Hiring activity for HR professionals should increase gradually over 2018 driven by two factors: accelerated growth in technology streamlining the HR function and the increasing number of Mainland Chinese organisations in Hong Kong.

As a result, demand for HR Business Partners (HRBP) and HR Generalists with exposure to both Mainland China and Hong Kong business cultures will be high. Candidates looking to fill these positions should possess strong bilingual skills. A large percentage of organisations in Hong Kong have been utilising regional centres of excellence to streamline the HR function and become more competitive. As a result, companies are on the hunt for talent with regional experience, bilingual skills and a track record in HR operations and HR analytics/HRIS skills.

Looking at HR hiring activity more broadly, we saw a number of new and replacement roles filled during 2017 and expect the pace of hiring to pick up even more during the course of the year. Talent acquisition will be an area to watch out for with candidates on the move in this area needing to possess strong commercial acumen, influencing skills across an organisation and a solid understanding of financial matters.

Talent management and compensation and benefit specialists remain in high demand, but are in low supply. Organisations are placing greater importance in their ability to retain top talent as crucial to their business success in 2018 and beyond. The likelihood is that they will pay salaries above the norm to secure candidates with a niche skillset.

Source：Hays Salary Guide 2018