Overview of employment conditions, skills in demand, sector trends and salary benchmarks in mainland China
China has experienced steady growth in 2016 and the outlook this year is expected to be largely unchanged. What are employers’ hiring intentions for 2017?
Headcount increases
48% of employers surveyed are expected to recruit new hires
Hiring activity
55% of local Chinese firms will increase headcount
41% of foreign multinational organisations share the same sentiment
Salary increases
45% of China employers expect to increase salaries by 6-10% in the next 12 months
Talent attraction and retention initiatives
77% Career progression
62% Salary increases
51% Learning and development
Diversity & Inclusion (D&I)
86% say their organisations support D&I
Top 3 focus points for D&I programmes
61% Gender
35% Minority ethnic groups
31% Religion
China has experienced modest growth in 2016 and the outlook for its economy this year is expected to be largely unchanged.
North and Eastern China's service sectors, ranging from education to health and nutrition, will see a surge in demand for talent. This is due largely to Chinese consumers becoming more sophisticated. They value innovative products and services, travel more, and are more health conscious. As a result, education, nutrition and insurance are three areas that have attracted considerable investment at home and abroad - a trend that is expected to continue in the near term.
Other industries that are making an impact are ones that currently have global appeal: renewable energy, financial technology (fintech) as well as financial payment processing, social media, and consumer electronics. Investments in these areas remain strong and will likely continue to attract companies looking to seize opportunities in China.
The media and professional services sectors are expected to perform well. Primary manufacturing and industrial sectors, however, continue to struggle as domestic and international demand remain weak.
In a small number of cases, companies have explored going offshore, or to second and third-tier cities as a response to wage inflation in Eastern China. These are typically in weaker sectors, such as manufacturing, where the pace of growth has slowed significantly.
On the hiring front, China remains a candidate-driven market. Strong candidates are always in demand, and often receive multiple job offers.
In general, almost half (48%) of companies - slightly higher than the Asia average of 44% - surveyed across the country have indicated they would increase headcount. Similar to 2016, slightly under half (45%) have said that salary increases are expected to be about 6 to 10%.
As more domestic companies mature, they are increasingly considering the longevity of their teams, choosing to recruit quality personnel across all departments - including finance, digital and marketing - instead of only top-line leadership staff.
Many companies are now prioritising diversity and inclusion programmes compared to five years ago. They are taking the time to ensure that the workforce feels heard and included. A vast majority of employers (86%) said their organisations were committed to diversity and inclusion efforts.
Much of these are aimed at millennials, who value such engagement and will form the majority of China's next-generation workforce.
The outlook for South China is largely conservative, with slight growth expected for the rest of the year.
Investments in technology and robotics have increased, a trend which is expected to continue. New domestic brands are becoming international powerhouses, especially in the areas of technology and consumer electronics.
Other up-and-coming areas attracting both foreign and domestic investment include driverless and electric cars, virtual reality, and fintech services. With the rise of fintech, especially, global financial institutions are investing heavily to develop their own technological capabilities in-house.
After a massive expansion last year,
Exports, however, are underperforming somewhat, as are companies that manufacture basic consumer goods and commoditised products. Other traditional industries that are slowing down include low-tech electronics, furniture and garment manufacturing. With labour and production costs rising, an increasing number of such businesses are moving their operations offshore to other locations in Asia, such as Vietnam and India.
One bright spot in this area, however, is technological manufacturing. Guangdong continues to have a competitive advantage over other regions as it is a mature market with a well set-up infrastructure.
A shortage of skilled talent remains a perennial challenge, especially across the executive suite in companies that are investing heavily in technological innovation.
We are also seeing a greater investment in the commercial contributions of other corporate functions, such as human resources and marketing. While these tend to be areas that are under-invested, more companies are seeking out these specialists, with a view that such services are becoming increasingly critical in a hyper-competitive market.
Companies are also paying more attention to having a positive career development strategy in play to attract, recruit, and retain talent. More than three quarters of employers (77%) cited career progression as an important factor in talent management.
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As the digital sector continues with its growth, companies will be in need of candidates with mixed skill sets, like
Internet companies will sharpen their focus on customer relations as well as online/offline connections, while traditional companies will speed up their digital transformations.
As the sector matures, a new candidate profile is expected to emerge on the market — professionals with both traditional industry and digital experience. Not only do they understand their industries well, they are able to understand targeted customers and hold the Internet mindset.
However, investments in start-ups are expected to plateau as investors start to show caution.
In general, candidates moving between roles may expect salary increases of up to 20-35% in agencies. Those moving into the corporate sector may expect 10-20%.
Roles in entertainment marketing, content production/marketing,
The presence of Shanghai’s free trade zone has fueled a boom in cross-border
As domestic brands continue to grow in strength in the country, we expect local companies to ramp up recruiting for digital professionals who are able to increase bottom lines using online and social media platforms. As a result, salaries in the sector have risen steadily.
