Supercontractors
A group of Supercontractors have crashed through the £1,500 a day barrier according to tax advisers Von Essen.
They are paid so much because they possess unique skills and have built up lots of experience.
Said Lydia Marref of Von Essen “These are individuals who are able to step in at a moment’s notice. They take on mission critical roles which require a very specific, highly sought after skill set.
Five years ago £1,000 a day was seen as the upper end of the spectrum for contractors.
Supercontractor Sectors
The main sectors, therefore, for these guys is in the IT, Financial Services and Oil & Gas sectors. These are sectors with skills shortages combined with high demand.
According to Lydia Marref “The oil & gas sector is facing a global shortage in the supply of talented and experienced employees. This is particularly in new growth areas like countries in Africa where there is a shortage of domestic industry expertise.
“So, Supercontractors with the right mix of experience, skills and the willingness to work in new countries are able to command very high day rates.
“A willingness to move to a new country at short notice, often too dangerous or remote locations is frequently a crucial factor in breaking through the £1,500 per day mark and becoming an oil & gas supercontractor.”
Financial Sector
So, high demand and a shortage of supply for specialist roles have created Supercontractors in the financial Sector.
Said Lydia, “The culture in financial services is a willingness to pay contractors handsomely if the business can see that the individual is worth it.
“Poaching from rival firms is another reason that contractors are in such high demand from financial services businesses. They are are well placed, with their wealth of experience and skills, to step seamlessly into the shoes of their predecessor.”
IT Supercontractors
Von Essen say that Supercontractors in IT and Telecoms are being recruited for specialist skills in areas like cyber security.
Said Lydia, “The specialist skills that they can provide, therefore, make them a valuable asset for any company able to tempt them with very high rewards”.
Examples of Supercontractor roles with daily rates of £1,500 or more:-
Drilling superintendent
£2,140
Oil & Gas
Tanzania
Group Finance Director
£1,750
Global PR and communications
UK
Pilot Coordinator/Drilling Rig and Service Contractor Specialist
£1,600
Oil & Gas
Canada
Petrophysicist
£1,550
Oil & Gas
Norway
Contract Managing Director
£1,500
Aerospace/ Defence
UK
Insurance Contract Programme Manager
£1,500
Financial Services/Insurance
UK
Shared Service Creation/Implementation
£1,500
IT & Telecoms
Netherlands
Contract Chief Finance Officer
£1,500
Consumer goods
Nigeria
Contract Chief Finance Officer
£1,500
Technology
Netherlands
Contract European Marketing Director
£1,500
Consumer goods
UK