Your go-to source for the latest developments in the world of construction across North America, the UK, and Europe. Onsite Insights delves into industry events, key trends, and market updates aiming to be a valuable resource for you.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, the UK news over the last few weeks has been dominated by the General Election and on the 4th July, voters took to the polling stations.
With a landslide victory, a Labour Government is now in charge and regardless of who you voted for, we can all agree that there’ll be changes that impact the construction industry.
Here’s how some of the industry leaders reacted to the news and what it could potentially mean on a number of issues from the topic of the housing crisis to the skill shortage.
Heads up, contractors! Changes are coming to building safety regulations in New York City. From now on, if you're working on a project that tickles the sky at seven stories or more, get ready to buckle up for stricter safety measures.
This means no more winging it on safety plans. To get your project off the ground (literally!), you'll need a certified site safety coordinator and a plan that's been stamped with approval. This applies to new builds, full demolitions, and even interior gut jobs with fancy mechanical equipment.
Why the shakeup? NYC is prioritising safety on construction sites, and smaller contractors who might not be familiar with the city's permitting process could be most affected. The article recommends bringing in the pros to avoid delays along with the other need-to-know regulations
Stay ahead of the curve and make sure your projects meet the new safety standards by reading this article below
The landscape of architecture is undergoing a fascinating shift. We're witnessing a move beyond traditional brick and mortar, with innovative materials and technology ushering in a new era.
This beautiful blend of the old and the new holds immense promise. By merging time-tested materials with cutting-edge technologies, architects are unlocking a new era of creativity. This could mean buildings that adapt to weather conditions, generate their own energy, or even interact with their inhabitants.
To learn more about this exciting development, you can explore this insightful article on the future of architecture below.
Position: Sales Project Manager
Location: Miami, FL
Salary: $140k to $180k
A huge opportunity for an established Sales Project Manager to join an incredible scaling company within the architectural systems space.
They specialise in glazing, metal and interior systems, and they're looking for someone who can support operations in Florida. There is a very generous salary, uncapped bonus structure and benefits package, with great progression opportunities into the senior leadership team.
This company has an increasing presence in the Florida market so this would be perfect for someone with existing connections who can help accelerate this growth!
Get in touch with us today for a confidential chat.
Did you know? A surprisingly high number of executive placements fail within the first 6 months!
There's a crucial window for new leaders to integrate and succeed, but often-overlooked factors can lead to early departures. This can be costly and disruptive for both the company and the executive.
The good news? Our CEO, Tom Wood, dives deep into the reasons behind these early exits in his latest video.
Don't become another statistic – watch Tom's video now and learn how to set your new leaders up for success!
Wouldn’t it be great if we could predict the future? It’s fair to say every Board or business leader has to constantly deal with the challenges of what’s next. Trying to plan for the short, medium and long term isn’t easy. To deal with the demands of the now, next and the unknown; it's critical to have a C-Suite team that's capable of managing through this change.
When it comes to changing industries, the construction industry is on the cusp of major transformation. Driven by environmental concerns, economic challenges technological advancements, and changing consumer demands, the sector is rapidly evolving. We see this consistently as an executive search company that operates in this space.
So, that begs the question: How can you future-proof your C-Suite to lead your business in a changing industry? Read on to find out how.
Firstly, we need to look at what are the key trends reshaping the construction industry that businesses need to be aware:
That brings us to discuss the key strategies that construction companies can use to build a C-suite to navigate these changes:
There’s a lot to consider. That’s on top of the day to day operations. It’s not easy but it’s essential to be aware of what’s on the horizon and have a C-Suite capable of managing this. The message is clear: disruption is the new normal. The future belongs to those who can adapt, innovate, and navigate change.
By following the strategies outlined in this blog – embracing diverse skillsets, prioritising continuous learning, integrating technology, and focusing on sustainability – you can build a C-suite that thrives in disruption.
If you’re looking to discuss your C-Suite recruitment strategy whether that’s for now or as part of your future proofing plan, get in touch with our Executive Search team for a comprehensive review of your hiring plans.
Your go-to source for the latest developments in the world of construction across North America, the UK, and Europe. Onsite Insights delves into industry events, key trends, and market updates aiming to be a valuable resource for you.
If you’ve read our previous Onsite Insights newsletters, then you’ll have heard us talking about why businesses are going big in Texas. Our first featured article delves into the exciting development of a 135-acre facility in San Antonio, envisioned to encompass sports, entertainment, and retail spaces.
This is further proof of the potential and positivity around the construction industry in the state. This project not only highlights the robustness of the construction industry in Texas but also signifies resilience amidst economic challenges faced nationwide. This story showcases how the development underscores the appeal of regions like San Antonio in attracting individuals and families seeking new opportunities and vibrant communities, which bodes well for the future.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, then you’ve likely seen the news in the media about labour shortages versus labour demand being one of the most prominent challenges for US construction businesses.
