For a candidate working within the discipline of commercial contract management, there are a wide range of career pathways available. The marketplace is constantly changing in line with new innovations and as personal and professional goals change too, for those looking for a new challenge – what is their best route?
We recognise that we are operating within a candidate led market, where talent is in short supply and companies are all vying for the same handful of people. Both the interim and permanent markets are buoyant, so what is best for you?
Interim: The Benefits
Higher risk, higher reward
Working in an interim position is a highly pressurised discipline, driven by large businesses and conglomerates requiring immediate results and a strong leadership style to deliver this. These positions are usually offered on a short-term basis, perhaps up to 12 months in length, and require a dynamic skillset to meet the intense nature of the work.
Money, money, money
The chances are, for someone working as an interim, there will be more opportunities to earn more money! This will be particularly true for those who are highly-skilled (and in demand) in their discipline as businesses seek reliable, well-placed interims.
You’re in control
If you’re a candidate with other commitments, or a lifestyle that requires an element of flexibility, interim positions are a good option to consider. The nature of this work means that schedules are open for negotiation, and this can make for a pretty good work-life balance. The speed to hire in CCM is often quick for these roles too, allowing candidates to step into the discipline in a speedy fashion.
You are your brand
For an interim in CCM, the chance to boost your own career opportunities faces no limits. The fast-paced nature of short-term, interim work means that there is the opportunity to learn
a host of new skills, from project management and delivering crucial results to crisis management and negotiation, the chances to upskill and demonstrate your value are endless. Within this field is the opportunity to experiment with your career, CCM offers work in sectors such as defence, aerospace, engineering and facilities management, also meaning interims can have the chance to work on a wide-range of interesting and varied contracts.
Interim: The Drawbacks
Higher risk
The biggest downside of interim roles is that they are a risk. They do not have the security of a permanent position and have the tendency to be unpredictable because of this. It is completely dependent on the terms of contracts, but this type of position can mean that placements finish earlier than anticipated.
Changing relationships
Staying on a contract or with a company for a short period of time can be beneficial for a number of reasons, but this interim duration can mean that interim workers have less of an emotional investment in the company. Considering your status within the company may prove to be useful when exploring your next move.
Permanent: The Benefits
Secure
Taking up a permanent position is a pathway that sees candidates within CCM commit to a long-term contract, usually on a full-time basis – although there can be flexibility depending on contracts and assignments. These positions tend to be secure, following a steady pattern and hold long-term benefits for those looking to make their mark in CCM.
Building the right foundations
In a permanent role you are going to see far more investment in your development. You are an asset to your organisation and a good employer will put you though training, helping you to create a clear career path. However interested you are in the interim market it is important to develop your experience and skills first.
Growing your presence within the team
In a permanent role, candidates can build upon their presence within the team, in turn contributing to developing and delivering a strong and positive company culture. In turn, this can see candidates achieving a greater chance of job satisfaction and a will to stay with the company for a longer period of time.
Looking to the future
It’s time to think to the future. In a permanent role, there will be more opportunities to accelerate career progression and take moments to consider forward-thinking about where this placement can take you. There will also be more access to training and development programmes, whether this be internally or through external opportunities with the company.
Permanent: The Drawbacks
It’s a big ‘ol commitment
By taking a permanent role, although there is security and stability, there is the potential that candidates may miss out on other contract opportunities that come up at short notice and on short-term contracts. Not ideal if you’re tied in… Equally, movement in permanent roles tends to be vertically only, and moving into new sectors can be harder.
Smaller circles
In a permanent role, there is a high chance that candidates will have a smaller network to move within – especially if they have previously only worked in a specific discipline. This may also be a challenge for those at the beginning of their career in CCM, as networking is integral to ensuring you are well-known and understood within the discipline.
As the global market leader for recruitment in commercial and contract management, we are well placed to advise on future careers in CCM. Get in touch with us for some friendly, unbiased advice.
