Tag: #Jobs

Engineering and construction dominate top 20 hardest to fill jobs

Jobs for online moderators, ad reviewers, tax consultants, assorted engineers and construction specialists are among the top 20 hardest to fill in Ireland, according to new data from Indeed.

The global job site’s latest “Hardest to Fill Jobs” analysis of Irish job posts shows engineers and specialist construction staff remain difficult to recruit with a number of roles in both sectors dominating the top 20.  

Indeed’s analysis examined job postings from January 1st through to the end of November 2023 to determine which positions were most likely to remain open for over 60 days – an indicator of them being ‘hard to fill’.

Job postings for instrumentation engineers ranked in No:1 position with just under 63% of advertised roles remaining open for 60-plus days. These engineers are responsible for planning, installing, monitoring and maintaining control systems and machinery within manufacturing environments. 

Other engineering disciplines feature throughout the top 20, with many involving construction related roles. Jobs for resident engineers (5th) and design engineers (6th) feature in the top 10 with roles for senior structural engineers in 11th position.

A shortage of construction workers in Ireland has been well-documented and posts for mechanical and electrical project managers, civil supervisors, civil technicians, mechanical, electrical and plumbing managers and ecologists all feature in the top 20. The latter are required to report on the likely impact of proposed construction works on the environment and surrounding habitats.

Jobs for lawyers rank 4th on the list with 57% remaining open for more than 60 days while 49% of job postings for tax consultants remain open after this time period.

In a sign of the increasing prevalence of online advertising and the rise of social media, jobs for ad reviewers rank in 2nd position at 61% while posts for online moderators are in 13th at just under 50%.

Ad reviewers are in charge of checking ad content to ensure it is accurate and appropriate. Moderators tend to increasingly work for online companies, particularly those involved in social media, to review content and ensure it adheres to a platform’s rules and ways of working. They may also review complaints or material flagged as inappropriate by users or by AI systems.

The demand for certain workers in the technology sector is also confirmed by the top 20 with nearly 53% of roles for python developers proving hard to fill and just under 52% of principal software engineer roles.  

Jack Kennedy, senior economist at Indeed, said: “These results highlight the sectors in which employers are finding it difficult to recruit staff. The engineering and construction roles proving the hardest to fill are specialised and require either extensive education or training in addition to experience in many cases.

We know that there is great demand for housing in the country and that the construction of new homes is increasing year on year. We also know that engineers in certain disciplines are required to work on transformative projects, including large-scale infrastructure developments, that will help businesses, organisations and the country to meet carbon reduction targets.

At a time when the unemployment rate is low, many employers in these sectors are seeking to recruit overseas workers or to convince Irish diaspora to return home. In certain cases, this is proving challenging in itself given the pressure on housing supply and the relatively high cost of living in Ireland. With a limited talent pool, those employers who can offer flexibility and other benefits in addition to competitive salaries are more likely to win over recruits.

“Given the increased cost of living, employees in some hard to fill roles may have a degree of leverage when it comes to seeking pay rises and the option of potentially moving roles if the available ones offer better pay and conditions. Meanwhile, the list should make for interesting reading for policy makers and those in the education and training sectors already focussed on ways to increase the talent supply for crucial sectors whether that is through more third level places or apprenticeship opportunities.”    

Rank Job Title % of postings open 60+ days
1 Instrumentation Engineer

62.7
2 Ads Reviewer

61
3 Mechanical and Electrical Project Manager

58.8
4 Lawyer

57.4
5 Resident Engineer

54.4
6 Design Engineer

54.1
7 Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Manager

53.2
8 Python Developer

52.6
9 Principal Software Engineer

51.6
10 Civil Supervisor

51.5
11 Senior Structural Engineer

51.3
12 Civil Technician

51.2
13 Moderator

49.6
14 Senior Mechanical Designer

49.1
15 Tax Consultant

49
16 Junior Engineer

48.8
17 Senior Process Engineer

48.6
18 Electrical Project Engineer

48.4
19 Senior Engineer

47.6
20 Ecologist

47.4

Salaries to remain flat in 2024

The ‘great resignation’ becomes the ‘big stay’ in 2024 as just 36% of professionals consider exploring new job opportunities

The Morgan McKinley 2024 Irish Salary Guide – Ireland’s most comprehensive analysis of current pay across a range of professions and sectors – has been published.

Morgan McKinley, the Irish-owned global talent services company, anticipates that salaries in most professional areas will see little to no significant change into 2024, closely mirroring an expected inflation rate of around 3%, following also from significant pay increases in recent years.

Nevertheless, there will be notable deviations from this trend in specialised positions and industries facing skills shortages. In these sectors, professionals with significantly in-demand skills could potentially expect salary increases of up to 15%, underscoring the strong competition organisations will encounter as they seek to attract top talent in these areas.

Detailed commentary follows below including key sectoral considerations and currently most in-demand skills/ roles:

Trayc Keevans, Global FDI Director, Morgan McKinley Ireland, said:

“The professional job market in Ireland faced significant challenges in 2023, characterised by fierce competition, talent migration, rising salaries, evolving job seeker dynamics, skills shortages, changing work preferences, and a growing emphasis on transversal skills.