Talent attraction is a big discussion point, and we see it first-hand every day with our clients looking to fill roles on how else they can make their business stand out as an employer of choice in a competitive landscape.
That said, one way to deal with this is flipping it on it’s head and looking at retention.
Our self proclaimed king of culture at Lignum, Shane Weston who is also our Senior Delivery Manager at Lignum discussed this in a recent video about the importance of retention and the benefits it can bring to a business.
Linked to that, Construction Digital shared some practical advice around how to attract and retain in the construction industry in the below article.
The Spring Budget for 2024 was released earlier this week in the UK with The Chancellor announcing a number of initiatives to boost the UK economy. However, the construction industry felt that the announcements were a bit of a flop, with no significant improvements coming into force.
Read the latest thoughts on many industry figures below.
Our client is a global leader in the manufacturing and supply of aluminium products, serving a diverse range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, industrial and construction.
Position: Quality Manager
Location: Arkansas (relocation assistance provided)
Salary: $105-120k (negotiable dependent upon experience)
Ideal Background:
If this role looks like a quality opportunity for you, apply now.
Family-owned businesses come with unique challenges.
For family-owned businesses developing their strategy at an Executive level for 2024, these factors should be considered to ensure they give themselves the best possible chance of success in terms of elevating the business to reach the next stage of their journey.
At Lignum Executive, we’ve had a couple of conversations with CEOs and Boards within these types of businesses about how they approach navigating the challenges before hiring an “outsider” in the shape of a senior leader to come in and drive the business forward.
With that, our CEO, Tom Wood and Commercial Director. Liam Gover cover this in more detail whilst sharing recommendations on practical steps to take.
Your go-to source for the latest developments in the world of construction across North America, the UK, and Europe. Onsite Insights delves into industry events, key trends, and market updates aiming to be a valuable resource for you.
The construction industry faces a critical challenge in meeting labour demand, requiring an additional 501,000 workers in 2024 and 454,000 in 2025, according to Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC).
That’s some big figures to fill. Essentially, just short of a million workers over the next 2 years.
In recent years, with economic and geopolitical issues on top of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were significant external challenges for the industry to contend with, but now labour shortages seem to be the most pressing issue.
So what’s causing this? There are many factors at play that are contributing to this shortage.
In a recent article, ABC explored the the roots of these problems as well as outlining how the construction industry can address this specifically with a comprehensive approach to workforce development, including apprenticeship programs and immigration reforms.
Read the full article to gain deeper insights into this urgent industry challenge.
It’s no secret, we’re all getting older. Sorry to break it to you if that comes as a surprise but what’s the point we’re making.
As alluded to in the article above, a big reason for the ongoing labour challenges across the US is retiring with their research referencing that more than 1 in 5 construction workers are 55 or older. The issue of age is having a significant impact on many industries, with the construction industry specifically forecasted to be one of the hardest hit.
Our Building Envelopes Delivery Manager, James Hankey, delved into this in a short video you can watch below, where he shared how it’s estimated that up to 40% of the US construction workforce will retire in the next decade and the impact on the industry.
That said, it doesn’t need to be seen as doom and gloom.
Actually, with an older workforce; it can bring untold benefits. Take note of this recent article from Fortune on how this increase in older workers could have a profound effect on your bottom line if you have a robust retention strategy in place.
Exploring the transformative potential of modular construction, a freshly released report has once again hailed its role in modular mitigating the housing crisis across Canada. However, it needs an enabling environment to harness its advantages, including accelerated construction timelines and reduced costs.
Authored by Nevena Dragicevic from the CSA Public Policy Centre, the report emphasises the crucial need for an enabling environment to unlock the full potential of modular methods. With recommendations spanning from regulatory consistency to improved financing access, government leaders are urged to seize this opportunity for innovation and efficiency in construction practices.
Check out the detailed report below.
Our pick of the week comes from The Metropolis of Quebec or La Métropole du Québec to locals. As the largest city in the province of Quebec, Montreal serves as its economic, cultural, and social hub, with this role based at our client's headquarters in the city.
Our client is a successful architectural glass and metal installation company operating within the commercial construction industry, focusing primarily on large-scale projects. This high-energy, fast-paced business are looking for a Senior Project Manager to drive projects to completion efficiently.
Job Title: Senior Projects Construction Manager
Salary: CAD100,000 – CAD130,000
If this role sounds magnifique, then apply below.
In a candidate-driven market, choosing the right recruitment partner who understands how you operate and delivers on your specific needs is integral.
For many years, the recruitment industry has developed a bad reputation, particularly from hiring companies who often vent about receiving dozens of CVs from recruiters, yet hardly any that fit the bill for what they need.
