 70 year’s development, it has approx over 30 production and sales locations on all major car markets in North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. They provide reliable, user-friendly product solutions which gives our customers access to the best and widest product range available on the market, with the best conceivable service. Now?they are looking for talents to join there company in China.
Report To: Director of Asia Pacific Sourcing
Location: ____ Shanghai______________________________
Responsibilities:
1. Find and assesses potential new suppliers; works with them to develop and improve entire supply chain. Work with suppliers to coordinate production, shipping & logistics.
2. Be responsible for quality and procurement issues related to suppliers of materials, products or services used in the development or manufacture of products.
3. Conduct audits of suppliers to qualify them as an approved supplier. Conduct follow-up audits of suppliers to ensure conformance to the quality standards.
4. Ensure corrective actions are implemented with suppliers and follow-up on their effectiveness.
5. Ensure suppliers are conforming to company Code of Conduct as applicable.
6. Conduct and report product inspection per sampling procedure.
7. Work closely with global Product Development teams to ensure product specifications and project time schedules are satisfied.
8. Coordinate and perform regular pre-shipment inspections for existing products.
9. Provide support in other areas affecting product quality or sourcing.
10. Other functions as required and assigned by the Supervisor.

Requirements:
1. University degree in a technical background is required. Mechanical or manufacturing engineering degree preferred.
2. Minimum five years experience working in a manufacturing/quality environment and/or a sourcing environment.
3. Product and process knowledge of machining, tooling, and metal forming is required. Knowledge of die casting, assembly, plastics, and finishing is desirable.
4. Experience and/or knowledge of test equipment and methodologies.
5. Conducted/participated in Supplier Audits.
6. Working knowledge of SPC/SQC, ISO 9001/TS16949 and Six Sigma.
7. Working knowledge of high level statistical tools (SPC/SQC, FMEA, Problem analysis, Flow charting, PPAP).
8. Ability to read product specifications and drawings and communicate to supplier.
9. Computer literate in Excel, Word, Power Point and Outlook..
10. Good oral and written communication skills in English and Chinese.
11. Ability to deal effectively with people in various functions at supplier.
12. Extensive travel required.

* Please send us your complete resume (both in Chinese and in English to: ‘topjob_eng083sh@dacare.com'(Please replace “#” with “@”)
* In the email subject MUST you plus the position name ?in either En or Ch ?

Customer Service Officer (mkt240sz)

Job Title: Customer Service Officer
Job Description:
Company introduction: With over 60 years development, our client is in a leading position today in Sweden and the export market is developing positively. By focusing on design, function, flexibility and energy-saving solutions, they are creating the light fittings and luminaries of the future. It has approximately 1 200 employees, including more than a hundred people working in its foreign sales companies.
Its business concept is to develop; manufacture and market qualified lighting systems for the respective business area. The goal is to offer products combining state-of-the-art technology and lighting know-how and deliveries from our own customer order-steered production. Now?they are looking for talents to join there company in China.
Report To: Customer Service Manager
Location: ____ Suzhou______________________________
Requirements:
1. Take care of incoming orders and planning in our business system;
2. Give our customers notice of delivery;
3. Follow up and put in forecast from customers;
4. Follow up orders from start of work orders to shipment from the factory;
5. Follow up and help the manager with others, so the department can give our customers that support they want;
6. Follow up customers claims;
7. Report to Customer Service manager.

Responsibilities:
1. University degree;
2. Excellent English in reading, writing, speaking and listening;
3. Good Microsoft computer skills, like Excel, Word, PowerPoint;
4. Working experience with business system is preferred, like Scala, SAP etc.

* Please send us your complete resume (both in Chinese and in English to: ‘topjob_mkt240sz@dacare.com'(Please replace “#” with “@”)
* In the email subject MUST you plus the position name ?in either En or Ch ?

RPT-PREVIEW-HK Feb-April jobless rate seen stable at 3.4 pct

HONG KONG, May 16 (Reuters) – Hong Kong’s jobless rate probably stayed at 3.4 percent in February-April as the pace of hiring slowed amid uncertainties over the economy, a Reuters survey shows.

“The economy was still doing well in the first quarter but employers became more cautious about hiring due to the weakening external environment,” said Peng Chen, an economist at JPMorgan.

The unemployment rate has fallen much further than expected, hitting 3.3 percent, a 10-year low, in December-February, as a strong economy has created jobs and a tight labour market. However, the rate crept back up to 3.4 percent in January-March as hiring slowed sharply.

The trade sector is one of the territory’s biggest employers and a possible recession in the United States — Hong Kong’s biggest export market after mainland China — is a particular concern.

As the territory’s exports are expected to slow this year, economists see economic growth falling to 4.6 percent, according to a Reuters poll, from 6.3 percent last year and average annual growth of 7.2 percent over the past four years.

In April, growth in business in the private sector virtually stalled and new orders fell for the first time in more than three years, according to the Hong Kong Purchasing Managers’ Index, prompting companies to add few staff. Wages however continued to increase, although at the slowest pace since September.

