Tech firm wants Christchurch grads

CRM solutions firm Magnetism are on the hunt for some local talent, as it opens a new office in Christchurch.

Magnetism are specialists in Microsoft Dynamics customer relationship management (CRM) systems. The business is focused on implementing Dynamics CRM systems for businesses and training clients to make the most of the system.

Magnetism director and CEO John Eccles says the company made a conscious decision to hire and train graduates from the University of Canterbury.

"Companies typically headhunt workers from other firms, or import talent from Auckland," Eccles says.

"At Magnetism we decided that we wanted to grow the local knowledge base and provide opportunities for Christchurch graduates to work and develop their skills in their home city," he explains.

Eccles says young computer science graduates will work with CRM expert Paul Nieuwelaar, and have the chance to advance in a company that is globally recognised as a leader in Microsoft Dynamics.

Nieuwelaar says, "It was important to us to help make sure that location wasn't a barrier to success for young people with talent.

"We have a number of clients in the South Island like Meridian Energy, and believe having local knowledge will be a huge benefit to making sure we can deliver the best results for them," he says.

Eccles says being local is important to Magnetism – their competitors in the Christchurch market are both Australian-owned.

Rather than a satellite office, Magnetism is looking to be able to provide their Mainland clients with a full service that does not rely on skills from Auckland or abroad, he says.

"As the needs of South Island clients expands, Magnetism plans to continue hiring and training local developers and graduates – producing home-grown experts in world-class technology," says Eccles.