From Cloud Computing to Software Development and Cybersecurity to Data and Change Management, below we spotlight 10 key tech profiles from today and tomorrow's world of work.
Hit the arrows either side to scroll from one to the next.
Key Tech Profiles
KEY TECH PROFILES
DEVOPS ENGINEER
Working closely with development and operations teams, DevOps Engineers ensure the delivery of high-quality software through automation, scripting, and continuous integration and delivery. They’re responsible for designing, building, and maintaining Cloud systems and infrastructure, enabling software development teams to deliver and deploy applications more efficiently.
What to look for when hiring
As they’ll be working closely with a variety of stakeholders, strong communication and collaboration skills are vital. Soft skills like these are developed over time, so experience is key; experience in software development, infrastructure management, and automation, with a solid understanding of CI/CD pipelines. For international organisations, an engineer that’s worked on large-scale projects spanning multiple locations and servers is a plus.
We generally see more organisations looking for specialist DevOps Engineers, rather than upskilling existing IT infrastructure professionals to handle DevOps duties.
Tools & platforms
DevOps Engineers should be proficient with a palette of tools and platforms, including source control management, CI/CD tools, containerisation platforms, and configuration management tools. They must be comfortable working with AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, and for writing scripts and automation, familiarity with programming languages such as Perl, Python, Ruby, or Bash is key.
Qualifications
As experience is the DevOps theme, a strong demonstrable background in Computer Science or a related field appears to take precedence over formal qualifications. Cloud certification is a bonus for now but could become more of a standard requirement.
NETWORK ENGINEER
Network Engineers design, implement, and maintain the networks that connect your computers, devices, and systems. Responsible for the day-to-day interactions that are now taken for granted, they are core in ensuring the smooth operation of communication infrastructure and data flow.
The more you embrace Cloud infrastructure and remote working models, the more you need Network Engineers. They facilitate secure and reliable connectivity across your business, which makes for efficiency and enhanced employee and customer experience.
What to look for when hiring
The baseline skills should be a solid understanding of networking concepts and architecture, protocols, and technologies. Network Engineers are the go-to for configuring and troubleshooting network devices such as routers, switches, and firewalls, so be on the lookout for flexible team players willing to work on urgent cases outside normal working hours.
If you’re upgrading or migrating systems, experience in setting up networks from scratch, firewalling, and network monitoring is crucial. Network Engineers are one of your first lines of cyber defence; detecting and resolving network issues proactively. Security knowledge is a potential standout attribute if you use or are adopting Cloud-based solutions.
Tools & platforms
If you use Cisco, you should seek experience with monitoring tools like Cisco Network Assistant and Cisco ACI for optimising network infrastructure. If you’re on Cloud networking platforms, checking for familiarity with tools like AWS VPC or Azure Virtual Network is recommended.
Qualifications
A degree in Computer Science or a related field is required for this role. Professional certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) are valuable too.
FULL STACK DEVELOPER
Proficient with both frontend and backend, Full Stack Developers are experienced all-rounders. Ideally, they should master all common programming languages and be comfortable working in server, network, and hosting environments. These cross-the-board capabilities mean that Full Stack Developers offer organisations great flexibility. As they are usually well-versed in both user experience and business logic, they can offer valuable input on strategy too.
What to look for when hiring
You should look for candidates who can demonstrate good variety in their previous roles. You want someone who can code really accurately, and more important than ever, someone with experience with API integrations, Microservices and Cloud environments, which our clients are requesting more and more.
Finally, you also should look to their communication and leadership skills, as an experienced Full Stack Developer can be a good mentor to more junior developers in your organisation.
Tools & platforms
As the name suggests, a Full Stack Developer should be comfortable across the full stack of technology for your website. They should be constantly upskilling themselves in the latest technologies and working with the latest software updates on any tools. AWS or Azure is important for Cloud.
Qualifications
Full Stack Developers need extensive knowledge of Computer Science, which can be validated with a degree or similar high-level qualification. Then, you should look at their hands-on experience and ability to excel in technical tests.
JAVA/.NET DEVELOPER
Skilled developers write clean, efficient code, and are primarily responsible for the design, implementation and further development of software.
The specific expertise of the developer you need will depend on the end-user environment of your enterprise and the projects you are engaged in. Java is often used more for large projects and .NET for rapid development and mobilisation, though this isn’t always the case.
