SThree moves up jobs 'food chain' Russell Clements, chief executive, has set his sights on looking higher "up the food chain" to place more highly paid candidates with boardroom potential and is increasing the pace of overseas expansion. He said that despite economic uncertainty and a fall in demand, overall market conditions were in "far better shape" than in the immediate aftermath of the global economic crisis. Pre-tax profits in the year to November 27 were 40pc higher at £30.3m with better margins and overseas operations driving the improvement. Strong cash generation fuelled dividends with a final payout of 9.3p, up 16.3pc and due June 6, making 25p for the year, including a special 11p payment. Germany was the star performer among the 38 overseas operations, generating profits growth of 30pc against just 4.5pc in the UK. Eight more foreign offices will open this year. International contributed 64pc of gross profits against 60pc in 2010, leading SThree to review its currency hedging strategy.