As companies aim to perform essential business functions remotely both during and in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, the pace of digital transformation has accelerated across many sectors. While the catalyst for the speed of change has been COVID-19, however, the longer-term benefits of investing in IT infrastructure are also becoming apparent to many business leaders.
With remote working practices – at least on a part-time basis – likely to remain commonplace for some time, current operational necessity will probably give way to a long-term, technology-led cultural shift which will continue to favour working flexibility and support productivity – to the benefit of managers and workers, alike.
Here are some of the most sought-after technology roles in the current employment market.
Project Manager
As businesses strive to be leaner, more efficient, competitive and remote-work ready, the pandemic has highlighted the importance of continuing to prioritise company digital transformation initiatives. IT project managers will continue to be critical in the coming months to coordinate the skills and work of other IT professionals as companies roll out new software, systems, and security processes, among other essential responsibilities.
Data Scientist
Markets have become more unpredictable in recent months which means organisations are investing more heavily in their capabilities to forecast and plan for the future. Experienced data scientists are essential to helping companies achieve this goal by contributing their niche expertise in unearthing valuable insights from large volumes of data. Data scientists are likely to become more involved in strategic decision-making post COVID-19 provided they can combine their ability to clearly interpret complex data and issues with an aptitude for business.
IT Security Manager
A significant number of companies today - especially those in professional services - are responsible for managing high volumes of sensitive customer and client information. With large numbers of staff members remotely accessing and dealing with information, however, IT security professionals are critical for ensuring companies maintain safe and secure working practices as we continue into the “new normal”.
According to this recent analysis by the World Economic Forum (WEF), cyber-attacks and data fraud owing to the abrupt adoption of new working patterns are considered the most likely technological risks of COVID-19 for organisations across the globe, cited by almost one-in-four (38%) of top risk professionals.
As companies bolster their IT security protocols and safeguards in the wake of increasing risks, IT security managers are being sought to oversee and coordinate the work of expanding IT security teams that are dedicated to making remote work more efficient, convenient, and safer.
Product Manager
As companies pivot their strategies, many are discovering opportunities to launch new products in alternative markets as well as fine-tune their existing product offerings to meet the needs of a changing market. Onboarding skilled product managers is not only essential for managing the continuous improvement of an existing product portfolio, but also setting the roadmap for new products and ensuring their success.
Software/Applications Architect
With people working from home in recent months and many businesses having to close the doors to their physical premises, reports have revealed that there has been a surge in the numbers of people buying online. What’s more, another report says Coronavirus has driven a 72% rise in the use of FinTech apps. As consumer priorities and patterns continue to evolve in the wake of the pandemic, many companies are likely to turn to software solutions to promote and sell their products to increasingly digitally-savvy clients and customers.
Talented software/applications architects are essential for designing and maintaining software and systems, whether it’s to help companies adapt to a digital market or simply ensuring their customers are having exceptional digital experiences.
Onboarding the right tech skills has always been important for companies looking to gain the competitive edge in an increasingly digitised business environment. But the Coronavirus pandemic is encouraging many organisations to prioritise and roll out their digital strategies faster. Over the coming months, tech skills will continue to be in demand as they’re deemed critical for helping businesses redefine the way they work while responding to changing markets.
Companies are also increasingly attracted to a flexible staffing approach, consisting of a mix of talented permanent IT professionals and project-based IT specialists. This staffing strategy allows organisations to build an agile team that is responsive to changing conditions without compromising on the required institutional knowledge and business-critical skills that will support the company through COVID-19 and beyond.
Whether you’re looking to hire on-site or remote staff, we got you covered. Our highly skilled, pre-vetted IT and technology professionals are capable of working remotely from anywhere.
