Spike in Insurance and Superannuation jobs

Spike in Insurance and Superannuation jobs

The latest data from SEEK has revealed a 40% increase in the number of job opportunities in New Zealand’s Insurance and Superannuation industry from February to March 2015[1], putting the spotlight back on an industry that’s undergone significant change in the past five years.

Auckland, the hub of head offices, drove industry growth with new job opportunities up 59% month on month. Canterbury followed closely behind, up 42%, while jobs in Wellington increased 6% over the same period.

Janet Faulding, General Manager of SEEK New Zealand, says the insurance industry has been through a period of change in recent years, caused largely by the need to adapt following the considerable challenges brought about by the Canterbury earthquakes.

“We have seen a marked shift in the kinds of roles needing to be filled, such as Claims, and while this is to be expected following such a significant natural disaster, what we’re now hearing is that the sector’s renewed focus is on employing people with diverse skills and a personal understanding of events that impact the sector,” says Ms Faulding.

IAG, one of New Zealand’s leading insurance companies, has adapted to meet the complexities posed by the aftermath of the Canterbury earthquakes says Martin Hunter, Executive General Manager of Strategy, People and Reputation at IAG.

“The sector touches customers, suppliers, brokers, and businesses small and large and it requires expertise in a range of fields beyond just insurance knowledge, such as marketing, communications, data analysis, insights, technology/digital skills, legal and HR/people skills,” says Mr Hunter.

“It’s a progressive industry, dealing regularly with big issues and that makes the work environment very dynamic. We’re pleased that word is getting out and that people know broad and exciting careers are available to those keen to take a look at the sector,” he adds.

Not only have job opportunities in the industry on SEEK increased over the last month, but candidate interest is also on the rise reveals Ms Faulding.

“Our data shows the industry has a competitive average annual salary of $75,000[2] which may contribute to the sector’s growing popularity as is evident in a 17% year on year increase in the number of job applications in Insurance and Superannuation made on SEEK in March,” concludes Ms Faulding.

ENDS

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