There is no doubt that across industries within the latter half of 2023 that we saw restructures, cost cutting and a shift for permanency over contract engagements. Particularly within the financial services space, the focus was directed at urgent programs around risk and regulatory initiatives, and away from customer centric initiatives. Teams became leaner, and delivery was done with what current headcount there was, rather than building out teams. BA leaders were required to be hands-on for project delivery, rather than direct focus on people leadership. Hiring freezes were more common than we have seen since the last global financial crisis.

The start of 2024 has brought change, however, it’s not the return to the market of 2021 and 2022 where day rates and salaries were rocketing. Across Retail and Commerce, Government and Financial services, we are still seeing specific strategic hiring based on urgent program deliverables, rather than pragmatic project delivery, however more customer-focused initiatives are popping up. Hiring managers are aiming for candidates with specific industry experience, more than we have seen in previous years.

The push for more agile environments continues with Business Analyst hiring managers opting for strong agile expertise, including scrum master experience. In relation to “leaner” teams, we are also seeing more hybrid roles including some Project Management and Delivery Lead roles mixed in with Business Analysis.

The ongoing debate of Technical – Business BA continues, with some projects opting for Business Analysis which can do both. Data analysis including SQL is also becoming a more prominent request.

What’s hot?

Payments is an ongoing growth field at the moment, particularly RGTS, along with Cyber security. We are also seeing a great deal of technology (systems) simplifications, drawing requirements with BAs with strong API expertise. Many hiring teams are aiming for industry specific experience, more than we have seen in previous years. AI related projects are started to be discussed with clients also.

Searching for a new role?

• Ensure your CV is:

o  Concise but informative, including what project you worked on as well as the responsibilities

o  formatted well, and ideally in word format

o  avoid writing in 3^rd person

• Don’t be afraid of applying for roles where there are multiple applications already showing on LinkedIn
• Longer interview processes does mean extra interview preparation is required.
  

Salaries and rates?