However, with global trade expected to remain weak, China’s economy may face an uncertain future. A cautious, cost-cutting mindset may prevail.
High-calibre job seekers can often demand salary increases of 15-30% or even higher.
Roles in content marketing, growth marketing, digital experience, UX (user experience), and IP (intellectual property) operations.
With the rise of smartphone shopping, employers are expected to place greater emphasis on mobile-first marketing. As a result, skills like coding, big data and user experience will be in demand.
Similar to Shanghai, domestic brands, especially emerging Fortune 500 companies, are expected to continue with their strong growth, with many going International. Companies are hence expected to continue investing in their digital marketing and social media functions as they take on a global scope.
However, the
Remuneration-wise, candidates may expect salary increases of 10-20% when switching jobs. Some companies may also offer long-term incentives, such as retention bonuses, to retain candidates.
Augmented reality and virtual reality related roles (like art directors and 3D experts), user experience designers, product managers and online operations managers are in demand.
While Beijing’s engineering and manufacturing sector is still experiencing a slowdown due to labour cost increases, the growing interest in artificial intelligence and virtual reality technology is expected to boost market growth. Also, as green energy grows in popularity in the country, employers are seeking professionals who have experience working with wind, solar and hydro power.
Moving into 2017, one emerging trend is the increase in the number of manufacturing companies relocating operations to Tier 2 or 3 cities to cut costs. These companies will expect candidates to relocate accordingly. However, many top employees are often unwilling to do so due to family commitments, causing talent acquisition challenges to rise.
With China looking to move into higher-tech, higher value industries, companies will be placing an added focus on quality as they look to improve products and services in order to stay competitive with foreign firms. As firms become more sophisticated and develop better governance, safety will also be a key area of focus.
In terms of skill sets, soft skills, including stakeholder management and commercial acumen, are now increasingly sought after. In addition to being experts in their specialisations, employees now also have to understand how their actions and responsibilities can impact the business and its bottom line.
In general, candidates may expect salary increases of 10-15% when shifting between roles.
Roles in quality management and operation management (in Tier 2 and 3 cities) as well as HSE (health, safety and environment) experts across the country are in demand.
As market demand weakens, the trend of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining and automation in the manufacturing industry, especially in the electronics or automotive sectors, is expected to continue as it is seen as a cost control tool.
The market continues to be conservative towards new demands, with the number of new factories or production lines decreasing. For many manufacturers, focus today now lies on facilitating existing production instead of expansion. Car manufacturers, in particular, are struggling to keep costs low because of weaker consumer demand.
On the employment front, companies have become more selective. Candidates are now required to have more comprehensive skill sets or knowledge. For example, process or industrial engineers with lean manufacturing experience are in high demand because they can perform both roles.
In general, candidates switching roles may expect salary increases of 15-20%.
Roles in project management and research and development are in demand.
Despite the weaker market sentiment surrounding Asia and beyond, the food and fragrance markets are expected to be high-growth sectors for 2017. As a result, engineering and manufacturing professionals who are adept in product development will be in demand.
With the market slowdown, most companies are also putting their focus on improving production quality and efficiency, resulting in a need for candidates who can support that change.
Senior candidates can look forward to increments of 10-15% while moving between roles. Junior candidates may receive increments of 20-30% due to their lower base salaries.
Roles in environment and health safety, environmental compliance, product stewardship, technical service and product development are in demand.
As Shenzhen strengthens its status as China’s silicon valley, research and development (R&D) specialists are expected to be in high demand. While this move would result in labour cost increases, it would also push the city’s manufacturing industry towards a complete upgrade.
Consumer electronics, especially smart devices, augmented and virtual reality products, and drones will continue to soar in popularity, given the burgeoning spending power of the city’s middle and upper classes.
In general, candidates can expect a 10-15% increase in salaries when changing jobs.
Roles in R&D, creative design, project/programme management, Lean Six Sigma and general management.
The healthcare sector is expected to grow exponentially in Suzhou as citizens pay more attention to their health and quality of life. As a result, more multinational firms are expected to transfer their research and development (R&D) departments here to leverage Suzhou’s status as an R&D hub. R&D professionals and quality managers are expected to be in high demand.
The number of pollution treatment companies are expected to increase as concerns, particularly from Tier 1 cities, about pollution continue to multiply. R&D and manufacturing professionals will be in high demand. The biotech industry is expected to grow as well, due largely to support from the Chinese government.
Due to the weaker market sentiment and rising labour costs, many multinational companies in Suzhou have recruited professionals trained in Six Sigma to improve and streamline internal processes. Foreign companies who are unable to stay competitive may move out of the country, choosing to focus on business operations located elsewhere.
In general, candidates may expect a 15-20% increase while switching roles.
Roles in Lean Six Sigma, operations directors, research and development managers and regional quality directors.