“Morgan McKinley’s Global Hiring Realities Survey, conducted across eight global locations, including Ireland, Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, and the UK, highlighted the intense competition in the job market. A staggering 80% of Irish organisations encountered hiring challenges in 2023, creating difficulties in retaining existing employees. A remarkable 72% of Irish employers admitted losing staff within the past six months, mainly due to struggles in competing with pay and benefits offered by competitors and unmet employee expectations regarding more flexible working arrangements.

“The loss of staff occurred despite 44% of Irish employers increasing salaries within their organisations over the past six months. Ireland stood out as second only to the UK in terms of salary increases. In addition, 71% of surveyed employers provided some form of company bonus in 2023, with only China and Singapore reporting higher percentages in this regard. The survey also revealed that 69% of hiring managers plan to raise salary offers for specific hard-to-fill roles in 2024.

“Skills shortages have been a significant challenge, with 40% of employers struggling to find candidates with the right skills for their job openings. To address this, organisations are rethinking their hiring strategies and exploring alternative methods for identifying and nurturing required talent. Close to 80% of employers believe that offering flexible working arrangements is the most effective strategy for attracting new talent, a sentiment shared with Canada. This is closely followed by the significance of providing career advancement prospects, offering competitive salaries, and evaluating prospective employees based on their potential rather than solely their experience.

“In 2023, the hybrid working model remained prevalent. However, over a quarter of employers acknowledged losing out on potential hires due to their inability to meet remote and hybrid work expectations. 42% of employers are now encouraging their employees in Ireland to return to the office more frequently. The main motivations behind this shift include enhancing employee collaboration, strengthening company culture, and boosting overall performance. Only 8% of employees expressed a desire to work in the office five days a week. In contrast, 50% of surveyed Irish employees are open to accepting a reduced salary in exchange for the work flexibility they desire.

“As we look ahead to the next year, the salary landscape for most professional fields appears set to remain stable, tracking closely with an estimated inflation rate of around 3%. However, it’s important to recognise that this status quo will not apply across all professional jobs. In certain niche positions and industries facing severe skills shortages, we can expect notable deviations from this standard. These sectors will diverge from the broader trend, presenting more pronounced salary increases of up to 15% for professionals with highly sought-after skills, primarily in pockets of Technology, Engineering, Construction, Life Sciences, and Financial Services sectors.

“Furthermore, we’re observing a notable shift in the job-seeking behaviour of Irish professionals, indicating that the ‘Great Resignation’, a term coined to describe the surge in employees leaving their jobs, may be subsiding. Our research reveals that only 36% of professionals surveyed are planning to actively explore new employment opportunities within the next six months. This marks a 17% decline from the previous year, reflecting a change in the mindset of professionals. We are witnessing a shift towards more cautious decision-making, particularly as professionals assess the job market amidst ongoing economic uncertainties.

“We anticipate that employers’ focus for hiring in 2024 will be two-fold. Companies will continue to adopt a discerning approach to recruitment, carefully assessing the necessity of each replacement before making hiring decisions and ensuring that such hires are productive and add value to the bottom line. Secondly, we expect leaders to concentrate on retaining their talent and matching the expectations of their employees around flexible working practices, career advancement opportunities, and a supportive company culture.”

Sectoral Highlights:

Accounting and Finance

Most in demand positions for 2024: Newly Qualified Accountant in Big 4/Top 10 Firms, Senior Accountant, Tax Accountant, Tax Manager, Finance Business Partner/ FP&A Manager.

The Accounting and Finance sector in Ireland encountered numerous challenges throughout 2023. Despite the constraints, organisations continued to hire, showing a preference for temporary roles over permanent and fixed-term contracts. However, there were fewer available positions compared to previous years when hiring reached unprecedented levels.

Indications towards the latter end of 2023, show optimistic plans to return to hiring activities across a wide range of sectors. Senior professionals can expect their salaries to remain relatively stable, primarily owing to the limited availability of job openings and reduced competitive pressure. Conversely, individuals within the range of Newly Qualified to 3 years PQE can look forward to increased compensation, driven by a talent deficit exacerbated by emigration. These patterns are expected to persist into 2024.

There will be more of a focus on hiring professionals with strong transversal skills with an emphasis on stakeholder management as navigating a hybrid working environment continues. Additionally, those accounting and finance professionals skilled in Big Data analytics, data management and Big Data reporting will be in highest demand in 2024 as transactional work will continue to become automated.

Accountants will play a wider role in developing and implementing ESG reporting strategies and we expect to see greater demand for accountants for ESG reporting through 2024.

Banking and Financial Services

Most in demand positions for 2024: Pension administrators, Claims Specialists, Risk Managers, Insurance Commercial Brokers, Insurance Underwriters, Treasury Managers and Treasury Analysts.

Throughout 2023, the Banking and Financial Services sector remained active, characterised by a significant surge in contract hiring. Skill shortages, especially in roles requiring in-demand expertise and experience, made professionals with relevant qualifications particularly sought after. However, the reduction in new roles in the market throughout 2023 has shifted the balance of power toward hiring companies.