Our approach is in fact the opposite.
Our CEO, Tom Wood and Commercial Director Scott Redfern discuss how our strategy has evolved to focus more on quality-over-quantity and the benefits it has brought to the speed-to-hire process for clients.
As a premier construction recruitment specialist, we want to educate, inform and excite those within the industry from clients to candidates with the important events that matter to you.
Onsite Insights delves into industry events, key trends, and market updates aiming to be a valuable resource for those interested. We’ll also be keeping you informed about the latest opportunities and endeavours we’re working on across North America, the UK, and Europe.
So sit down, take a minute or two and have a read of the go-to source for the latest developments in the world of construction.. Hopefully, you'll enjoy it.
How do you solve the challenge of building 3.5 million housing units by 2030?
It’s not easy. But that’s exactly the problem facing Canada after the country’s national housing agency, the CMHC, revealed that they need to hit this target by 2030 to restore housing affordability.
With limited solutions on how to solve this, many construction industry experts believe that off-site modular construction may just be the answer with speed of delivery being the biggest benefit of this. We’ve seen it first-hand across 2023 with a number of existing and new clients across Canada particularly in the Greater Ontario area with a strong need for talent across multiple disciplines within the modular construction sector.
Harder? Possibly but perhaps better, faster and stronger.
Read more on why experts think off-site modular construction could be the game-changer in resolving the Canadian housing crisis.
Predicting and forecasting the construction industry is probably harder than picking the magic numbers for the lotto jackpot. With so many uncontrollable factors in play, it can be difficult to plan too far in advance but as we transition into 2024, having the right information and knowledge at your fingertips to help drive those decisions is key.
2023 proved to be a year of challenges and opportunities for the US market. The combination of economic fluctuations, labour shortages, and material cost increases due to external factors created an intricate tapestry for industry players.
This latest article from Glass Magazine explores the top 10 takeaways that are set to shape the construction sector in the coming year.
Whether you’re in a position looking to grow or perhaps stabilise after a stressful year, it’s a must-read. From the anticipation around the pivotal role of manufacturing in the next 12 months, the ongoing labour struggles, and the regional impact of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act injection for many cities like Colorado and Texas, it covers the lot.
Discover how these factors will influence the trajectory of the construction industry, offering a comprehensive view of what lies ahead. Read the full article to stay ahead of the curve below.
The love of the Lone Star state shows no signs of slowing down. Texas continues to be the chosen destination for businesses even sparking the debate of which is better as a base, Texas or the famous Silicon Valley.
Many top brands from Tesla and Oracle have opened up new offices in Texas whilst Hewlett Packard has even moved its HQ from Silicon Valley to Houston. Tax policy, regulatory climate, and talent availability all feature as core reasons for the decision to switch to Texas.
So what does this mean for the construction industry? Good question.
With the increase of big businesses migrating and expanding operations, no doubt the need for more office space and a demand for real estate will be seen as a real opportunity. From a more strategic view, many organisations within construction are looking to move operations to the US, and Texas is a popular choice. So maybe you’re thinking of switching operations to Austin, Dallas or Houston… if so, check out the main reasons behind the rising popularity of Texas.
Our featured role of the week takes us to the Sunshine State where we’re working with a client looking for an experienced Senior Project Manager in Orlando, Florida with a significant background in Unitized Curtain Wall projects.
With a salary of up to $130,000 on offer and a competitive benefits package, this is a great opportunity for the right candidate who has a minimum of 8 years of experience in Unitized Curtain Wall projects whilst also being able to showcase a strong familiarity with leading manufacturers such as YKK and Kawneer.
To apply directly for the role, register your CV below.
It’s a saying as old as, well, time but in our recent video, we delved into the critical concept that "Time is Money" when it comes to the hiring process.
With that, did you know that companies lose, on average, 1% of their total annual revenue for every day a position remains unfilled?
Depending on the size of your business, that figure is frightening isn’t it?
Now every client we work with wants the position filled fast but that shouldn’t mean it has to be furious. We understand how crucial it is for our clients to maximise hiring efficiency, and that's why we've revolutionised the way we do things over recent months moving away from "fastest finger first".
Hear our CEO Tom Wood and Commercial Director Scott Redfern discuss how our processes help save your business time, and ultimately money.
“Where do we start?” - That’s generally the first question I get from senior leaders when I take on the challenge of building their C-Suite.
Several times, I've navigated the intricate process of building the strategic C-Suite for construction businesses across North America and the UK. Working with organisations that range in turnover from anything around £40m to £1BN.
In this article, I’ll share some methods and practical insights for CEOs, senior leaders or Private Equity Investment Managers aiming to assemble a board for growth or transformation.