Light asset sectors, including Internet, media and education are expected to be 2017’s growth areas, due in part to government policies supporting their development. These sectors attract strong investments and provide opportunities for overseas ventures as well as mergers and acquisitions.
However, with increasing labour costs, companies may be cautious about adding new headcount to their teams.
As the market is more cautious in general, average salary increases while changing jobs is about 15 per cent.
Employers are now placing a premium on stakeholder management and communication skills. Job seekers are expected to liaise effectively with different stakeholders on different issues, including those related to investor relations.
Hot jobs include chief financial officers with fund raising exposure, board secretaries, regional finance controllers/directors, and finance business partners with strong commercial acumen.
Hiring activity is expected to be stronger in fast-growing domestic companies this year compared with multinational corporations as many in the latter group have downsized in the country due to the decrease in global trade.
As more mainland Chinese-based companies expand overseas, job seekers who have experience working in both global and domestic markets and are flexible about relocation will be sought after. The ability to communicate well and overseas-investment related skill sets surrounding audit, tax, risk control and ERP (enterprise resource planning) implementation will be in demand.
In general, candidates may expect salary increases of 10-25% while switching roles.
Roles in mergers and acquisition, chief financial officers and taxation/audit personnel.
The growth of China’s domestic sector will continue to be strong given that many local companies are looking to grow both within the country and globally. The technology and consumer sectors are expected to play a significant role in this growth due to strong investor interest and increase in the wealth of the middle class in China.
However, foreign multinational corporations (MNCs) are expected to be quite cautious about investing in mainland China due largely to weak global growth. Uncertainty in the Eurozone and the US, in terms of currency fluctuations, political instability, will continue to impact MNC investment.
While the manufacturing and luxury sectors are projected to remain stagnant, the technology and healthcare/pharmaceutical markets, as well as companies with innovative solid products will thrive. An ongoing shift to seek bottom-line efficiency, as opposed to pure top-line sales growth, is expected.
Salary increments have taken a slight dip as companies place greater emphasis on streamlining costs and those moving between roles may expect increases of approximately 15%. Those at C-Suite or director level are increasingly willing (and in some cases required) to move for parity or even a pay cut in order to secure a new role.
However, candidates with niche skills or from a direct competitor can still command higher increases. Mid-level candidates with very competitive skill sets and strong performance records may receive multiple offers and achieve above-average increases.
In general, demand for professionals with strong commercial acumen and experience in funding and IPO (initial public offering) will be high in 2017. Candidates are also expected to be good communicators and resilient, demonstrating a track record of outperforming during tough situations and managing with less resources.
Hot jobs include roles in commercial finance, FP&A (financial planning and analysis), shared services, pre-IPO, treasury/funding and investment.
Shenzhen’s fast-growing high-tech, Internet and genetic engineering markets are expected to step up recruitment for finance talent, due largely to companies centralising their resources as well as economic reforms. Finance professionals with high-tech or
However, manufacturing is expected to slow down, resulting in decrease in hiring activity. Still, with the growth of domestic companies and small and medium-sized companies across industries, demand for finance talents, particularly those with a strong understanding of the domestic market and financial management skills, will remain healthy.
In general, candidates may expect 10-20% increments while switching roles.
Chief financial officers, finance controllers, finance managers, costing managers, tax managers, treasury managers and heads of IA/IC (investment advisories/investment consultancies).
The trend of multinational companies being partially or wholly acquired by Chinese companies is expected to continue. As a result, there will be an increase in global roles within the finance sector. Employees who have been seconded/hired to work in global headquarters are now required to build up the ability to communicate across cultures. Currently, many employees lack the necessary global experience.
With the growth of industries like healthcare and new energy, candidates who have experience in investments as well as mergers and acquisitions will be in high demand.
In general, professionals moving between jobs may expect a 10-15% salary increase. Employers are also starting to offer candidates higher variable/retention bonuses in exchange for a lower fixed pay.
Chief financial officers (in domestic firms) and roles in financing, investment and internal controls.
Investments in the TMT (technology, media, telecommunications) sector are expected to continue, but investors have chosen to place their funds into specific areas, like artificial intelligence and virtual reality, which are seen as high growth markets.
Due to increased flexibility in government regulations, many insurance companies in Beijing have also set up real estate and healthcare teams as investment from local asset management firms has increased. Likewise, fund of funds (FOF) investment is picking up speed, with the government channelling more money into emerging industries.
Cross-border deals are also expected to increase as Chinese companies make more overseas acquisitions. While corporate banking may face a slight decline, retail banking and personal wealth management are expected to do well due largely to new financial institutions offering such services online.
The insurance market is expected to be strong this year, especially travel insurance and casualty insurance, due to China’s 'One Belt One Road' initiative.
In general, candidates may expect salary increases of about 25% when switching roles. Key skill sets in demand include financing, as new funds set-up build up their capital. Deal sourcing will be another essential skill set.
