Digital transformation and the increasing application of digital technologies have created new job opportunities for IT professionals, according to recruiting experts Hays.
This is one key finding from the latest Hays Quarterly Report for the January to March quarter, which is a guide to the current hotspots of recruitment activity and trends.
Digital transformation is the application of 3rd platform-related technologies that changes the way processes are implemented and uses a design-led approach to rework existing business processes.
According to Marc Burrage, Managing Director of Hays in Japan, “Becoming a digital business is now not an option, it’s become a mandate for all Japanese businesses to implement if they wish to succeed in the digital age. The focus on digital transformation by Japanese businesses is reflective of what other Hays offices across the world are witnessing. IT professionals have an important role to play in the implementation of digital transformation as they overcome system complexity and simplify business processes to enable the successful delivery for businesses of a 21st century customer experience”.
In other trends, the demand for better digital experiences has seen a number of digital marketing roles become available this quarter. The competitive nature of businesses operating online has seen many adopt a localised approach to accommodate Japanese consumer trends.
With extra focus on developing personalised and targeted campaigns, candidates are expected to be well versed with CRM and data analytics tools. As Marc highlights, “There will be fierce competition for qualified candidates in this field. Employers may have to not only map out a long-term strategy as to where their business will be in 5 to 10 years’ time, but also how they plan to meet the career aspirations of candidates who are looking to make waves in an era of digital transformation”.
According to the Hays Quarterly Report for January to March, demand is highest for the following skilled professionals:
Hays Accountancy & Finance:
Junior financial planning & analysts – Junior FP&A candidates are in huge demand this quarter to fill replacement roles.
Bilingual finance managers & controllers – With many companies now establishing succession plans, some have identified a lack of personnel who possess an international mindset which will be critical in the next 5 to 10 years.
Hays Banking & Financial Services:
Compliance/internal audit professionals – Risk control remains a constant focus for organisations this quarter.
Institutional sales and product specialists in asset management – As institutional investors change their investment allocation from traditional assets to alternative investment products, both US and European asset management firms are actively looking for capable sales candidates and product specialists to help increase assets under management.
Hays Finance Technology:
Application project managers – Large-scale system integration and transformation of IT programmes have created demand for application project managers.
Software developers – With a number of senior developers departing from the technical field, a number of replacement positions have come onto the market.
Hays Human Resources:
Talent management experts – Organisations are looking to fast track the development of current employees with the enhancement of development programmes currently in place.
C&B specialists – Organisations are looking to recruit candidates for junior to mid-level roles.
Hays Information Technology:
Engineers – Customer focused engineers who have a good command of skills such as Python and Java are highly sought after.
IOT specialists – As IT manufacturing companies step up their efforts to connect their products with mobile devices, IOT candidates are in high demand for both permanent and temporary roles.
Hays Insurance:
Audit professionals – New regulatory rules are boosting demand for audit professionals.
Project management professionals – Amid an increasing number of merger deals, insurers are hiring more project management professionals to streamline operations.
Hays Legal:
In-House Bengoshi’s – Firms strengthening their legal teams during the first quarter of 2017 will be keen to speak with candidates who are familiar with Japanese law.
Compliance professionals – Companies in the life sciences sector are leading a recruitment drive for professionals who can help them adhere to new regulatory requirements and government policies.
Hays Life Sciences:
Junior medical doctors – Pharmaceutical companies are looking for candidates to build new relationships with prescribers.
Bilingual project managers – The increasing role of Japan’s life sciences market globally has created demand for bilingual project managers who can do business with internal and external stakeholders.
Hays Manufacturing & Operations:
Application engineers – As new technology helps the automobile industry evolve at great speed, engineers are needed to facilitate the implementation of software to power driverless cars.
System engineers – System engineers are needed to test new features in the production of driverless cars.
Hays Office Professionals:
Personal assistants – Foreign businesses continue to seek high-skilled secretaries who can facilitate communication between senior management and Japanese employees.
Customer service professionals – Japanese candidates who have experience of working or studying overseas are in demand to support customer service departments.
Hays Property:
Retail leasing professionals – Further expansions of retail stores in Japan has created demand for retail leasing professionals.
Project management professionals – Large scale development projects such as logistics facilities has created new roles for project management professionals.
Hays Sales & Marketing:
Digital marketing managers – The irreversible trend of going digital continues to see strong hiring of digital marketing managers.
Business development managers – Companies are increasing hiring of high-calibre business development managers as they look to capitalise on commercial activity related to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Hays Supply Chain:
Logistics managers – There is a continued push for impeccable quality and timely delivery processes to be adhered to.
Indirect procurement specialists – Many companies are creating new divisions for indirect procurement to focus on analysing spend and vendor sourcing.
To read the full Hays Quarterly Report, including candidate and employer trends and future issues, please visit http://www.hays.co.jp/en/report.
Hays, the world’s leading recruiting experts in qualified, professional and skilled people.