Growing risks in climate change will continue to drive increased demand for claims and underwriting professionals throughout 2024 with claims administrators, claims assessors, claims handlers and insurance underwriters all anticipated to be in high demand.

Salaries within the sector have remained stable due to the reduction in available positions, which has lessened the competitive hiring landscape. This change implies that job seekers may need to reassess their salary expectations when seeking new opportunities.

Technology

Most in demand positions for 2024: Software Developer, Web Developer, DevOps/Cloud Engineer, Infrastructure Engineer, QA Engineer/ SDET, Cloud Infrastructure Engineer, Information Security Specialist, Operation Technology Security Specialist, Security Architect, Solutions Architect, Enterprise Architect, Data Analyst, Data Scientist and Data Engineer.

The Technology market witnessed a temporary softening in the middle of 2023, which led to a scarcity of roles. However, there was an overall increase in contract opportunities as organisations adopted a cautious yet optimistic approach. The sentiment among organisations is generally positive, with signs that hiring momentum is on the horizon in 2024.

The market indicates there will be a persistent need for cybersecurity professionals, particularly as the deadline for Member States to comply with the updated NIS 2 Directive approaches in October 2024. The demand for cybersecurity experts is rising, leading to a rapid expansion in the talent pool, which has grown by 35% year on year.

In 2023, tech salaries in Ireland saw modest increases, impacted by inflation and a talent shortage, resulting in a supply and demand effect. Counteroffers became more common, with employers offering top-performing professionals salary hikes of 15-20% to retain them. For 2024, salary increases are expected to stabilise in most fields as tech talent increasingly shows a willingness to accept reduced pay in exchange for fully remote work options. It’s worth noting that the technology sector remains the most open to remote work among employers.

Legal, Risk, and Compliance

Most in demand positions for 2024: Corporate Lawyer, Energy Lawyers, Data Protection/Privacy Lawyer, Employment Lawyer, Investment Funds Lawyer, Company Secretary, Risk Analyst, Claims Handler, Risk Manager, Model Risk Analyst, Compliance Manager, Chief Compliance Officer, Compliance Regulatory Officer, and Financial Crime Officer.

In 2023, the Legal, Risk, and Compliance sectors encountered talent shortages and struggled with prolonged hiring processes focused on specific skill sets and experience.

Global geopolitical factors such as the war in Ukraine and escalating conflict in Israel-Gaza has had a knock-on impact on the requirement for legal services as corporate lawyers will continue to be in high demand in 2024 to navigate business challenges such as supply chain/logistics disruptions, economic volatility caused by inflationary pressures, suspending of operations in certain countries etc.

Additionally, the EU’s commitment to climate neutrality by 2050 and global efforts to decarbonise the economy are creating opportunities for energy lawyers, making them highly sought after in 2024.

Looking ahead to 2024, there’s optimism for improved economic conditions and more flexible budget constraints, potentially leading to increased hiring. However, it is expected that salaries will remain unchanged, as post-COVID raises have already been incorporated into compensation packages.

Life Sciences and Engineering

Most in demand positions for 2024: Quantity Surveyor, Site Engineer, Construction Project Manager, Resident Engineer / Project Supervisor, Health & Safety Officer, Process Engineer, Project Engineer, Automation Engineer, CQV Engineer, QA Specialist, Qualified Person (QP), Validation Engineer, QC Analyst, Laboratory Manager, and R&D Engineer.

Ireland remains an attractive location for biopharma investments, with a significant increase in Life Sciences research and development investments over the past 11 years. Multinationals like BD, Siemens Healthineers, Boston Scientific, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Meissner Corporation have made investments in this sector in 2023, with further growth anticipated in permanent and contract hiring, especially in contract roles.

The Engineering sector has seen consistent hiring, with a growing demand for senior-level positions to build a talent base before expanding junior roles. Increased investment in manufacturing and environmental sectors has boosted demand for professionals in these areas. Energy and Sustainability Engineers, with skills in LEAN and BREEAM, will be highly sought after in 2024 and beyond.

The return of the Irish diaspora and the influx of international talent, primarily from South Africa and India, are expected to continue in 2024, with a focus on planning and scheduling skills for large projects.

Skills shortages, particularly in automation, have posed hiring challenges. Electrical engineers have seen substantial salary increases (10%) due to their scarcity in the market. Salaries for construction professionals are expected to remain high in 2024 due to ongoing skills shortages, creating significant opportunities for recent graduates. For instance, newly qualified CAD designers could command €28k, fresh civil engineering graduates may secure €36k, and inexperienced Quantity Surveyors could earn a €40k salary. These graduate salaries are competing very favourably with other sectors which typically dictated the higher end of earning potential for new graduate salaries such as technology and investment management within financial services.

Supply Chain and Procurement

Most in demand positions for 2024: Planners, Procurement/Buyers, and Supply Chain Project Manager.

Recruitment in the supply chain and procurement sector maintained a consistent momentum throughout 2023, with a focus on permanent positions. However, a limited supply of talent led organisations to consider contractors to bridge immediate skills gaps. The majority of supply chain professionals typically come from outside Ireland, and the increased cost of living in the country has restricted the flow of professionals relocating for work.

