Hong Kong job market on the look-out for sales, marketing managers

Especially in industries such as retail.

Hong Kong’s sales and marketing jobs market is very active, with particularly strong demand from the insurance, retail banking, FMCG and retail industries.

According to a release from Hays, in the recruiter’s latest Hays Quarterly Report of skills in demand for April to June, Hays says that Sales and Marketing Managers are needed across a broad range of areas.

“The insurance and retail banking sectors have been hiring senior level product marketing experts, from manager to director level,” says Dean Stallard, Regional Director of Hays in Hong Kong.

“Now that bonuses have been paid, vacancy activity has increased and candidates are entering the jobs market looking for their next step up.

Here's more from Hays:

“The FMCG industry has also been actively recruiting talent. In particular, they are strengthening their trade marketing division by adding additional headcount in order to improve their in-store competitiveness. The retail market is another active area, especially at the store manager level, while across most industries we’re seeing more of a focus on securing digital and e-commerce candidates.

“Bilingual candidates continue to be sought. When they recruit, employers typically look for candidates with excellent writing skills in both English and Chinese.”

There is still strong demand for Marketing Managers who can strategise and execute marketing campaigns that will impact sales and brand image, says the recruiter. Meanwhile Digital Marketing Managers are increasingly in demand.

“With digital media now deeply rooted in our daily lives, there is a growing demand for professionals who understand consumer behaviours and are able to engage targeted audiences. An ideal Digital Marketing Manager knows how to generate raw content and utilise existing materials to attract consumer attention through different social media platforms,” says Dean.

“E-Commerce Managers are sought by brands that are exploring e-commerce as a new revenue stream. The type of E-commerce Manager in demand is one with an IT background and strong commercial acumen. In Hong Kong e-commerce is becoming popular and many businesses want someone who has well-rounded skills to develop the online business.

“CRM Managers are also needed since an important part of marketing strategy is creating brand loyalty and delivering a unique experience. A CRM Manager with strong analytical sense can develop an effective customer retention strategy and loyalty program so that the company can dedicate marketing resources to generate repeat business.”

Other areas of demand include SEO Managers, Key Account Managers, Store Managers, Retail Sales Associates, Wholesale Managers and candidates with CSR experience.