Demand for professionals across sectors is still buoyant amid a shortage of suitable qualified people and the retail and tourism sectors continue to hire amid strong consumption, which has been underpinned by wage growth.

The unemployment rate has fallen from a record 8.5 percent four years ago. Economists say the economy is now close to full employment and while the jobless rate should stay below 4 percent this year it is likely to keep fluctuating.

Forecasts for the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for February-April (percent): Daiwa Research Institute 3.3 ING Financial Mkts 3.3 Bank of East Asia 3.4 DBS Bank 3.4 JPMorgan 3.4 Standard Chartered Bank 3.4 Hang Seng Bank 3.5 UBS 3.5

Orange to extend stake in China

ORANGE Business Services, the business communications subsidiary of France Telecom Group, said China is the fastest growing regional market in Asia and it will bring great-volume investment into the country.

OBS’ customers come from two segments: multinational companies in China and home-grown firms which want to expand globally, said Yee May Leong, OBS’ senior vice president of Asia Pacific.

“Our strategy focuses on the emerging markets (this year) as China and India,” Leong told Shanghai Daily from the sideline of the Women’s Forum in Asia in Shanghai.

China is the company’s third biggest regional market in Asia Pacific.

“China will finally outrank the leaders (like Australia) and it will come very soon, I think,” Leong said.

Leong declined to reveal the detailed investment plan in China but she confirmed the company will invest a lot in the country in future.

OBS has expanded into about 200 tier-two and tier-three cities in China through cooperation with domestic carriers like China Telecom, covering Dongguan, Dalian, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Xiamen.

OBS has 2,000 multinational clients in Asia Pacific, including Airbus China and port and finance clients based in Shanghai.

Director of Hotel Human Resources, Sanya, China (hr108sy)

DACARE CONSULTING
Department: Hotel HR

POSITION: Director of Hotel Human Resources
REPORT TO: President

Our client is an iconic 5 star hotel in the world. Due to their global development and expanded scheme, the company is seeking a passionate and dynamic HR Director to join their exceptional team in a key management role in Sanya, China. Are you a leader and have been waiting for the opportunity to advance your career managing multiple venues providing a luxury experience to your guests, then this is your next role.
Only successful candidates meeting the selection criteria will be contacted.

General Summary:

Manage key elements of the Human Resources functions, including recruitment, training, performance management, team member benefits and recognition programs and general Administration for the Hotel Division.
Ability to perform at the strategic and operational level
Highly developed interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization
Excellent organizational, analytical, managerial and coaching skills
The ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality
The ability to grow Human Resources within the Division
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Related HR certification desired

Education

Education: Bachelors or higher Degree in Business, Human Resources or Hotel Administration.

Working Experience
? 3-5 years Human Resources Generalist Experience in 5 Star Hotel.
? Multi-unit experience with a hospitality or service oriented company; hotels preferred
Language
Must be fluent in Mandarin and English.

Specific Responsibilities:
1. Recruitment – Ensure that this function is effectively managed to fill positions promptly and professionally and in a cost effective manner.
2. Training and Development – Develop and implement training programs that aid in the fullfillment of the Hotel Division Mission Statement.
3. Performance Management – Ensure that all dimensions of performance management are effectively managed to foster team member development and retention.
4. Internal Branding – Foster the company’s internal brand, recognizing that it is the corner stone of the Hotel Division Mission Statement.
5. Demonstrated success in the areas of team member benefits and recognition programs, compensation management, safety and risk management and health care and voluntary benefits administration.
6. Special projects and other initiatives or tasks as assigned.
7. Involvement and hands-on approach within the hotels as needed.
Work Location:
Sanya City, Hainan Province China

* Please send us your complete resume (both in Chinese and in English to: ‘topjob_z_hotel@dacare.com'(Please replace “#” with “@”)
* In the email subject MUST you plus the position name in either En or Ch

Chief Housekeeper (in025sy)

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DACARE CONSULTING ????Department: Hotel Admin

?? POSITION: Chief Housekeeper ????REPORT TO: General Manager
Our client is an iconic 5 star hotel in the world. Due to their global development and expanded scheme, the company is seeking for a passionate and dynamic Chief Housekeeper to join their exceptional team in a key management role in Sanya, China. Are you a leader and have been waiting for the opportunity to advance your career managing multiple venues providing a luxury experience to your guests, then this is your next role.
Only successful candidates meeting the selection criteria will be contacted.
General Summary:
Manage key elements of the Human Resources functions, including recruitment, training, performance management, team member benefits and recognition programs and general Administration for the Hotel Division.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business administration or related field from an accredited college or university or the international equivalent preferred.
Working Experience
3-5 years housekeeping managerial experience in an upscale hotel, resort or cruise line (shipboard experience preferred).
Language
Must be fluent in Mandarin and English including listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Work Location:
Sanya City, Hainan Province China
Specific Responsibilities:
1. Demonstrated aptitude for the financial aspects of a housekeeping operation, including the successful identification of expense reduction through cost control.
2. Directing the overall housekeeping functions onboard the vessel. Overseeing the assignment of duties, responsibilities and workstations to your staff. Observing and evaluating staff and work procedures. Approving personnel actions to ensure proper staffing.
3. Implementing Pillars of Safety, Service and Style standards for the housekeeping function. Reviewing outside audit findings and performing regular self-audits.
4. Investigating and resolving housekeeping quality and service complaints.
5. Reviewing financial transactions and managing staff to ensure expenditures stay within budget limitations. Constantly reviewing current operating procedures for revenue-enhancement opportunities.
6. Mentoring, developing and providing on-the-job training to subordinates to strengthen their current performance and preparation for future advancement.
7. Ability to meet all physical requirements.