The biggest skills gap going into 2024 exists in lower-level operator roles within the food and beverage industry where the existing workforce falls short of the industry’s demands. This discrepancy can be attributed to less favourable working conditions and comparatively lower remuneration when contrasted with alternative sectors and this is likely to be addressed in the coming year.

Demand in 2024 will also be high for supervisors in key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and food and beverage and we expect to see some salary inflation in this position.

While salary experienced an initial increase in early 2023, the evolving market dynamics resulted in stabilised rates. Professionals with niche expertise can still command salary increases when changing roles, but overall, salaries are predicted to be flat through 2024.

Business Support

Most in demand positions for 2024: Executive Assistant, Office Manager, Graduates, Office Administrator and Receptionist

Business support hiring in Ireland exhibited a significant uptick in long-term temporary roles, often managed through agencies. This trend reflects organisations with headcount constraints that still need to complete essential tasks. However, permanent recruitment faced challenges, with many companies exercising caution. The competition for experienced talent intensified, leading to longer interview processes.

It is anticipated that permanent salaries are unlikely to see significant changes in 2024. However, temporary and contract professionals may command higher hourly/ daily rates. This shift is driven by organisations showing more flexibility and offering competitive rates to attract short-term talent.

Executive Roles

Most in demand positions for 2024: CEO, COO, CFO, CTO and SVP Quality and in more niche positions such as Chief Growth Officer, Head of Sustainability/ESG, Chief Revenue Officer, Chief Transformation Officer, Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Digital Officer.

In 2023, the executive job market displayed resilience despite fluctuations in demand across different sectors. The financial services sector maintained a strong demand for leaders with regulatory expertise and technological proficiency. Executives, while open to new opportunities, often preferred to retain their current positions, leading to extended negotiation periods and more frequent counteroffers.

The demands for hiring Executives in the new post pandemic world has expanded immeasurably, with C-Suite professionals now being hired for growth against a backdrop of digital transformation, agenda to strike a DEI balance and a requirement for a track record in leading remote teams. All of this coupled with an organisational need to be sustainable and profitable.

In 2024, we expect to see a continuation of the trend of organisations leaning more on data and analytics to identify the right leadership talent which resulted in greater collaboration with Executive Search Providers and availing of deep market mapping services.

HR

Most in demand Positions for 2024: HR Business Partner, HR Generalist, HR Administrator, HR Data analyst, Benefits Analyst and Rewards Manager.

In the HR field, the recruitment market faced challenges in the first half of 2023 due to an oversupply of senior talent acquisition professionals, particularly influenced by developments in Tech in the previous year. However, in 2024, HR professionals are expected to take on an expanded role, focusing on enhancing the overall employee experience, accommodating various work models (hybrid/ remote), and supporting employee development and well-being. This shift will require the presence of Strategic HR Business Partners to drive ethical growth and HR administrators to manage increased legislative and GDPR responsibilities. Salaries for HR professionals remained relatively stable, and this trend is anticipated to continue in 2024.

Multilingual

Most in demand Multilingual positions for 2024: Sales Development Representative, Account Executive, Customer Service Representative, Business Development Representative.

The multilingual job market remains adaptable to economic conditions and industry fluctuations, with increased demand in financial services and pharmaceutical sectors expected in 2024. Despite a marginal decrease in demand from the Tech sector in 2023, remote work and hybrid models continue to influence hiring decisions for this talent cohort. Multilingual candidates express a preference for flexible work options when choosing employers.

Attractive compensation and benefits play a significant role in attracting and retaining top talent in this segment.  We expect to see a slight uptick in salaries for Sales and Service-related positions in 2024, especially for languages in high demand, such as German, Dutch, and the Nordic languages.

Projects and Change

Most in demand positions for 2024: Project Managers – IT & Business, Programme Managers, Transformation Specialists, ERP PM & Programme and PMOs – Analysts, Leads, Managers.

In 2024, there is a strong demand for Projects, Strategy, and Change professionals to support various industry needs, including Tech Transformation, Automation, ERP System Upgrades, Leadership, Cultural Change, Cybersecurity, Operational Risk, Resilience, and Outsourcing Advisory.

These professionals have shown a growing preference for contract employment, a trend expected to continue through 2024 due to the anticipated demand for their skills in both the public and private sectors. Contracting offers financial advantages and flexibility, making it more appealing than permanent roles in this field. It enables organisations to manage fluctuations in business needs while accessing new capabilities.

Salary increases are the primary motivators for project and change professionals to change employers. While daily rates for Mid to Senior-level Project Managers and Business Analysts remained stable in 2023, transformation roles experienced salary boosts, a trend likely to continue into 2024.

Sales and Marketing

Most in demand positions for 2024: Sales Representative, Technical Sales Representative, Area Sales Manager, Business Development Manager, Sales Manager, Communications Manager, Brand Manager, Content Strategists, Digital Marketing Specialist/ Manager, Marketing Executive/Manager and Head of Marketing, Research Analyst

In 2023, Sales and Marketing recruitment remained stable, with a slight increase in the junior market. Multinationals hired less experienced sales talent and trained them to adapt to rapidly changing markets. However, enterprise sales professionals still preferred candidates with relevant experience.