What to look for when hiring
With the general tech migration from monolithic architecture, we are seeing more demand across EMEA for candidates with expertise and experience in Microservices. Depending on the seniority level, experience in databases, containers, CI/CD, and Agile methodologies, particularly in Scrum, could be beneficial.
In an international setting, English language proficiency may be desirable, but not necessarily at a professional level as they’ll have limited contact with stakeholders across your business.
Senior developers that can combine the soft skills needed in leadership and mentoring with expertise in complex technologies, including Cloud platforms and DevOps practices, are ideal for Tech Lead positions. However, many of these profiles opt for non-permanent employment models due to higher potential earnings and greater project variety.
Tools & platforms
A strong background in software development tools with experience using C# with .NET Core, Java, Spring, and Spring Boot. However, the added emphasis on Cloud solutions means knowledge of AWS, Azure, or GC is also useful.
Qualifications
Professional certifications such as Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) for Java or Azure Developer Associate for .NET show commitment to the craft. A degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field is generally the entry-level requirement, but hands-on experience is the most important.
QA ENGINEER
Responsible for creating and managing tests to identify software issues before product launches, QA Engineers (also known as Software Testers) are becoming increasingly sought after by organisations across industries. Testing for functionality as well as design and security flaws, QA Engineers review code, technical documentation, methods, and processes.
What to look for when hiring
QA Engineers should have strong, all-round IT knowledge and be comfortable with programming languages like Java, Python and C#. Analytical thinking is also important since the test methods must be created by the QA Engineers themselves. A trend towards test automation is gaining momentum across the region, so securing a QA Engineer capable of using automated testing tools and frameworks would help with efficiency as well as futureproofing as manual testing begins to fade.
Your QA Engineer would work with a variety of stakeholders across your organisation, so strong communication and teamwork skills are important.
Tools & platforms
Testing tools like Selenium, Cucumber, Cypress and Postman as well as CI/CD tools and AWS or Azure Cloud tools.
Qualifications
QA Engineers should be ISTQB-certified. This is the standard in software testing and the basic qualification asked for in all regions of Europe and the Middle East.
SECURITY ENGINEER
As the technology landscape changes, new security threats emerge, and it’s a Security Engineer's job to design, implement and maintain security measures to protect an organisation’s data and IT systems. Security Engineers need to have deep understanding of network security, programming languages and the full technology stack of a company. They also need to be capable of clearly explaining complex security concepts to a variety of stakeholders.
What to look for when hiring
In line with the movement of data and infrastructure to the Cloud, you should look for someone with strong expertise in Cloud Security, which is a growing demand we are seeing across EMEA. In general, you should try to assess the extent to which the Security Engineer will be able to keep up with the constantly evolving Cybersecurity landscape and quickly adapt to new threats, technologies and regulations.
Strong communication and teamwork skills are also needed for this role, as is an understanding of the business impacts of any security decisions.
Tools & platforms
Security Engineers must be familiar with various tools, including vulnerability scanners like Nessus, SIEM tools like Splunk, firewall tools such as Cisco ASA, and various penetration testing, endpoint protection and Cloud security tools.
Qualifications
A degree in Cybersecurity or Computer Science can show a candidate has good foundations in base concepts, but this should be supplemented with another industry certification to prove specific expertise for the role. Some examples are CISSP, CISM, CCSP, Security+, and certifications from Palo Alto and Checkpoint.
PENTESTER
Pentesters, also known as Ethical Hackers or Security Analysts, play a vital role in safeguarding you and your customers by assessing Cybersecurity and identifying vulnerabilities. They collaborate with the wider team to seek out exploits in endpoint devices, applications, and network configurations, using manual and automated techniques to simulate real-world cyber attacks and improve your overall security.
What to look for when hiring
A strong background in information security, including knowledge of network protocols, operating systems, and common vulnerabilities. The shift towards “Red Team” testing means growing demand for experience simulating attacks to test an organisation's defences. Excellent communication skills are essential for documenting and conveying findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Experience of working on ongoing security for web apps, APIs, or authentication infrastructures is key, as is the need for highly developed collaboration skills. SMEs often opt for contingent worker solutions to cover occasional testing needs.
Tools & platforms
Pentesters need to employ a variety of techniques, currently including the Metasploit Framework and auditing tools such as Kali Linux, Burp Suite, Nmap, Nessus, and John the Ripper. While AI is being used to automate tasks and enhance testing scenarios, it should be combined with traditional methods due to its evolving nature and limitations.