Roles in healthcare, TMT (technology, media, telecommunications), FOF (fund of funds), real estate, REIT (real estate investment funds), cross-border mergers and acquisitions, investment risk, compliance, fund finance, post-deal management and business development (in the insurance sector).
With more consumers choosing to shop online, the popularity of China’s consumer finance market is expected to rise. To increase the ease of online payments, companies and banks are actively looking into developing new e-payment methods, precipitating a boost in the fintech sectors. Professionals with experience in retail banking, e-banking, micro-lending and risk management will be highly sought after, both by banks and
China’s retail banking is expected to continue with its growth as banks and other financial institutions leverage their knowhow and customer base in launching speedy operations. Likewise, more retail companies are partnering with financial institutions to gain experience as well as build up their own capabilities.
Due to subdued global economic conditions, foreign banks will continue to undergo restructuring and resizing. This could prompt the flow of talent towards in-house or local PE firms. As a result, PE companies now have access to talent with solid experience in investment.
Roles in consumer finance, risk management and compliance.
Companies in the banking industry are expected to continue with their restructuring efforts. Within the sector, employers are expected to recruit for roles in asset management, insurance and financial technology (fintech) — all of which are high growth markets. There is also increased demand from domestic venture capital/private equity companies looking for opportunistic transactions. The demand for compliance professionals across all levels will continue, with the government placing tighter controls on banks.
Meanwhile, more and more domestic firms in property, technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) companies are actively setting up their financial service platforms and applying for related licenses. Professionals who have previous experience with helping companies attain financial service licenses will be sought after.
Due to increasing caution amid weaker global trade, the average salary increase for candidates is expected to fall slightly below previous years to 15 to 20%.
Heads of compliance, heads of anti-money laundering, and investment directors.
Fuelled in part by lower overseas taxes and weaker global trade, Chinese companies are expected to continue purchasing overseas assets at a fast pace, with activity possibly doubling. Skill sets that will be in demand include financial modelling, financial due diligence (FDD), industry knowledge and risk analysis.
The rise of fintech has challenged many aspects of the traditional financial services industry. Companies that are at the forefront of innovation will continue to attract talent from traditional firms. Software, front and back-end mobile app developers are also in very high demand because traditional financial institutions and banks are starting to develop open platforms and investing more in their digital resources.
Roles in PE/VC (private equity/venture capital) investment, corporate finance, risk control and fintech.
With the rise of the domestic market, local companies are expected to step up their search for job seekers who have experience working in multinational companies. More employees, realising their own value, are specifying a clear preference to work for Chinese companies.
The burgeoning of financial services, the Internet, and high technology will result in a high demand for HR professionals.
In general, candidates may expect salary increases of 15-20% when switching roles.
HR business partners as well as roles in organisation/talent development and compensation and benefits.
In general, traditional industries, such as manufacturing and retail, have felt the impact of the recent economic slowdown. Many of these companies have adopted new offline-to-online strategies, focusing on
With the rise of Chinese employer brands, there has been a talent shift from MNCs to domestic firms. Many of these companies are also ‘cash rich’, willing to invest in great people, and provide more opportunities for high-potential employees to take on decision-making roles. Leadership development and organisation development professionals will be needed to support growth.
Candidates in traditional industries may receive salary increases of 15-20% when switching between roles. Those in
Chief HR officers, HR vice-presidents, HR development specialists, talent acquisition managers/directors, talent development managers/directors, and organisation development manager/directors.
In general, HR business partners and talent development specialists will be sought after across sectors, especially in fast-growing markets in healthcare, media and virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR).
However, there is a shortage of talent in the Internet industry, especially for specialist roles in talent acquisition, leadership development and organisation development.
In general, candidates switching between roles may expect salary increases of 10-20%.
HR vice-presidents, talent acquisition managers/directors, talent development managers/directors, organisation development managers/directors and HR development specialists.
Talent acquisition and talent development will likely be the top two HR functions in demand for 2017. Fast-growing markets in Southern China (particularly Shenzhen), like VR/AR, mobile and robotics, will continue to seek top talent in these functions.
However, the shortage of high-calibre professionals, especially for specialist roles like leadership development and organisation development, will continue to be a challenge. More companies will be diversifying their strategies to attract the best talent. Examples include raising salary benchmarks, improving company culture or providing more incentives and benefits.
In general, candidates moving between jobs may expect salary increases of 15-25%.
HR vice-presidents, HR development specialists, talent acquisition managers/directors, talent development managers/directors and organisation development manager/directors.
Companies are now paying more attention to their retention strategies in order to keep star employees productive and engaged. As a result, the demand for talent management professionals will rise.
The increasing focus on newer markets, like big data and data consolidation, across the country is fuelling demand for HR professionals. More HR professionals are moving to such markets from traditional industries. On the same note, domestic companies are becoming more aggressive in their growth plans and more HR professionals are expected to make the switch from multinational to Chinese firms.
