The increasingly challenging business environment has led companies to set higher standards for senior-level positions.

"Companies are looking for result-oriented individuals who are flexible, proactive and able to work in a team," says Alexa Chow, managing director of Centaline Human Resources Consultants, a subsidiary of real estate firm Centaline. "They should also be sensitive to the [macro] environment and have a strong business sense."

As the market picked up after the Lunar New Year, many openings have materialised for professionals who wish to change career paths or work for another company.

Centaline Human Resources Consultants is looking to fill positions for its clients, including assistant company secretarial manager for a listed company, corporate finance director, property manager, director of risk management and senior marketing communications manager.

Candidates should have a degree in a relevant field and solid working experience. Those applying for senior positions are required to have more than 10 years of related experience, while assistant managerial roles require three to five years' experience, Chow says.

Individuals who are willing to be stationed outside Hong Kong may consider the roles of senior merchandising manager and factory general manager, to be based in Dongguan, Guangdong province.

"Language skills are important for these positions," Chow says. "Candidates must be fluent in English, Cantonese and Putonghua."