The digital commerce market continues to grow and develop at a tremendous rate and 2019 was no exception. It’s astonishing to think we now help candidates secure roles that didn’t even exist as jobs as recently as 15 years ago! So, what were the top five hottest roles on the block in digital commerce during 2019?
Well coming in at number 5, with 7% of placements, was the Solution Architect It’s a role that demands technical gravitas, thought leadership and a passion for technology. And whilst the Solution Architect ensures that new systems fit into the existing environment, they are also sitting in front of people, explaining complex technical issues in a way their colleagues and other stakeholders will understand. The role is a lynch pin in successful implementations, driving the architectural direction of business applications such as eCommerce and content management implementations.
Hot on the System Architect’s heels are the Business Analysts and Hybris Developers with 8% each of placements during last year.
Whilst the IT Director may be the bridge between commercial and technical functions in the board room, down on the coal face it’s the Business Analysts who are developing the arguments for IT application development, smoothing the way between different stakeholders and generally moving the process along. Often client facing these guys cover the full software development lifecycle, from requirement elaboration through to go-live.
With SAP Hybris being one of the market leaders in digital commerce solutions, it’s no surprise that Hybris Developers are hot property. These are the people who build complex business platforms and eCommerce applications, and we find strong Java skills and a digital commerce background on top of the platform specific experience are on many client’s wish list. The cream of the crop have great independent coding skills and are capable of end-to-end coding. Second rate code or undetected bugs can cause massive project delays so it’s no wonder good people are always needed.
At number 2 on the list is the Front-end Developer with 11% of placements. No longer just JavaScript programmers, these guys are the link between technology and creative design. They have the skills to package up the back-end utilities in a way that creates an engaging and easy to use customer interface. With vast knowledge of all the different facets of web site performance their outcomes will mainly revolve around delivering a great user experience for everyone visiting a client’s website.
And at number 1 – the top spot goes to the Project Manager, representing a hefty 15% of all placements made during 2019. With a thorough knowledge of digital commerce platform technology working practices, a good Project Manager will balance competing objectives, whilst managing risk. Their purpose is to overcome challenges to successfully deliver their project, on time, on budget and in a way that meets the needs of all the stakeholders. It’s a tall order, and it means the best Project Managers are always in high demand.
We have no doubt that the digital commerce market will continue to flourish, and by analysing the roles we placed last year, it has highlighted the many different career paths that the industry offers. As to where the future will take us? Who knows what the job titles will be that top the list by the end of this decade – but we are looking forward to finding out!
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