In terms of skill sets, candidates are now required to anticipate future HR trends and developments, and the ability to see connections across industry segments is essential. Businesses now also expect HR professionals to use their commercial acumen to help shape company growth.
In general, candidates switching between roles in traditional industries may expect a 15-20% salary increase.
HR vice-presidents, HR business partners, organisation development directors.
The artificial intelligence and virtual reality markets will continue with their strong growth and their technology will be used broadly in smart devices, mobile phones, automation and smart home products. As more jobs are created, employee recruitment and retention will become more competitive as demand for qualified job seekers outpaces supply.
On the information and technology front, more companies are gradually recognising the importance of strong systems and management as well as the application of innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence. Hiring activity is expected to increase in these areas.
In general, candidates may expect salary increases of 20-30% when switching roles.
Chief information/IT directors who have successful track records of being strong business partners will be in high demand.
This is in addition to algorithm engineers, image/facial/video recognition and augmented reality specialists, chief information officers, chief technology officers, IT business partners and big data managers.
The fashion retail sector is expected to thrive this year as
Guangzhou’s popularity as an offshore delivery and shared service destination is also on the rise for both foreign and domestic companies. However, many companies face the challenge of hiring bilingual Java developers who are willing to be based in Guangzhou.
To compensate for the city’s limited talent pool, candidates have been sourced from cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Dalian. However, such candidates typically have higher salary expectations or are concerned about being apart from family and hence, are reluctant to make the move.
With the growth of the digital sector, data analysis and CRM (customer relationship management) professionals are in high demand, as are senior tech candidates with strong supply chain operations backgrounds.
In general, candidates may expect salary increases of 15-25% when switching roles.
Hot jobs include solution architects, enterprise architects, chief information officers, chief technology officers, and roles in software development and internet project operations.
Skill sets in demand include mobile app development, Java, .Net, cloud, data analysis, big data and DevOps expertise.
With China’s gradually ageing society, the insurance and pharmaceutical sectors are poised to grow strongly this year, along with a demand for the necessary IT talent.
However, the lack of high-quality candidates has led to a talent gap in the market, which is set to widen as many companies do not invest in training their IT professionals. As a result, the talent pool of high-calibre professionals in the IT sector is relatively shallow.
In general, candidates may expect salary increases of 20-30% when switching roles.
Roles in business intelligence, data mining, information security and mobile gaming.
The artificial intelligence and augmented/virtual reality markets will continued with their strong growth this year as most Internet and high-tech companies are integrating functions like computer vision and smart conversation robots into their products. The smart phone sector, however, has plateaued because of market saturation and lower profit margins.
Due to weaker market sentiment and increasing regulations in the Internet finance sector, smaller Internet companies will face difficulties in raising capital.
More companies in traditional enterprises are establishing Internet+ (where traditional industries align themselves with technology and the Internet) processes and setting up new profit and loss protocols for their online and
Skills in demand include mobile application, cloud computing, data analysis and modeling, image recognition, enterprise architecture and Internet product management expertise.
In general, candidates may expect salary increases of 20-30% when switching roles.
Software development directors, enterprise architects, data scientists, project managers, product managers, chief technology officers and chief information officers.
Last year, demand for legal talent was especially high in the real estate and financial services sectors, especially in private equity/venture capital (PE/VC) firms. Moving into 2017, cross-border mergers and acquisition (M&A) professionals will continue to be in high demand from both law firms and domestic corporations. Industry-wise, we see a rising demand for legal professionals in pharmaceutical industries.
However, the reduction of foreign direct investment and decline in activity for foreign multinational corporations due to weaker global trade will continue to affect hiring this year. Still, the growing demand from domestic law firms and corporations for legal talent is expected to rise.
In general, candidates moving between jobs may expect about 15-20% salary increases.
Mergers and acquisition associates/transaction counsels, compliance counsels, general corporate legal counsels and investment lawyers.
This year, potential growth industries include telecommunications and technologies, due largely to governmental support for industrial development. With more companies paying attention to compliance, the demand for lawyers specialising in this area is expected to rise.
In general, candidates switching between jobs may expect about 8-13% salary increases.
General counsels, intellectual property and patent directors, chief compliance officers and compliance directors.
Foreign multinational corporations have generally taken a more cautious approach to hiring in Shanghai and Eastern China, with the large majority of roles being replacement positions. Growth in this market is still evident, albeit at a slower pace than before.
As a result of this slower market growth, a number of organisations have continued to establish in-house legal functions, by adding a single lawyer, moving away from using external advisors as frequently.
Conversely, domestic companies have strengthened their legal teams. Domestic financial services institutions have all ramped up hiring, with pre-IPO (initial public offering)/transaction lawyers in demand. This trend is expected to continue.
