Paris Communication Study 2014/15

Transcription

1 Paris Communication Study 2014/15 Offering a unique insight into the trends, issues and opportunities for communications professionals in Paris

2 Introduction Introduction An introduction by Kim Johnson, Senior Consultant, VMA Group As the leading global provider of corporate and marketing communications recruitment and training, VMA Group is able to offer ground-breaking research and insight into current international PR and communications trends. By studying current trends in the market, and building on our extensive local and global knowledge we are able to offer our international network a unique analysis of the communications function. Through studies, events and round-tables, we are the first point of call for professionals who want to keep their fingers on the pulse of the communications discipline, both globally and within their local market. To mark the launch of our Paris office, we have drawn on our 5,000 strong professional network in Europe to undertake exclusive research into the local communications landscape. Focusing exclusively on the Parisian corporate communications market, the findings of this survey effectively benchmark the function, structure and challenges of marketing and PR departments operating within the French capital. Our thanks go to all those who participated. Kim Johnson, Senior Consultant heading up the French Operation VMA Group I ve always found VMA Group provide clear insights into current and future trends within the Communications market. I m really pleased to see them establish their Paris offering and look forward to seeing more local studies to come Laura Jacquier, Global Communications Director HR and Responsible Business Carlson Wagonlit Travel 02

3 Respondents Paris Communication Study 2014/15 Respondents We surveyed communications professionals working in the Parisian corporate communications market. French British Italian Dutch German Q1. Gender of respondents 33% 67% Male Female 03

4 Survey Results Survey Results As a recruitment and training provider we work across all levels and functions within communications, with an international network extending across all practices. For this study we surveyed our Paris-based network and as below found that the majority of respondents came from a corporate communications function, with the level of function ranging from Communications Assistant to Director of Communications. Q2. What is your primary function? Corporate Communications 44% Internal Communications 15% Marketing Communications Investor Relations Public Affairs CSR 0% 2% 0% 40% Q3. What is your job title? 21% 17% 6% 2% 29% 29% Assistant Manager Senior Manager Head of Department Director C-Level/Managing Dir The largest group of respondents were at a managerial level and as we will see on the next page the majority were in international roles. 04

5 Survey Results Paris Communication Study 2014/15 Q4. What is your reporting line? 43% 48% Communications HR Business unit/ceo 9% The majority (48%) of communications professionals surveyed report into a dedicated communications function. With 43 per cent reporting into the CEO or direct into a business function. Q5. How far does your remit extend? France 27% 73% Global Nearly three quarters (73%) of respondents, whilst based in Paris, have a global communications remit. Given the number of globally headquartered companies in the Paris region it is perhaps not surprising to see a majority of people in international roles. This insight into the international breadth of many roles gives us an indication of the scope of opportunities we can expect to see on the French market, and additionally the types of experience that companies here are looking for. 05

6 Survey Results Q6. How important are language skills within your role? Native/Expert French 2% 13% At least conversational French 16% 12% 56% 19% 58% 17% Native/Expert English 7% 2% 7% At least conversational English 11% 5% Very Important Important Neither Important or Unimportant Of Little Importance Not Important 28% 63% 11% 73% It is interesting to note that whilst the importance of French language skills are undisputable for Paris-based roles; from a functional perspective English was seen as more important by a fairly large margin. Given the international scope of those surveyed this goes some way towards explaining this, but is an interesting point to note for those looking for their next role on the market here. Q7. Do you think that the size and importance of the communications function in France will grow in the next few years? 8% 19% 31% Most definitely Likely Possibly Of those surveyed a large majority expect to see the communications function in France grow in the coming years, with 31 per cent expecting to see their own team grow by at least one person in the next 12 months. This paints a very positive picture of the Parisian communications landscape. 42% Unlikely Not at all We can no doubt expect to see expansion and changes to the function in the year to come, especially given that an overwhelming 90 per cent of those who participated would be open to discussing new opportunities even when they are not actively searching. 06

7 Survey Results Paris Communication Study 2014/15 Q8. How do you think your team size will change in the next 12 months? 31% 31% 21% 6% 8% 2% 0% 0% Decrease Stay the same Increase headcount by 1 Increase headcount by 2 Increase headcount by 3-4 Increase headcount by 5-6 Increase headcount by more than 6 Not sure 31 per cent of our respondents believe the size of their team will remain the same in the next 12 months. Whilst another 39 per cent believe their headcount will increase by at least one full time employee. Nobody felt that they would be making more than four hires over the year. Q9. Do you see communications roles becoming more? 24% 11% 70% Specialist Generalist Neither In contrast to what we see in the UK and London markets, where the trend seems to be moving towards more generalist communications professional, our Parisian respondents felt their roles were becoming more specialist. Q10. What is your current basic salary? 30,000-59,999 32% 60,000-89,999 45% 90, ,000 15% 120,000 and above 9% 07

8 Survey Results Q11. How did you find your most recent job? 21% 26% 19% 13% 9% 2% 0% 6% 4% Additionally we had confirmation that when looking for their next role communications professionals in Paris judge their personal contacts to be one of their most important resources. Q12. How satisfied are you in your current role? 42% 14% 25% 19% Very satisfied Satisfied Neutral Not satisfied More than half of respondents (56%) are either satisfied or very satisfied in their current positions, with 19 per cent not satisfied. Q13. Do you intend to change jobs in the next 12 months? 10% YES NO MAYBE 54% 35% Most interestingly, given that 56 per cent of all respondents are either satisfied or very satisfied in their current positions, 55 per cent of those surveyed have said they are looking to move roles in the next 12 months. With another 35 per cent considering a change in role. That s a staggering 90 per cent of repondents reviewing communications opportunities in the next year. 08