In 2024, the focus is expected to shift toward sales performance, with a proven track record becoming a critical factor in hiring decisions. Market Research Analysts will also be in high demand as companies seek more insights for strategic growth.

Brand Managers with skills in design, social media marketing, digital marketing, content marketing, and market research will continue to be sought after in 2024. Content strategists are also expected to see increased demand as they help drive inbound traffic and foster customer loyalty, contributing to organisational growth. Value-based hiring will be a key consideration for all marketing hires in 2024.

Full Survey

Midlands ICT Cluster Thriving – Potential For Over 800 new jobs to be created by 2026 new research finds

Ireland’s Midlands is set to become an increasingly important ICT hub, new research published today suggests. According to the Midlands ICT Cluster Skills Survey, regional companies expect to create up to 800 new ICT jobs over the next 3 years, in addition to over 3,000 already employed across the region.

The research was carried out by the Midlands Regional Skills Forum, an industry and education partnership, on behalf of the Midlands ICT Cluster. A key finding from the forum was that currently over 70% of companies responding have critical vacancies. Opportunities exist for people with skills in the following areas:

  • Cloud computing and software development (sought by 50% of respondents).
  • Data analytics, AI and machine learning (40%)
  • Cyber security, networking, IT service management and project management (25%).

Ms. Sinéad Pillion, Head of Operations for Ericsson and Industry Chair of the Midlands ICT Cluster Steering Committee, said, “The launch of the Midlands ICT Cluster Skills Survey highlights the genuine opportunities that exist supporting the already strong ICT ecosystem in the region. With 93% of participants anticipating growth in the next three years there will be significant job growth in tech for the Midlands. Meeting this demand will require the ongoing collaboration between the regional skills forum and businesses.”

Dr. Anne Cusack, Chair of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan Steering Committee, stated, “the results of the ICT Cluster Skills Survey can be seen as a great opportunity for the overall growth of the Midlands region. Attracting further talent to the Midlands while also enhancing the existing talented workforce living in the region is a priority for both the steering committee and local businesses.”

Mr. John Costello from the Midlands Regional Skills Forum who conducted the survey on skills, talent and education, commented on the findings, “the results contain a strong endorsement of work, being carried out across the region, to enhance the level of skills available, from extensive schools programmes, to ICT career pathways, and third level qualifications. Most notably by the fact that 60% of businesses anticipate being able to hire from the pool of talented people already living in the region.”

The survey aligns with Future Jobs Ireland’s strategic message, with a focus on skills and talent. The survey sought to identify critical vacancies, key skills needs, and other related strengths, weaknesses. opportunities, and threats (SWOT) relevant to the Midlands ICT Cluster. The survey was undertaken on behalf of the Midlands ICT Cluster by the Skills & Talent Working Group and the Midlands Regional Skills Forum.

Galway-based Joulica to create 40 new jobs

Joulica, a leading provider of analytics solutions for the customer experience market, today announced the creation of 40 new highly skilled roles in Galway, Ireland over the next three years. This funding round to drive accelerated growth plan is led by Elkstone Partners and backed by Enterprise Ireland.

This significant growth will enable Joulica to further develop its analytics platform and expand its global presence. Roles will be added across all functions including product development, sales and marketing and customer success. The new roles will bring the total of people employed by the Galway- based company to 70.

Joulica stands at the forefront of the customer experience analytics market, offering a comprehensive solution to their existing global customers and partners. The additional expansion will enable the company to build upon its existing success and solidify its position as a market leader.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney, TD, said,

“There are exciting times ahead for the talented team at Joulica as they continue with their exciting expansion plans. The Galway-based company, who plan to employ 40 additional people locally, has a well-earned reputation for service and delivery for their customers. I also want to commend the team on its recent successful funding round, which will support the company’s significant growth plans and global ambition.”

Tony McCormack, CEO of Joulica said:

“We are delighted to announce this expansion, with the support of both Elkstone and Enterprise Ireland, as we strive to become the leading real time analytics solution provider. said. This growth will accelerate our product development roadmap, facilitate customer base and partner expansion, attract top-tier talent, and allow us to continue our mission of allowing organisations to deliver superior customer experiences fuelled by real time analytics.”

Niall McEvoy, Venture Partner at Elkstone stated:

“The founding team at Joulica have built all the foundations required to drive accelerated growth in a rapidly expanding space. The company has a blue-chip customer and channel partner base to build on, a best-in-class product, and the ambition to scale across global markets. Elkstone is delighted to add Joulica to our portfolio of great Irish technology companies and we look forward to supporting the team as they scale the business.”

Anne Lanigan, Divisional Manager, Technology and Services at Enterprise Ireland said:

“Enterprise Ireland is very impressed by the Joulica team and the progress it has made to develop a market ready and proven platform and achieve significant market traction. In addition to this equity investment, Enterprise Ireland looks forward to supporting the company to globalise its business model, with support through our unique network of 39 international offices, growing highly skilled jobs from the company’s Galway-based headquarters”.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise creates more than 150 roles at new cloud R&D center in Galway, Ireland

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE: HPE) today announced more than 150 new technical roles at its Global Center of Excellence for the HPE GreenLake edge-to-cloud platform in Galway, Ireland. The new Center is integral to the development of the HPE GreenLake platform, which is the central offering for HPE’s Hybrid Cloud solutions. The team of software R&D professionals will support customers and partners with one integrated platform, one customer experience, and a portfolio of solutions under one brand. HPE GreenLake supports 27,000 customers globally, powers more than 3.4 million connected devices and manages 20 exabytes of data with customers worldwide.