As more local companies pay greater attention to compliance and outbound investment, lawyers who are able to support this business direction will be in demand. Likewise, there is expected to be an increase in legal hires across private equity/venture capital (PE/VC) and insurance firms.
In general, candidates moving between jobs may expect increments in the region of 20-25%, higher than the average across functions, but lower compared with previous years.
General commercial roles and positions in compliance, real estate and M&A (mergers and acquisition) transactions.
This year, potential growth industries include telecommunications and technologies, due largely to governmental support for industrial development. With more companies paying attention to compliance, the demand for lawyers specialising in this area is expected to rise.
In general, candidates switching between jobs may expect about 8-13% salary increases.
General counsels, intellectual property and patent directors, chief compliance officers and compliance directors.
With increasing governmental support as well as the influx of investment, the education, healthcare and Internet sectors will be 2017’s high growth markets. The demand for marketing talent in these markets is expected to rise accordingly.
Companies in traditional industries will generally face the challenge of leadership retention as many senior marketing personnel in multinational corporations have been offered new roles by state-owned and privately-owned enterprises to support overseas expansion.
Key skills in demand include expertise in digital, communication, stakeholder management.
In general, candidates moving between jobs may expect salary increases of 15-20%.
Government affairs heads (for the education and financial services sectors) as well as roles in integrated marketing and marketing communications.
With an increasing consumer demand for premium products and the continued growth of China’s massive
While weaker market sentiment may be a concern to some companies, the number of Chinese companies going global is on the rise, resulting in an increasing demand for high-calibre talent. Increasingly, marketers are expected to catch consumption patterns, perform strong research and have solid digital marketing skills.
In general, candidates moving between jobs may expect salary increases of 10-20% when moving to roles in domestic companies and 20-35% in multinational corporations.
Digital marketing heads and
Similar to Beijing, the healthcare and education sectors are expected to be 2017’s high-growth markets due to increasing governmental support.
With disposable income in China expected to increase, the lifestyle, tourism and entertainment sectors are expected to thrive as well. Domestic companies will continue with their growth.
Increasingly, marketing budgets have been shifted into digital channels and key skills in demand include strategic thinking, adaptability and commercial acumen.
In general, candidates moving between jobs may expect salary increases of 15-20% and high-calibre job seekers can often demand much higher pay packages.
Roles in integrated marketing, product innovation, marketing research and consumer insight, and public relations/communications.
The focus on overseas marketing and content roles will be strong this year. With Chinese manufacturers building up their product development capabilities, made-in-China collaterals, particularly consumer electronics, will become more prominent in global markets. As a result, employers will place importance on expanding their global branding.
Likewise, with the younger demographic consuming information from video platforms, the demand for marketers who are able to promote services and offerings across multiple channels will be on the rise.
While Shenzhen has become a leading technology hub, it has yet to achieve the same traction in marketing. As a result, companies would have to focus on improving their attraction and retention strategies to increase their appeal to top marketers.
In general, candidates moving between jobs may expect salary increases of 10-20%.
Roles in global marketing, digital solutions (content and channel) and strategic branding.
The new energy sector will be one of Suzhou’s high-growth markets for 2017, as indicated by China’s 13th Five Year Plan. The service, education, online-to-offline and health sectors are also expected to do well this year and the demand for suitable and qualified professionals is set to rise.
Traditional industries such as manufacturing are shrinking their operations and are not actively recruiting at present.
In general, candidates moving between jobs may expect salary increases of 15-20%.
Strategy directors, market intelligence managers/directors, market research managers/directors, and e-commerce, digital, marketing roles.
The
Food and beverage as well as pharmaceutical organisations will also be recruiting more talent for cold chain logistics to improve process efficiency. Candidates will need to demonstrate the ability to engage stakeholders in matrix organisations and show adaptability and flexibility.
As companies look to improve profitability, there will be a need for procurement and supply chain candidates to deliver cost savings processes and drive efficiencies. Companies are also considering relocating to more remote locations to save cost and may find it challenging to convince high-calibre talent to relocate.
In general, salary increases are expected to dip and the average will hover between 10-20%.
Roles in direct procurement, due to the increased emphasis on cost savings and cold chain logistics.
With the significant number of domestic fashion brands in Guangzhou, the fashion industry is expected to grow rapidly in the city. Likewise, the healthcare market is also poised for growth, due to China’s gradually ageing population as well as new
Due to the increasing costs of manufacturing in China, Western markets have decreased the use of Chinese suppliers in favour of cheaper options in Vietnam and Cambodia. Sourcing companies in China (both wholly-owned foreign enterprises and domestic firms) have decreased as Western markets adopt a more cautious approach in their expenditure.
In general, candidates moving between roles can expect salary increases of 15-20%.
Supply chain management and logistic roles.
Increasingly, more international companies are localising their operations and moving their regional headquarters to Shanghai. The city continues to attract more investment, which is expected to increase over the next three to five years, resulting in a potential rise in jobs.