9 Paris Communication Study 2014/15 Conclusion News that Paris CAC 40 stock market hit a five-year high in April 2015, coupled with the recent revelation from the European Central Bank that Eurozone consumer confidence is climbing, indicates positivity in the Parisian communications market. Against this backdrop, it is perhaps unsurprising that 60 per cent of respondents foresee that the corporate communications discipline will continue to grow in the immediate future, not only in size, but also in importance. It is interesting that 70 per cent of those surveyed predict that the function will see an increased need for specialist communications skills in the future, most particularly within internal communications and digital areas of discipline. Coupled with the expectation that communications teams will see a growth over the year to come, we will be following the market closely to see if this translates into an increase in the number of specialist roles appearing on the market. Feedback also highlighted the importance of a strategic, visionary, leader overseeing a team of niche specialists as functions continue to expand. It will be intriguing to monitor the development of internal structures in coming years to see if demand will grow for project, internal communications, and engagement specialists as predicted. The fact that 9 in 10 respondents believe that native or expert English language skills are important or very important to their role is perhaps indicative of the international remit that many Paris-based communications professionals hold. Despite the continued importance and reach of the French language, it is undeniable that English is increasingly the lingua franca of international business. Increasing globalisation, coupled with greater diversity within Paris-based teams, suggests that use of the English language will continue to grow as the communications discipline expands. Despite, or perhaps because of, uncertainty surrounding the recent change of government, over half of those surveyed said they intend to move jobs within the next twelve months. Furthermore, 90 per cent of respondents - although not necessarily actively looking for work - would be open to moving if the right role presented itself. This indicates positivity in the market as ambitious communications professionals are eager to experience the diverse opportunities that Paris has to offer by seeking out new challenges. VMA Group was a valued partner when I recruited for my team in Paris, I m delighted they ve decided to open their Paris offices and look forward to more communications studies to come Anne Fauconnier, Corporate & Internal Communications Director, Imerys Our last roundtable with VMA Group brought together a fantastic mix of peer level Communications Directors and we had a really insightful discussion. It s a great initiative Monica Coull, Group Communications Director, Coface 09

10 About us About us Since its inception in 1978, VMA Group has grown to be the leading global resourcing and career partner for corporate and marketing communications, PR and investor relations. Specialist Practices: Corporate Communications Internal Communications Financial Services Communications Investor Relations Healthcare Communications Government & Stakeholder Relations PR Agency Digital & Social Media Marketing Communications What sets us apart? Reputation: Established over 37 years ago, and a leader in communications recruitment Network: Immediate access to over 40,000 communications professionals Global: VMA Group operates in Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and North America Advertising: We have an extensive advertising network at our clients disposal 100% Success: VMA Group s success rate on retained assignments Flexibility: We offer bespoke services to suit your needs and budgets Timeline: We commit to pre-agreed timelines for recruitment assignments Experience: Almost all consultants are senior excommunications professionals Key Services: Permanent recruitment Interim management Retained assignments Professional development / training If you would like to talk to us about the survey, your recruitment needs or your next career challenge, please contact a member of VMA Group on +44 (0) or mail@vmagroup.com. Global Offices London 23 Bedford Square London WC1B 3HH T: +44 (0) E: mail@vmagroup.com Brussels 14b Rue de la Science 1040 Brussels Belgium T: +32 (0) E: europe@vmagroup.com Hong Kong 1302, 13/F Prosperous Building Des Voeux Road Central Hong Kong T: E: asia-pacific@vmagroup.com 10 Manchester Suite 3C Marsland House Sale, Cheshire M33 3AQ T: +44 (0) E: mail@vmagroup.com Amsterdam Amsterdam WTC, Tower H, Zuidplein 36, 1077 XV Amsterdam T: (0) E: europe@vmagroup.com Singapore 133 Cecil Street #10-01 Keck Seng Tower Singapore T: E: asia-pacific@vmagroup.com VMA Group US affiliate partners, Patino Associates Please Contact our London office: T: +44 (0) E: mail@vmagroup.com Paris 19 Boulevard Malesherbes Paris T: E: europe@vmagroup.com South Africa T: +27 (0) E: africa@vmagroup.com

11 Paris Communication Study 2014/15 Roundtable events Head of Communications Lunch: Bringing together senior communications professionals in a roundtable setting, our quarterly Head of Communications Lunch allows peers to share best practice in a confidential environment. Run to a set agenda these sessions cover a variety of communications topics and give Heads of Communications a forum to discuss their experiences and communications challenges with colleagues and peers from a mixture of different business sectors. Director of Internal Communications Breakfast: This panel group provides a quarterly opportunity for senior internal communications professionals to share internal communications best practice with counterparts from various industries. With topics agreed in advance this is an opportunity to join a select group of communications professionals in discussions covering a range of issues and examine the trends within the function both locally and internationally. A selection of the companies who regularly attend our roundtable events: 11

12 VMA GROUP 19 Boulevard Malesherbes Paris T: E: europe@vmagroup.com