This strategic investment underscores HPE’s ongoing commitment to Ireland, which already serves as the EMEA hub for Digital Services R&D, HPE GreenLake Cloud Services & Solutions R&D, and Cyber Security in Galway, as well as HPE Financial Services (HPEFS) in Leixlip, and HPE Aruba Networking operations in Cork. Ireland’s advanced technology ecosystem and highly skilled workforce makes it an ideal location to establish and grow core research as well as development. This project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

“I am delighted with the announcement from Hewlett Packard Enterprise that it will add 150 technical roles at its new Global Centre of Excellence for HPE GreenLake in Galway,” said Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Enterprise Trade & Employment. “Galway’s thriving tech hub continues to grow from strength to strength and this expansion will provide excellent employment opportunities for tech talent, from graduates to experienced tech professionals. These highly skilled roles are in addition to 150 jobs announced in 2021 and are a fresh vote of confidence in the wealth of talent in Galway and surrounding areas. HPE has a long history with Ireland dating back over 50 years and their continued commitment to Ireland, and the West, is very welcome. I wish all the team the very best in this exciting new phase.”

 

“The new Center of Excellence in Galway will help Hewlett Packard Enterprise realize its vision and shape the future experience of the HPE GreenLake platform,” said Fidelma Russo, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Hewlett Packard Enterprise. “Designing technology and creating innovative applications is part of our heritage and at the heart of what we do at HPE. This investment will capitalize on the strong pool of technology expertise and engineering talent within Ireland. I’m excited to bring together a diverse team from those starting out in their careers to highly experienced tech professionals who will play a pivotal role in developing our Hybrid Cloud business.”

The new Center of Excellence will recruit top talent, from graduates to experienced technology professionals, across a range of roles, including architects, software engineers, product, engineering and project managers, researchers, user experience engineers, security specialists, test engineers, data analysts and AI professionals. The team will perform a key role within the newly created Hybrid Cloud business unit, which comes into effect November 1, 2023, led by HPE Chief Technology Officer Fidelma Russo, a Cork native who started her career as an engineer in Ireland in the 1980s. The Hybrid Cloud business unit will accelerate HPE’s hybrid cloud strategy to deliver one portfolio of storage, software, data, and cloud services on the HPE GreenLake platform.

“HPE has helped to drive the growth of the technology eco-system in the West region through its 50-year history in Ireland and its continued partnership with IDA Ireland,” said Michael Lohan, CEO, IDA Ireland. “Today’s investment will support the transformation of the Galway site, diversifying existing operation and adding core competency in edge-to-cloud development. This strategic investment underscores HPE’s long-term commitment to Ireland and will enable the company to grow the employee base in the West region, diversify its R&D presence, and continue to make positive contributions to the Irish economy.”

 

The new roles are in addition to 150 jobs announced in 2021 in a range of areas including cloud native development, DevSecOps,  AI research, and cyber security, as well as product and program management.

HPE has a legacy of more than 50 years in Ireland, going back through multiple former entities and the company continues to build on this legacy by supporting Irish government initiatives to apply technology to drive community benefits in critical areas.

HCS to increase revenues by €2.5 million through Fortinet partnership

HCS, a leading IT services, cybersecurity and digital transformation company, is today announcing that it expects to increase revenues by €2.5 million in the next two years through its enhanced partnership with Fortinet, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions and services. HCS has been awarded Expert level partnership with Fortinet, one of only a handful of Irish companies to achieve this status.

HCS was recognised as its Fortinet team has achieved the highest level of technical certification and has a proven track record in delivering innovative Fortinet security solutions to customers through professional and managed services. To support the expected growth in demand for these services, HCS will create 15 jobs across its security managed and professional services teams.

As a Fortinet Expert partner, HCS will provide specialist managed offerings to customers across cloud security, network security, firewalls, security fabric, Zero Trust network access, and SD-WAN. The company expects to see the biggest growth in SOCaaS (security operations centre as-a-service) and SASE (secure access service edge) over the next 12 months. The enhanced Fortinet partnership will enable HCS to add endpoint detection and response (EDR) capabilities to its managed services portfolio.

The partnership is also enabling HCS to expand its customer base into the financial and government sectors. Customers will have increased access to cybersecurity skills and resources, enabling them to maximise their business performance.

Dan Hegarty, Head of Sales, HCS: “We are delighted to have achieved Expert level partnership with Fortinet. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team and a strong validation of our Fortinet offering. It cements our position in the security solutions and services marketplace and will enable us to provide an enhanced offering to our customers.