In particular, the medical devices, fast-moving consumer goods and
Companies are also placing increased emphasis on diversity and inclusion and many are now open to accept high-calibre candidates from different backgrounds. However, many are now adopting a cautious approach to hiring.
Soft skills are increasingly valued and candidates that demonstrate adaptability as well as strong change management and stakeholder management skills are sought after.
Salary increases for candidates moving between jobs are expected to dip from the previous year and will average 10-20%.
Roles in supply chain process excellence, logistics network planning, Asia Pacific strategic sourcing, S&OP (sales and operations planning), customer supply chain and
China’s logistic services continue to expand across the globe, pointing to sector growth. As a result, businesses have made strong efforts to improve supplier management methodology and there is a corresponding rise in demand for purchasing professionals, especially from domestic manufacturing companies.
However, the demand for procurement and supply chain professionals are expected to be affected by the fall in China’s export numbers and the flat growth of multinational corporations in the region. Still, niche skills and knowledge in areas like chipsets and displays will remain in strong demand, due to continued growth in the high-tech sector.Other key skills in demand include global commodity management and hands-on experience in streamlining supply chain costs.
In general, candidates moving between roles can expect salary increases of 10-15%.
Commodity managers, supply chain managers and procurement managers.
With the growth in new technology and
As more companies branch out into
Key skills in demand include having a clear understanding of cost structures to practice lean supply chain management, adaptability and communication expertise.
In general, salary increases in the traditional industries are expected to be between 5-10%, depending on organisational performance. Newer industries may offer higher salary increases.
E-commerce specialists in domestic companies.
Similar to 2016, local investors are still moving towards "outbound" investment and investing in residential and mixed-use developments and real estate funds overseas. However, companies may face the challenge of overcoming a talent-short market due to the relative newness of overseas investments roles.
Traditional real estate developers are expected to establish their own financial teams in order to move into primary and secondary markets. As a result, professionals with strong financing background are expected to be sought after to help raise capital for these new financial teams or for the projects/portfolios developers hope to invest in.
In general, candidates may expect salary increases of 20-40% while switching roles.
Roles in overseas investment, asset management and financing.
Due to China’s gradually ageing population, the government has encouraged the development of housing for senior citizens. As a result, many developers in the market have their sights set on the market and will be bidding for land parcels for this purpose.
Renovation projects, usually to transform old office structures into green buildings, are expected to increase across the sector. Likewise, with the opening of Shanghai’s Disney Resort, more hotels are expected to undergo refurbishment.
E-commerce will continue to grow in Shanghai, resulting in a demand for warehouses in the city and the surrounding region.
However, the commercial property market has continued with its slowdown and real estate funds will face challenges in raising capital.
Key skills in demand for the property sector include analytical, financial modeling and negotiation expertise. Skills like multi-tasking, English and management expertise are sought after in the construction sector.
In general, candidates may expect salary increases of 25-35% while switching roles. This increase from previous years is largely due to rising demand for talent from the residential market.
Roles in asset management, leasing, investment, fund raising. fit-out project management and facility management.
The "Property+" market is still growing fast in Shenzhen, with companies moving towards areas like "Property+Financial Service", "Property+Pension", "Property+Tourism" and "Property+Entertainment". As a result, candidates that have had experience working across industries are highly sought-after.
With overseas investment being another hot area for developers in China, investors are moving towards residential and mixed-use developments overseas. Developers are also establishing property fund and asset management firms domestically.
While the average salary increase is expected to be conservative for candidates moving between jobs, ‘Property+" professionals can expect higher remuneration in line with demand.
Roles in "Property+", real estate funds, overseas investment and asset management.
Fast fashion and apparel as well as food and beverage are poised to be 2017’s high growth industries as consumers adjust their spending habits in favour of more affordable shopping options.
Many retailers are now looking into how to effectively refresh their brand image and learning how to find the balance between their online and offline businesses.
Key skills in demand include a combination of operations and business development, customer service and marketing. With
Candidates moving between jobs may expect an average salary increase of 15%.
Area managers and retail directors.
Stores carrying multiple brands as well as lifestyle and virtual reality product retailers are expected to expand in the domestic market next year, due largely to consumer spending patterns.
In general, some of the challenges faced by retailers include understanding how to effectively refresh their brand image as well as finding the balance between their online and offline businesses. Many brands are planning to hire new or replacement employees following team/process restructuring.
Key skills in demand include operations and business development, customer service and marketing. With
Candidates moving between jobs may expect average salary increases of 20-30%.
E-commerce merchandising managers, brand managers (who oversee different functions including operations, training and merchandising), and retail managers.
Continued demand for imported products has led to stronger growth in China’s trading sector as well as greater demand for professionals with cross-border
With the rise of
In general, candidates may expect salary increases of 10-15% when switching roles.
