Graduate Opportunities

The challenge for suppliers and retailers of goods is to manage the continual movement of stock through the supply chain from producer to purchaser with efficiency.

Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) are those retail goods with a short shelf life, either as a result of high consumer demand or because the product deteriorates rapidly. FMCGs – such as meats, fruit and vegetables, dairy products and baked goods – are highly perishable. Goods such as alcohol, toiletries, pre-packaged foods, soft drinks and cleaning products have high turnover rates.

The work

There are varied roles for graduates in the FMCGs sector, with the majority of opportunities in the areas of production, transport, distribution and wholesale/retail.

Large firms selling FMCGs in Australia and New Zealand recruit graduates from a range of disciplines, particularly Business, Commerce, Marketing and Food Science. There is increasing demand for Information Technology and Information Systems graduates because of the intensive management required to oversee the very high volume of transactions and ensure tight control of sales and stock.

The importance of supply chain management in this sector means there are also good opportunities for Business and Commerce graduates who can apply their knowledge of inventory and supply management to formulating logistical solutions. Some universities are now offering specialised postgraduate qualifications in the field of logistics and supply chain.

The FMCGs sector in Australia and New Zealand is expected to expand in the next decade as consumers increasingly show preference for minimally processed foods.

In order to source talented graduates, companies are competing by offering flexible working arrangements, challenging roles and quality leadership and management programs.

What you need

Employers in the FMCGs sector look for graduates with good interpersonal and communication skills. IT skills are also important in this sector, as many operational tasks, such as monitoring inventory, market research and control of the supply chain, now heavily rely on the use of information systems.

There are no prerequisite professional qualifications to work as a sales representative, although graduates in Business or Commerce will have skills well suited to the role. As the work involves a lot of travelling, a driver’s license is essential. Most roles require an awareness of, or keen interest in, brands, consumer tastes and trends, buying patterns and demographic changes.

Food technologist roles usually require a degree in Science, with a major area of study in Food Science and Technology. Graduates in Biochemistry, Chemistry and Microbiology may also find employment as food technologists.

Money matters

Due to the wide variety of occupations within this broad industry, it is not possible to provide an overall estimate of salary or remuneration levels. Graduates interested in working in FMCG should seek salary information under the specific area they wish to work, for example marketing, food sciences or logistics. See www.gradsonline.com.au for current salary information.

Significant stats

The statistics below relate to the retail trade sector:

• The number of people employed in this sector is almost 1.5 million.
• The sector is a major employer of women, trainees and part-time and casual workers.
• Employment in this industry has shown moderate long-term growth, with an annual average growth rate of 1.3 per cent in the five years to May 2007.

Source: except where indicated figures from www.skillsinfo.gov.au and “Australian Jobs 2007”, Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.