“We build security into every solution we manage. Customers’ security needs are evolving and implementations based on standards such as the Public Sector Cybersecurity Baseline Standards and those required by cybersecurity insurance companies are gathering pace. We look forward to working with both new and existing customers to build out their security architectures and further developing our strong relationship with Fortinet.”

Paul Donegan, Country Manager Ireland, Fortinet: “We are thrilled to name HCS as a Fortinet Expert partner. The team has a depth of expertise in cybersecurity and providing innovative and transformative Fortinet security solutions to customers. With this achievement HCS now join a select number of Irish companies to have reached this partnership level which cements their position and recognises the ongoing commitment and investment across the business. We are excited to continue to work closely with HCS and build on our valued partnership.”

Revolut hiring for new roles to drive the development of mortgages

Revolut, the global financial super app with 30 million customers worldwide, announces a significant expansion of its team as it gears up to develop innovative mortgage products. With a vision to revolutionise mortgages and provide customers with seamless digital solutions, Revolut is looking to hire employees across the world to bring the innovative app to the home financing space.

The career roles, being rolled out on the Revolut Careers page, include Mortgage Product Managers, Mortgage Credit Managers, Business Compliance Managers, Software Engineers, Technical Product Managers, and more. The new roles continue Revolut’s mission to create a community of forward-thinking people that are personally and professionally invested in building the global super app’s mortgage offering.

The new teams will bring together experienced talent and inspirational new voices to build a collaborative space to learn and grow. The expansion of the team will ensure Revolut has the expertise and capabilities required to create industry-leading mortgage offerings that meet the evolving needs of its customer base. Mortgages will join Revolut’s existing suite of credit products including Loans, Credit Cards, and Pay Later.

Overall, Revolut is looking for candidates with hands-on experience building products and features for mortgages, strong experience in making data driven decisions, and people who can deliver excellent results that exceed requirements.

Some of the roles are specifically for candidates living and with the right to work in Ireland. Examples include a Mortgage Product Manager and a Mortgage Credit Manager. The Mortgage Product Manager role will set the vision for Revolut Mortgage products and  understand how it connects to Revolut’s goals. The successful candidate will help to build a Mortgage credit product with world class customer experiences and understand the full mortgage credit life cycle of a customer.

The Mortgage Credit Manager role will be responsible for designing the credit risk policies, procedures and strategies for launching Revolut’s retail lending Mortgage product in Ireland. The successful candidate will have a good business intuition on risk adjusted return requirements, and use data to manage and adjust the portfolio returns.

Joe Heneghan, Partner & CEO of Revolut Europe, said, “We’re focused on enhancing our offering to provide our customers with frictionless, accessible products and services. As a next step in our journey we’re exploring the option of adding mortgages to our global financial super app, joining our suite of credit products including Loans, Credit Cards, and Pay Later. We’re looking for talented people to join our team of more than 6,000 employees around the world.”

For those interested in joining Revolut’s talented team and shaping the future of mortgage products, please visit Revolut Careers for more information on available roles and how to apply.

EY Northern Ireland to create 1,000 new jobs in the region over the next five years

Professional Services firm EY today announced the creation of 1,000 new jobs in Northern Ireland over the next five years in a move that will bring the total EY headcount to 1,900 in the region. To support this growth EY will establish a hub in the North West to attract talent from across the region.

This announcement by EY, a global leader in assurance, tax, consulting as well as strategy and corporate transactions, is supported by Invest Northern Ireland and the Department for the Economy.

The roles will be filled by a mix of experienced candidates, recent graduates and school leavers in areas such as cyber security, data analytics, cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies, risk, tax, audit and as well as business consultancy.

As part of today’s announcement, EY Northern Ireland is committing to work with the Department for the Economy to operate an Assured Skills Academy Programme that will deliver a strong pipeline of new talent for EY in specific areas such as cyber security, data analytics, among others. The Assured Skills Academy Programme will focus on individuals such as those seeking to return to work following a career break, those wishing to change career, or recent graduates looking for an alternative route into professional services.

Announcing the investment at the Northern Ireland Investment Summit in Belfast today, Rob Heron, EY Northern Ireland Managing Partner, said: “Today is an exceptionally proud day for all of us in EY Northern Ireland as we announce a thousand new jobs in the region over the next five years and aim to more than double our headcount to 1,900 in the years ahead.

“Thanks to our partnership with the Department for the Economy and Invest Northern Ireland, we have been able to create this pipeline of jobs and skills development opportunities that we are announcing today.  Whether you are a college graduate, someone looking to advance or change your career, or you are ready to re-enter the workforce following a career break, EY’s Assured Skills Academy Programme will offer you an opportunity to acquire new skills and to join a world class team here in EY Northern Ireland.

“Our firm has been experiencing increased demand across all our business areas in recent years as clients turn to us in growing numbers to help them with their most complex and strategic problems. That is why we are so focused on ensuring that we continue to have the right access to great talent in the region across a diverse range of skillsets and specialisms. Our EY core values of diversity, social equity, and inclusiveness will be at the heart of these new employment opportunities and that is something we are incredibly proud of. “

Frank O’Keeffe, EY UK & Ireland Managing Partner, Markets and Managing Partner EY Ireland: “In EY we are passionate about supporting our clients by investing heavily in our highly skilled and diverse workforce and that is why days like today are so special for us.  EY has built an incredible business in Northern Ireland over decades, proudly providing a superb service to a broad range of clients across the island of Ireland, the United Kingdom and our global network. These 1,000 new jobs will help to strengthen Northern Ireland’s reputation as home to world-class universities and fantastic local talent and they will help to spotlight the region as an attractive hub for global business and future international investment.