* Please send us your complete resume (both in Chinese and in English to: ‘topjob_in025sy@dacare.com'(Please replace “#” with “@”)
* In the email subject MUST you plus the position name ?in either En or Ch ?

Chinese companies’ foreign investment jumps nearly fourfold in Q1

BEIJING, May 11 (Xinhua) — Chinese companies’ foreign direct investment expanded 353 percent in the first quarter compared with the same 2007 period as domestic firms sought out a more open global market.

The investment hit 19.34 billion U.S. dollars in the first three months, Vice Minister of Commerce Chen Jian said Sunday at a forum. The figure stood at 18.76 billion U.S. dollars for the whole last year.

China set forth the “going-beyond-the-border” strategy in 1999,encouraging domestic enterprises to invest and do businesses abroad.

To support the outbound investment momentum, the government also offered help, including scrapping unnecessary controls on foreign exchange reserves and simplifying administrative procedures.

More than 12,000 Chinese companies have established firms in about 172 countries and regions by the end of 2007. Foreign investments rose nearly sevenfold from 2002 to 2007.

Commercial Manager (fi180sh)

Company introduction:
With operations in 50 countries and 68,000 employees, our client is a world leader in Mission-critical information systems for the Aerospace, Defense and Security markets with its global network of 20,000 high-level researchers.
Our client’s rich history goes back well over a century. Built slowly and with careful planning, the Group boasts remarkable cohesion and strength, and has often proven its ability to adapt its structures to prevailing conditions.
Leveraging a global presence and spanning the entire value chain, from prime contracting to equipment; our client plays a pivotal role in making the world a safer place. With the development in APAC, especially in China, they are looking for talents to join them.
Report To: GM
Location: Shanghai
Responsibilities:
1. Tender preparation. Commercial Management of on going projects.
2. To ensure proper contract administration and commercial process are implemented.
3. Monitor contract performance to ensure effective control of contractual transactions, protection of company interests, and the preservation of project profitability.
4. Responsible for ensuring contract compliance. Responsible for preparation and negotiation of contract change proposals and change orders.
5. Responsible for preparation, transmittal and negotiation of claims, including all necessary back up documentation in accordance with contract requirements.
6. Responsible for administration of contractual insurance, bonding, warranty, escrow and other contract requirements (e.g. Localization).
7. In conjunction with legal counsel, develops contractual position and provides contract interpretation to the project team and senior management for all contractual issues.
8. Conducts research and obtains backup documentation with respect to controversial issues, contract interpretation, potential disputes, and make recommendations thereon…
9. Liaise directly with risk management analysts, brokers and sureties in connection with all contract bonding and insurance related matters.
10. Initiate, expedite and ensure timely responses to correspondence and completion of documentation by the project team and other departments as required.
11. Participate meetings with the Customer, internal project review and operation presentations.
12. Planning, coordination with all internal and external partners, execution of the tender submission.
13. Risk management and commercial insurance. Ensures compliance with all contractual insurance requirements. Ensures compliance with Gate requirements.
14. To carry out effective negotiation with all stake holders and securing reasonable and feasible commercial solution for all tender and contracts.
Requirements:
1. Bachelor degree above, majored in finance, commercial or relevant
2. At least 5 years of financial and contract management experience, commercial experience will be a plus. PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL BID TEAMS
3. Strong business sense, teamwork and good communication skills. P&L Management. Negotiation Bid Management
4. Knowledge of project management. People Management/leadership International Relations
5. Good organizational abilities. Self-starter demonstrated ability. Capable of working independently with minimal supervision/direction.
6. Available to travel in connection with business as required. Ability to deal professionally with problematic persons and difficult situations.
7. Team player demonstrated ability. Problem solving ability. Persistency and tenacity.
8. PC Literate – particularly Word, /Excel (spreadsheet) and e-mail
9. Strong sense of responsibility, highly initiative and flexible, mature, independent, good interpersonal and communication skills
10. Strong analytical, organizational and panning skill required.
11. Good command of English both spoken and written.

* Please send us your complete resume (both in Chinese and in English to: ‘topjob_fi180sh@dacare.com'(Please replace “#” with “@”)
* In the email subject MUST you plus the position name ?in either En or Ch ?