Do you have the right Professional Services tech talent to lead the way?

As the Professional Services industry continues to evolve, the need for professionals with specialised knowledge of emerging tech is essential to drive businesses and IT teams forward. These IT roles are crucial to any team’s success, requiring the right tech talent to drive business growth and push towards operational excellence. 

According to a Salesforce study, professional services firms expect more than 75% of their revenue will come from digital within the next 3 years. Only the firms with the top digital and tech professionals will be able to stay ahead of the competition. Whether it’s artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analysis, machine learning, or cloud infrastructure projects, it’s critical for organisations to stay on trend, up to speed with tech innovations, and have the right people to bring projects to the finish line. 

From digital transformation projects to technology implementations, the right tech talent can make or break an organisation. It’s important to understand professional services IT roles and why each function is crucial to these firms.

Professional Services IT roles with expected growth in the next 12 months

A lot can change in a year, especially regarding the hiring market. Roles that are stagnant now could experience booms in the near future. As technology evolves, so will the talent pool, and these roles need those dynamic experts who can grow with rapid innovation. 

Cloud technologies, and in particular ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) solutions, are all seeing immense growth in their technological development as well as in the job market. ERP solutions are software applications that integrate and streamline core business processes. Integrating ERP with Cloud solutions, further enables collaboration, access to real time data, and offers improved security. Roles with sepcialisations in these technologies are opening up across the hiring market, but especially in consulting roles that understand both the intricate technology advancements, while communicating with the customer. Some of these roles can range from titles such as, Consultant, Senior Consultant, Manager, Associate Director, Partner etc.

“In the coming year, there will be a substantial increase in demand for experts in Salesforce, SAP, ServiceNow, Microsoft Dynamics, Workday, and Oracle. These platforms are essential across various industries, including government, financial services, manufacturing, and transportation, as companies seek to upgrade and enhance their systems” highlights Alan Dowdall, Practice Manager – Technology and Sales. Think SAP Architects, Microsoft D365 Consultants, to Oracle Implementation Leads, these roles are seeing great growth across the globe.  

Under this expansive umbrella of technologies AI, Data, and Machine Learning roles are also shaping the future of hiring. AI for digital transformations will especially help business operations, and are essential to business growth. If you’re embarking on a digital transformation project – whether it’s cloud migration, updating legacy systems, integrating AI, or locking down your cyber defences – you need skilled professionals to take those projects to new heights. Cloud and Cybersecurity roles within these technologies are also fundamental, if not critical, to any organisation’s performance. 

An increase of funding and demand in these technologies can feel like the market is changing overnight, which is why specialised tech experts are needed to help navigate this landscape. Take a look at our tech offerings and find out how we can power your projects.

Professional Services IT roles to transition into

Software Engineering, to AI and Machine Learning, are all prominent skills in the 2024 tech market. Colleges and Universities across the globe are investing in AI and Machine Learning courses and capabilities. The United States, however, has seen an immense uptick in AI funding and increased enrollment in AI programs, whether it be an extension of professional learning, or on College campuses. While AI is growing across ANZ, there is a more generalised focus on automation and machine learning. Regardless, the time to jump on AI growth is now. From Microsoft CoPilot, ChatGPT, or personal favorites like HelloSumo, AI’s development is all the market buzz and a skillset that will set you apart from the competition in 2025.

Apart from software experts, PreSales Architects and Engineers are also in demand for these technologies. A need for people-facing and communication skills is at an extreme high, as businesses look for subject matter experts that can clearly explain complex solutions, digital transformations, or cloud migrations to their clients. 

Alan Dowdall, Practice Manager of Technology and Sales explains, “For those looking to transition into new roles, pathways from software engineering to AI and data engineering are promising, allowing candidates to harness their technical skill sets and solve new tech challenges. Alternatively, for junior and mid-level developers who have faced hiring hurdles over the past year, moving from software engineering to professional services can provide new challenges and pathways to grow interpersonal skills.”

In the Australian market, major consultancies are driving Salesforce and Servicenow solutions, reflecting a strong focus on digital transformation and automation. The upcoming implementation of SAP S4/HANA signals significant growth opportunities in automation. There are shortages in skills related to Microsoft power apps and D365, creating more demand for professionals with expertise in these areas.  LinkedIn Talent Insights reveal an increase of demand in Microsoft D365 professionals across ANZ, the United States, and the United Kingdom. 

The demand for specialised tech skills, versus generalised tech talent is also on the rise. Particularly in areas like machine learning and automation. Practice Manager, Alan Dowdall, refers to this as a “2-speed market” sharing that “specialists can enjoy multiple opportunities and increased salaries, while generalists face a slower job search.” The need for specific skills, such as experience with the Microsoft stack, Servicenow, and SAP platforms, is evident in the market, especially for big digital transformation projects, making these skills highly sought after and challenging to find.

What are the most competitive professional services IT roles right now? 

The most competitive professional services IT roles in the market right now are in software development and project management especially at Big 4 Banks, major consultancies, government agencies, and FAANG companies (Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Google). 

Whether it’s for graduate, junior, to mid-level positions, the demand for these roles results in a high volume of applications. “In fact, for Project Manager roles, we often receive an overwhelming 400 applications within just 48 hours,” shares Alan Dowdall. Overall, highlighting the intense competition and growth in these areas.

Ready to secure top tech talent? 

Whether it’s spearheading strategic vision from a Chief Information Office or needing frontline support of a Customer Service Specialist, every professional services IT role is integral to your businesses success.  

Our More Than Money Salary Guide dives into each role and more, breaking down compensation, benefits structure, and the skills needed to be successful in these roles. 

If you’re ready to unleash your potential and lead projects to the finish-line. Talent is here to help your hiring needs. Find out how we’ve helped Professional Services organisations here or get in touch today.