There is fierce competition for jobs and investment globally but what set Northern Ireland apart on this occasion was the quality of local talent here as well as the innovative growth mindset displayed by our Northern Ireland team and our incredible clients.  The support received from Invest Northern Ireland and the Department for the Economy played an important role in making today happen and collectively we are very proud of the impact we know these 1,000 new jobs will have on the local economy.” 

Hywel Ball, EY UK Chair and UK and Ireland Managing Partner: EY is very proud to announce the creation of 1,000 new Jobs in EY Northern Ireland over the next five years. Today’s jobs announcement is a reflection of our commitment to accelerate the growth of our Northern Ireland practice in a way that will bolster the regional economy.  The support from Invest Northern Ireland and the Department for the Economy was an important component when it came to our decision to choose Northern Ireland as the location for this significant investment, as was the access we have here to an incredible talent pool, as well as the potential and ambition of our Northern Ireland practice.”   

Mike Brennan, DfE Permanent Secretary, said “This announcement of 1,000 new jobs by EY is excellent news for the local economy and a further endorsement of Northern Ireland as a rising global player in the fintech and professional services sector. This investment by EY strongly aligns with the innovation and inclusivity objectives of the Department’s 10X Economic Vision and will provide opportunities for individuals across Northern Ireland to enter the sector.

“My Department’s Assured Skills Academies will assist in filling 351 of these jobs across a range of roles and skills areas including Data and Analytics, Cyber Security, Procurement and Commercial Contract Management and Project and Programme Management. Assured Skills Academies have a track record of equipping participants with the skills employers need to flourish and grow. Furthermore, participants on these Assured Skills Academies who complete the training are guaranteed an interview for a role with EY and will be strongly positioned for success.”

Welcoming the investment, Mel Chittock, Interim CEO of Invest NI, said: “Over many years, Invest Northern Ireland has developed a strong, strategic partnership with EY’s local management, and we are delighted that the firm has chosen Northern Ireland against other competitive locations globally for this significant investment.

“It is clearly aligned with the objectives of the Department for the Economy’s 10X Economic Vision as securing this major mobile investment will contribute to a more regionally balanced economy by establishing a regional hub outside Belfast and a clear commitment by EY to positively provide opportunities for the economically inactive. It will also further raise the standing of Northern Ireland on the global stage, positioning it as a fintech and professional services powerhouse and helping to develop the innovation capabilities on which our future economy will be based.”

TEKenable Invests €1.4 Million in Establishing a Data Analytics & AI Practice Creating 20 New Jobs

Irish digital services company TEKenable is creating 20 new jobs with the establishment of a Data Analytics & AI Practice.

The establishment of TEKenable’s Data Analytics & AI Practice is a key investment area for the company and a critical pillar of its growth strategy.  The Data Analytics & AI Practice will help TEKenable create more personalised experiences for its customers.

The Data Analytics & AI Practice will provide analytics services and solutions to help organisations grow and differentiate themselves against competition.   TEKenable’s Data Analytics & AI experts will identify use cases that can deliver against a company’s business priorities and create analytics solutions with the right talent and technologies to suit their needs allowing that data’s destiny be leveraged to lift performance, resilience and growth for years to come.

“We have developed TEKenable’s Data Analytics & AI services to help businesses leverage the very latest technology to boost revenues, deliver operational efficiency and improve security,” explains Nick Connors, Group CEO, TEKenable.  “By implementing Data Analytics & AI services into the business model means companies can help reduce costs by identifying more efficient ways of doing business.”

TEKenable recently achieved Microsoft Azure Advanced Specialisation in Migrate Enterprise Apps to Microsoft Azure and has two solution designations – Digital & App Innovation and Data & AI.  Migrate Enterprise Applications to Microsoft Azure specialization allows partners with an active Solutions Partner for Data & AI (Azure) or Digital & App Innovation (Azure) designation to further differentiate their organizations, demonstrate their capabilities, and build stronger connections with customers.  The recognition both validates TEKenable’s technical prowess and depth of experience in digital transformation initiatives using Azure and strengthens the company’s longstanding partnership with Microsoft.

“TEKenable’s App Modernisation on Azure Advanced Specialisation is no easy feat, and it underscores our ability to provide clients with unique value, insight, and innovation in some of today’s most advanced technologies,” adds Peter Rose, Group CTO, TEKenable.  “Obtaining this Advanced Specialisation with Microsoft is a meaningful milestone for our partnership and showcases our commitment to the growth and success of our people and our practice.”

The Data Analytics & AI Practice will be headed by a Data Analytics & AI industry expert with a long track record of handling the interests of clients, stakeholders, regulators and partners. The new positions include Cloud Engineering, AI Engineering, Data and Analytics and Consulting and will be fulfilled in 2024.