Third-quarter job openings in PHL rise 13% led by tech

JOB OPENINGS in the Philippines rose 13% from a quarter earlier in the three months to September, driven by opportunities in technology “at all levels,” according to a corporate headhunter.

The increase in job opportunities was fueled by the demand for technology professionals at all levels, Michael Page Philippines said in a statement, citing its own survey of job opportunities.

Employment opportunities in the technology sector rose 37% from a quarter earlier, Michael Page said.

“We see strong demand for technology professionals at all levels where companies have adjusted to the rapidly evolving business landscape, often needing to bring in external skill sets to accelerate digital upgrades,” it said.

“Economic demands have also increased the need for technology experts with specific field experience such as workplace IT managers who are solely responsible for implementing a complete remote work set up or digital product managers with a UI/UX focus,” it added.

Openings in engineering and manufacturing rose 32% quarter on quarter “as consumer demand drives factory production,” it said.

“While the Philippines was traditionally strong in producing within the FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) space, the manufacturing industry has expanded to include electronics and luxury goods,” it said.

Meanwhile, openings in the finance sector rose 10%, the firm said.

“The popularity of e-commerce has driven consumer demand and placed pressure on companies to deliver at a faster rate,” it said. “This has led to roles in production and project management as well as engineering, operations and procurement.”

“Companies in the Philippines have adapted to the pandemic and are going ahead with their previously-paused business plans,” Michael Page said.

“These roles are for business-critical positions at the middle to top management level… strong business leadership is required to drive organizational change and grow as more have to manage transformation brought about by the pandemic,” it added. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza