Looking for a new job?

The recruitment spec seems pretty broad and some commentators are urging the government to look beyond well-known industry representatives. So you are probably eligible.

Better make sure your CV is eye catching though, so that you stand out amongst all of the others including a series of big names. Requirements suggested in the media include a good knowledge of procurement, an industry outsider, an understanding of construction and diplomatic skills. Presumable the interview process will be like speed dating as there is a very short time between the closing date for applications and the appointment being announced.

If you do get the job you will need superhuman powers, the levels of expectation from this role are only exceeded by those resting on Barack Obama shoulders. You better be good at getting results because not only will you have to contend with the infamous civil service obstruction, the desire of the Treasury (one of your bosses) to cut government spending and the pressure from the construction industry to get those government projects started, you will also have just 9 months in your three days/week role to deliver a result before you probably have a new set of bosses, with different ideas and sharpened pencils ready to cut costs.

Suddenly the challenges of working for the average company in construction seem much less daunting - finding new work in a recession, dealing with expectations for lower prices and trying to maintain a market presence with little or no budget – bring it on! If you do want some ideas don’t forget to book onto the CIMCIG Marketing Conference in December. (http://www.cimcig.org/events.php?id=234)

But if you want a real challenge you had better hurry and get that job application in, there’s less than a week left.

Chris Ashworth, founder of Competitive Advantage Consultancy (www.cadvantage.co.uk), provides market research and training services to the construction industry. He is acommittee member for the Chartered Institute of Marketing Construction Industry Group (CIMCIG -www.cimcig.org).