Permanent & Contract Recruitment
The Right Hiring Model for the Job in Front of You
Some roles need to be permanent. Some are better filled on contract. Getting that decision right saves as much time and cost as the search itself. SCG Partners deliver permanent recruitment, contract recruitment and executive search across engineering, energy and infrastructure in Singapore and ASEAN.
Start With the Requirement, Not the Contract Type
Most organisations approach us having already decided how they want to hire. Often that decision is right. Sometimes a conversation about the underlying requirement points somewhere different, and it costs nothing to have that conversation before a search begins.
A project entering commissioning may be better served by an experienced contract specialist for nine months than by a permanent appointment that outlasts the need. Equally, a role framed as short-term cover is sometimes the first permanent hire of a regional team.
We give a straight view either way, because the objective is a business that works, not a placement.
How We Engage
Permanent Recruitment
For roles that carry your business forward beyond a single project.
Typically suits
- Leadership and succession appointments
- Building a regional office or country team
- Capability you need to retain in the business
- Roles where cultural fit matters as much as capability
How we deliver it
A structured search built around your commercial objectives. We map the market, approach individuals directly, assess on technical and commercial suitability, and stay involved through offer, resignation and onboarding.
Contract Recruitment
For defined scopes of work with a clear start and finish.
Typically suits
- Construction, commissioning and handover phases
- Specialist expertise needed for one stage of a project
- Covering a gap while a permanent search runs
- Scaling a delivery team up and down with the programme
How we deliver it
A faster, availability-led process drawing on professionals who work assignment to assignment. We confirm availability, mobilisation timing and regional work eligibility before introducing anyone.
Executive Search
For confidential or business-critical senior appointments.
Typically suits
- Country Manager and Managing Director appointments
- Replacing an incumbent discreetly
- First senior hire in a new market
- Board and functional leadership roles
How we deliver it
A retained, fully mapped search with a defined shortlist process, structured reporting and complete confidentiality throughout.
Permanent or Contract at a Glance
| Consideration | Permanent | Contract |
|---|---|---|
| Typical engagement | Permanent employment | Fixed term or day rate |
| Best suited to | Long-term capability | Defined project scope |
| Speed to start | Notice periods apply | Often immediate to short notice |
| Cost profile | One-off fee against salary | Ongoing rate for duration |
| Flexibility | Lower, by design | High, scales with programme |
Sectors We Recruit Into
Both hiring models are delivered within the same specialist markets: energy transition and renewables, engineering, infrastructure, data centres and industrial technology. We do not recruit outside the sectors we understand.
View the industries we supportHiring Across Borders
Contract hiring in particular raises practical questions about work eligibility, mobilisation and payroll arrangements across ASEAN markets. We flag those considerations early rather than at offer stage, so timelines hold.
Explore APAC market expansion supportNot Sure Which Model Fits?
Tell us what needs to get done and by when. We'll give you an honest view on whether a permanent hire, a contract specialist or a retained search is the fastest route there.
Discuss Your Hiring Requirement