Technical sourcing managers, merchandising directors and footwear sourcing managers.
The automotive and mobile sectors are expected to be 2017’s high growth markets.
On the employment front, candidates are expected to spend shorter tenures in jobs. Increasing demands from companies in the digital sector has provided candidates with more opportunities and many are open to seizing new opportunities. This will lead to a more active market for both employers and employees.However, well-known foreign high-tech multinationals are still facing challenges in the China market, especially with the increasing caution towards the "Internet of Things". Increasingly, the traditional relationship-focused sales model is becoming out of date as the Chinese government ramps up on its anti-corruption efforts. Financial companies are expected to place greater emphasis on qualifications and products.
In general, candidates moving between jobs may expect increases of 15-30%, depending on how well the company is performing.
The apparel and consumer electronics sector as well as domestic fast-moving consumer goods companies are expected to perform well this year, due largely to the country’s productivity-led growth model, strong
Despite weaker market sentiment, optimists have identified opportunities in China as the country transitions into a new era, moving from imitation to innovation and the globalisation of domestic firms. As a result, business development skills that can take Chinese companies to the next level are in high demand.
In general, candidates can expect salary increases of 10-20% when switching roles. However, this increase differs significantly by company type. For example, domestic companies typically offer 10-20% increases, but multinational corporations may offer 20-35%.
Sales directors, regional sales managers and key account managers.
Big data, new energy, sustainable chemistry, automation and professional services are poised for growth in 2017, due largely to the country’s increase in adopting new technologies. Already, many domestic firms within the industrial sector have developed cost-savings technologies, thus attracting more clients and investors, and this trend is expected to continue.
Won over by China’s expanding consumer markets, more small and medium-sized foreign multinational corporations are expected to establish start-ups in Shanghai. However, they would have to contend with existing competition in the market and as a result, will seek top talent to help build up high-performing sales teams.
In general, candidates can expect salary increases of 15-20% when switching roles.
Country managers and sales directors in new business development.
The smart devices, Internet and cloud markets will continue to grow exponentially this year, due largely to the city’s fast pace of development as well as heavy investment from the government and private sector.
To ensure that they have the correct talent, companies are expected to recruit from outside Shenzhen. As Shenzhen’s talent market is not as mature compared with other Tier 1 cities, the talent flow is expected to originate from Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou or even the United States.
Demand is high for mid to senior-level professionals like sales directors, vice-presidents and executives. The ability to speak Mandarin, combined with international experience is also highly desirable. Other key skills in demand include expertise in people management and online business development.
In general, candidates can expect salary increases of 10-20% when switching roles. However, employers are also starting to offer stock options and other incentives in lieu of salary increments.
General managers and roles in international, online, branded sales/business development.
The information technology (IT) and
With employers competing for top talent, retaining star performers would be one of the key challenges faced by many organisations. More sales professionals are expected to leave multinational corporations for domestic firms, due in part to the latter’s aggressive growth plans.
Increasingly, sales leaders now need to have a strong understanding of complex business issues and know how to devise strategies that drive companies forward.
In general, candidates can expect salary increases of 15-20% when switching roles.
Sales directors, commercial directors, business development managers/directors.
Beijing’s financial services, media/entertainment and new technology are poised for growth. Increasingly, support personnel have indicated interest in moving into these industries for higher bonuses and better internal opportunities.
However, they are cautious about moving to start-up companies because of the lack of specific benefits like premium healthcare (including children’s health insurance), additional pensions and housing funds. Such considerations are given more emphasis now as many families are considering having a second child, resulting in a preference for companies with strong healthcare benefits.
Key skills in demand include stakeholder management and problem solving.
In general, candidates may expect salary increases of 20-30% when switching roles.
Office managers and executive assistants.
With the increasing emphasis on employee engagement, administrative professionals who have solid experience in executing welfare initiatives, like coordinating shuttle bus schedules and meal planning, will be in high demand.
However, candidates who have solid administration experience in large companies are relatively scarce. Although companies have raised salary packages to attract top talent, challenges still remain in finding the perfect fit.
In general, candidates may expect salary increases of 10-20% while switching roles.
Administration directors/managers and office managers.
The Internet,
With Shanghai’s growing position as one of the world’s business centres, executive assistants and secretaries are now required to know how to communicate and coordinate effectively across regions.
In general, candidates in traditional industries may expect salary increases of 3-8% while changing jobs. Those working in growth industries may expect higher increases of 7-20%.
Board secretaries and executive assistants.
With the increasing emphasis on employee engagement, administrative professionals who have solid experience in executing welfare initiatives, like coordinating shuttle bus schedules and meal planning, will be in high demand.
However, candidates who have solid administration experience in large companies are relatively scarce. Although companies have raised salary packages to attract top talent, challenges still remain in finding the perfect fit.
In general, candidates may expect salary increases of 10-20% while switching roles.
Administration directors/managers and office managers.
