One day you own the latest, sleekest, most multi-functional mobile phone you've seen, only to find a few weeks later that the 'next generation' has already arrived. And in a world where the pace of technical innovation and product development is often staggering, that is becoming a common phenomenon. The same thing is happening with digital cameras, handheld devices and home entertainment systems, as advanced technology continuously creates a range of new functions that keep consumers coming back for more. Much of the success of these products is down to companies such as Avnet Electronics Marketing, which supply the electronic components that are such a vital element in the design and manufacturing process. Now, with demand for electronic products continuing to soar, particularly in the mainland, the company is planning to expand its workforce in Hong Kong and extend its regional presence. 'We cover Greater China and the growth is double-digit, so we need new people to help capture the business opportunities out there,' said James Tan Shui-hai, senior director for human resources in the Asia-Pacific region for Avnet Electronics Marketing. In the current financial year, the company intends to add 25 employees a quarter to its existing headcount of about 1,900. Most of the vacancies will be for executive positions such as field sales managers, engineers, designers and IT specialists. There will also be a need for managers in procurement, branding, human resources and finance. More immediately, the company will be hiring a new regional marketing manager, product marketing managers and a general manager to oversee technical marketing. 'We are looking for an HR manager for Hong Kong to beef up the local team, and an HR manager for the northern region - the Yangtze River Delta,' he said. Candidates must have the requisite technical or managerial skills, as well as a broad business outlook and ability to add value to the company. 'We are looking for people who have the potential for upward growth,' Mr Tan said. 'This is important because we are looking at the talent pipeline - at future leadership. In soccer, you have a strong team on the field, but you also need strong players sitting on the bench.' He highlighted integrity as one of the core qualities which he expected new recruits to possess. They must also demonstrate respect for others and, at the same time, be honest in all their dealings. 'I am also looking for people who are result-orientated and committed to making a difference,' Mr Tan said. 'Showing passion in the course of their work is important.' The company offers comprehensive in-house training on an ongoing basis to keep staff informed and on a clear career path. Various courses cover hard skills, such as sales and marketing techniques, and soft skills in areas such as leadership development. Successful candidates can expect to travel to the mainland and within the Asia-Pacific region to meet suppliers and customers. Competency in Putonghua will therefore be seen as an advantage. By having the chance to travel on business, recruits will also learn about alternative management practices and different cultural expectations. 'We give them experiential learning,' Mr Tan said. 'They learn how to work in different settings and with cross-national experience, so they get a multicultural perspective and become more tolerant.' With 38 Asia-Pacific sales offices, including those in Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand, he said the company provided staff who had transferable skills with excellent opportunities to move around the region and take on new assignments. Key Qualities Electronic components supplier offering 100 new jobs in various sectors in the next year Openings in sales, engineering, design and IT Priority is to find marketing specialists and two HR managers Preferred candidates will have integrity, respect for others and passion for their work Successful candidates join a talent pipeline with good prospects for promotion Opportunities are available for business travel to China and within the Asia-Pacific region