Start by crystallising your strategic objectives. What are you looking to achieve?
Growth? New market development? Improving output and capacity? Sustainability?
The list goes on and will differ depending on each business situation.
You have to look at where you are now and where you want to go. Whatever the reasoning for looking to build a strategic team, a clear blueprint is vital.
Don't rush this process as this will essentially set out the approach at every stage for you to follow as any missteps could prove costly.
My advice when creating your blueprint is to use internal insights and external evidence to power this. Look at your company's financial metrics along with events in the economy rather than developing a blueprint based on emotion and opinions. This first step is the most critical part, as whether the process of building your C-Suite is managed internally or externally, you need this to ensure you stay on track.
Practical Tip: Create a matrix detailing the key skills required for each role, ensuring alignment with your strategic objectives.
Thoroughly analyse your current leadership team to pinpoint gaps.
This should be both practical and aspirational.
Assess not only technical skills but also leadership styles then prioritise roles based on their impact on achieving your strategic goals. If your focus is on international markets, prioritise candidates with a proven track record and network in the markets you are targeting.
Practical Tip: Use a SWOT analysis to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats within your current leadership team.
Don't just talk about diversity; actively seek it. Beyond gender and ethnicity, diversify in terms of experiences and backgrounds. Engage with industry-specific networks and consider unconventional sources for top talent. Cast a wide net to attract candidates who bring fresh perspectives and innovative thinking.
An example is weighing up vertical markets to bring in a fresh pair of eyes/skills to the industry. Adding someone with a particularly strong Automation background into a VP of Operations role usually adds an immense amount of value in operations, especially in construction products whereas adding an M&A-driven CEO to drive growth through acquisition may bring wider, long term benefits in the future.
Practical Tip: Actively participate in industry-specific networks and events related to the identified vertical markets. Attend conferences, webinars, and networking events where professionals from these sectors gather. Establishing connections in these circles broadens your pool of potential candidates.
Engage with executive search firms specialising in your sector. This isn’t a pitch for Lignum Executive but use a firm that has experience, solid processes and is aligned with what you need.
Their industry-specific knowledge can be invaluable in identifying and attracting top-tier talent. They’ll be able to leverage their networks and expertise to connect with candidates who possess leadership acumen and understand your niche's nuances.
As I mentioned at the beginning, setting out on the process can be overwhelming and at times, throughout the search process, it can be incredibly time consuming. That’s where a specialist search partner can provide value both in terms of knowledge and also practically with set processes.
The likelihood is that recruitment isn’t what you do day in and day out, so use experts who do.
Practical Tip: If you decide on external support, do your research. Look for firms that demonstrate expertise, ask around in the industry and review their case studies.
Skills alone aren't enough; cultural fit is paramount. You’ve probably had first-hand experience yourself within your business where someone has the right skills, right experience but not the right attitude or behaviour for what you need.
There’s never a one size fits all approach with this. Remember that. Every business is different with so many factors to take into consideration when thinking about culture fit. Even location can impact it.
Navigating executive recruitment demands a nuanced understanding of regional working cultures. Toronto's diverse and collaborative environment, influenced by Canadian consensus-driven values, contrasts with the varied work structures across Europe, where precision in Germany differs from relationship-focused approaches in Southern countries. In the US, California's innovative and laid-back ethos contrasts sharply with New York's fast-paced, results-driven atmosphere.
Now that’s quite a generic overview and isn’t the same for all. Recognising the importance of local business etiquette, communication styles, and leadership expectations is paramount for hiring executives who can thrive in your business. If you’re expanding into these markets or perhaps even opening an office in these regions, you need the right executives who fit in with this.
Practical Tip: Include behavioural and cultural fit assessments in your interview process, seeking examples of how candidates have navigated similar cultural landscapes.
Building a strategic C-Suite board isn't just about the present; it's an investment in the future. Incorporate succession planning into your recruitment strategy. Identify individuals with the potential to grow into leadership roles, ensuring continuity and stability as your company evolves. This is particularly crucial for family-run businesses due to their unique blend of legacy, emotional dynamics, and the delicate balance between competence and familial ties.
Practical Tip: Develop mentorship programs and provide leadership training to nurture internal talent for future C-Suite positions.
The strength of your business lies in the calibre of individuals you bring on board. It is imperative to diligently embrace the prospect of hiring individuals capable of driving transformative change, but exercise caution before making critical decisions. Thoroughly assess factors such as revenue implications, change management strategies, headcount considerations, and proven experience in navigating a business through growth and change stages. Where there are a lot of concept-based operators abound, prioritise those who not only understand the concepts but also possess the practical skills to execute.
Adopting a strategic and thoughtful approach to building your team will pave the way for sustained success and a business that thrives amid growth and change.
