Insight
5 Minutes with Sachin Khisti – A Guide for UK Companies Entering the Australian Talent Market
A Guide for UK Companies Entering the Australian Talent Market
In our second interview with Sachin Khisti, Managing Director of CarringtonX Associates (Talentor Australia), we draw on his extensive experience in helping international companies navigate the nuances of the Australian market. I asked Sachin to share his practical advice for UK companies looking to recruit their first leaders and build successful teams in Australia.
Doug: For a UK company looking to expand into Australia, what is the most common cultural or operational mistake you see them make when it comes to recruitment?
Sachin: The most common mistake is underestimating the importance of local cultural fit. Many foreign companies assume that because Australia is an English-speaking country, the business culture will be identical to the UK or the US. But there are subtle and important differences. The Australian workplace is generally less hierarchical and more collaborative. Leaders are expected to be approachable, down-to-earth, and willing to roll up their sleeves. A very formal, top-down management style can be perceived as arrogant and will struggle to gain traction.
Another key point is that Australia is a country of migrants, but the local culture and being part of it is still very important. You can’t just apply a global template and expect it to work. You need to find leaders who understand the local environment and can build relationships with people from diverse backgrounds. It’s about finding that balance between global strategy and local execution.
Doug: What are the most in-demand sectors and roles in Australia right now? Where are you seeing the most significant talent shortages?
Sachin: The demand is strong across several key sectors. According to the numbers, the top four are Health and Social Care; Professional, Scientific and Technical Services; Education and Training; and the Construction sector. This reflects the broader economic trends in Australia, an aging population, a growing knowledge economy, and a boom in infrastructure projects.
Within our own specialisations, we see intense demand for leaders in IT Services, Telecommunications, Manufacturing, and Financial Services. The talent shortages are most acute in roles that require a blend of technical expertise and strong leadership skills. For example, finding a Head of Operations who can manage a complex supply chain, or a Chief Financial Officer who can navigate the intricacies of international finance, is a real challenge. These are the roles where our deep market knowledge and global network become critical.
Doug: You’ve mentioned that companies need to “listen to the talent.” What are Australian candidates, particularly at the senior level, looking for in a potential employer beyond just salary?
Sachin: Senior candidates in Australia are sophisticated and are looking at the total value proposition. While a competitive salary is important, it’s often not the deciding factor. They want to understand the challenge of the role and the growth opportunities within the organisation. They want to know that they will be empowered to make a real impact and that their contribution will be valued.
Flexibility and a hybrid working model have become almost standard expectations, especially post-COVID. But beyond that, candidates are increasingly interested in the company’s culture, its values, and its commitment to things like diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. They want to work for a company that they can be proud of. My advice to companies is to be prepared to have a very open and transparent conversation about these things. The best candidates are interviewing you as much as you are interviewing them.
Doug: What is your number one piece of advice for a UK company looking to make its first senior hire in Australia?
Sachin: My advice is to invest the time to find a true local partner. Don’t try to do it all from a distance. You need someone on the ground who understands the nuances of the market, who has a deep network of contacts, and who can act as your brand ambassador. That first hire is absolutely critical. They will be the foundation of your Australian business, and they will be responsible for building your local team and culture.
I would also advise them to be patient. The recruitment process in Australia can sometimes take longer than in other markets. It’s a candidate-driven market, and the best people are often not actively looking for a new role. It takes time to build relationships and to convince someone to make a move. Rushing the process is the surest way to make a bad hire.
Doug: How important is it for a UK leader managing an Australian team to have a physical presence in the country, versus managing remotely?
Sachin: While remote leadership is more common now, I believe a physical presence is still incredibly important, especially in the early stages of building a team. There is no substitute for face-to-face interaction when it comes to building trust, fostering collaboration, and embedding a new company culture. A leader who is only visible on a screen will struggle to build the same level of connection and influence.
That doesn’t mean they need to be in Australia 52 weeks a year. But regular, meaningful visits are essential. It shows a commitment to the local market and gives the leader an opportunity to understand the business and the team on a much deeper level. It also sends a powerful message to the Australian team that they are a valued part of the global organisation, not just a remote outpost.
Interested in reading our other conversations with Sachin?
Interview Three