Qualifications
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), or GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN) are standard. Beyond the classroom, participating in hackathons demonstrates commitment to continuous learning, crucial in the constantly evolving Cybersecurity landscape.
BUSINESS ANALYST
One of the positions for which we see the most demand across EMEA, Business Analysts are becoming essential for any data-driven organisation. Linking between technical, operations and business development teams, Business Analysts use data analytics to help improve the performance of processes, products, software and systems.
What to look for when hiring
From junior level upwards, the ideal candidates for Business Analyst roles will be those capable of spotting trends and transforming business requirements into technical ones. Ideally, you will want someone with proven experience in analytics, data modelling, and creating User Stories. We are receiving more and more requests for profiles with experience in Agile methodologies too, and clients ask for specific industry experience when they need someone who can make an impact more quickly.
Finally, strong communication skills are crucial, as Business Analysts need to be able to interact with a variety of stakeholders across the business.
Tools & platforms
Skills with data tools like SQL and PowerBi are the must-haves. Then, Business Analysts need to be able to work well with ticketing and project management tools like JIRA or Monday as they will likely handle different projects from across the business.
Qualifications
A degree in IT, Computer Science or Economics is a positive sign, but it is not essential. Having the right hands-on experience and skills mentioned above is often sufficient to qualify Business Analysts for a role.
DATA ENGINEER
Data Engineers merge technical expertise with business acumen to aid informed decision-making.
They play the pivotal role of designing, developing, and maintaining scalable data infrastructure and systems. There is an emerging trend to embrace AI in optimising data workflows and integrating Cloud solutions to unlock previously inaccessible data silos.
What to look for when hiring
The must-haves for any Data Engineer are eagle eyes for detail, strong problem-solving abilities and proven experience with large and complex datasets. Experience is required in data pipelines, data modelling, ETL/ELT processes, and automation, plus the ability to navigate Big Data architecture and fully understand data warehousing concepts.
As Cloud data usage increases, the overlap between DevOps and Data grows. Organisations hiring for digital transformation projects should prioritise professionals with expertise in Cloud-based data platforms, as well as experience in distributed data processing frameworks, and proficiency in relational databases.
Tools & platforms
A Data Engineer should have a robust understanding of your specific tools and technologies. Expertise in Cloud platforms like GCP, Azure or AWS is important, as well as programming languages like Python, Scala, and SQL for automation and scripting.
Qualifications
Qualifications are less critical than skills and experience, and can be considered a bonus. Relevant certifications for Cloud, such as Microsoft Certified Azure Data Engineer or AWS Certified Big Data are key for a role in Data Engineering, as is a degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or Physics.
SCRUM MASTER/CHANGE MANAGER
If the ongoing process of digitalisation and optimisation has taught us anything about the modern world of work, it’s that the only constant is change.
Change Managers are experts in overseeing organisational transformations and ensuring smooth transitions. Scrum Masters guide and coach cross-functional teams. Both are responsible for identifying and removing obstacles for collaborative projects.
What to look for when hiring
Experience with Agile principles and methodologies is a key requirement, as is the ability to assess analytical and forward-thinking skills, including risk analysis. Scrum Masters and Change Managers should have excellent time management skills and be strong communicators with the interpersonal skills required to build relationships and effectively collaborate with stakeholders at all levels. These skills are pivotal for generating innovative ideas from brainstorming sessions and coaching workshops. An outgoing, adaptable, and organised professional will encourage the environment of continuous improvement needed for sprint planning, stand-ups, and retrospectives.
Change Managers and Scrum Masters are often employed on a non-permanent basis, so finding profiles with previous experience in your field or industry would reduce onboarding time. Experience driving similar projects in terms of scale, budget, and technical aspects would do this too. However, finding someone that complements your company culture and the team they’re working with is perhaps most important of all.
Tools & platforms
To aid transparency, track progress, and manage backlog items, knowledge of project management tools such as the Atlassian package is recommended. You may also want to check familiarity and level with your organisation’s application suite of choice, such as MS365.
Qualifications
An academic or tech background isn’t essential. What may be more significant is a certification to qualify their experience, such as CSM, PSM, Agile PMP, Agile Scrum, Agile Coach, or ITIL. If they’re embedded in a multinational team, a good command of English is crucial.
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LOOKING AHEAD
Now we have explored the link between what's important to tech professionals and organisational strategy, looked at means of securing key skills, and profiled some of the most important positions in the game.
Next, we summarise with proposed next steps for organisations going forward.
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