Following our recent move into a larger office space within Singapore’s Central Business District, Bryan Marshall (Director) provides insight into how the team will continue and enhance the support they provide to businesses and job seekers across Singapore and Malaysia.

Bryan, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I’ve worked in the talent solutions industry since 2008, with more than 10 years of my career spent in Singapore. Whilst recruiting, I specialised in placing Accountancy and Finance professionals into the Insurance sector, across Singapore, wider Asia, and the UK, and have been Managing Director of OJ Singapore since 2019.

What does the new office mean for OJ Singapore?

The new office provides an opportunity for further growth of our teams alongside providing a more inspiring place for the people of OJ to do their best work, providing more collaborative spaces for meetings and group work. This in turn will help further our commitment to enhancing our professionalism and market expertise in offering career and hiring support to more people and businesses across Singapore and Malaysia.

As the Managing Director of OJ Singapore, what are you responsible for?

I’m responsible for the continued growth of our permanent and contract businesses, expanding our teams across Singapore and Malaysia. I ensure that everyone is set up for success in as many ways as I possibly can, whilst navigating the challenges that come with a fulfilling career in recruitment.

To achieve this, I focus on three key areas, namely: autonomy, purpose, and upskilling, so each new team member is given the tools to succeed at a good pace. I also act as a sounding board for ideas from anyone at any level.

Which markets do you cover?

We cover the full spectrum of the insurance sector on a permanent basis across underwriting, claims, broking, life and non-life actuarial, finance, and corporate governance. We also cover a range of markets in our contract and consulting business, primarily within change and technology, including cloud and infrastructure, cyber security, ERP/CRM, transformation, and data.

What types of businesses do you work with?

In our key markets, we work with a range of businesses in Singapore and Malaysia from startups right the way through to blue chip organisations. Since opening our first office in Singapore in 2017, we’ve built long-standing partnerships that continue to this day including existing global relationships founded by our international presence of 14 locations around the world.

What can the Singapore and Malaysia markets expect from the team at OJ?

An ever-increasing depth of market expertise and a continued commitment to bringing together the best talent with the right business to help both parties achieve their future goals. All whilst consistently providing a high level of service to candidates and businesses in Singapore and Malaysia.

Where do you see the Singapore market in 5-10 years’ time?

Singapore will continue to move away from mass-market transactional recruitment firms, increasing the need for specialist service providers as demand for access to the best (and often the most passive) talent across the region rises. Singapore will find the talent landscape across the region a lot more competitive due to the rise in medior talent across South East Asia, particularly in hiring for technology professionals.

The Singapore market is certainly becoming more receptive to the benefits of hiring contractors and consultants, and we are seeing a rise in demand from job seekers for flexible working arrangements. On top of this, Singapore will continue to strengthen its position as a major financial hub globally, particularly across the insurance and reinsurance markets.

What are you most looking forward to following the move?

Any move will always bring with it an energy and excitement amongst the team, and this move in particular has been one the team has looked forward to due to far outgrowing the space available over the past two years. I’m looking forward to the positive atmosphere that will be created by providing an office space that our employees can be proud to work in, in a great location in the heart of the CBD.

What opportunities are there for people wanting to work at OJ?

We’re always open to speaking to people who want to be the best at what they do, people who are ambitious and want to be in an environment where they’ll be consistently encouraged to achieve their career goals.

We operate in an environment of high standards, where you’re afforded the autonomy and accountability to progress your career at your own pace with the support of your peers and the leadership team. Ultimately, you’ll be surrounded by an excellent group of people who are striving for excellence, and will help push you to do the same.

For more information on all things OJ Singapore, contact the team at Singapore@oliverjames.com or reach out to Bryan Marshall directly on LinkedIn.