Key jobs in demand for 2024 in Ireland
As part of our 2024 Salary Guide, we have compiled a list of some of the key jobs in demand in Ireland this year. From conversations with hiring managers and employers, our expert recruitment teams have identified the following as popular jobs for 2024.
Companies will seek to hire talent with the appropriate skills and knowledge to help them successfully navigate the landscape and harness related opportunities that arise.
Note: These roles are only from within the industries and sectors in which we have recruitment expertise - there will undoubtedly be others that are hotly in demand this year.
1. Project Manager - Projects and Change Management
Project Managers play a pivotal role in the success of projects and initiatives, overseeing the planning, execution, and completion of projects while ensuring alignment with organisational goals and objectives.
They maintain open and transparent communication channels with stakeholders, keeping them informed of project progress, addressing their concerns, and ensuring their alignment with project goals. Project Managers skillfully allocate resources, manage tasks, and coordinate team members to ensure project execution aligns with the established plan.
- Academic Degrees and Certifications
- Degree in business administration with concentration in project management
- Certifications such as PMP, CAPM, CMP, and PgMP
- Recommended skills for success
- Knowledge of project management methodologies and tools
- Leadership and motivation skills
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Risk management
- Change management
- Effective time management and organisational skills
- Average salary range
- €55,000 - €75,000
2. HR Business Partner
HR Business Partners (HRBPs) play a crucial role in bridging the gap between human resources (HR) and the business, acting as strategic advisors and consultants to business leaders and managers.
HRBPs are not just HR generalists; they are strategic partners who bring a deep understanding of HR principles and practices to the table, coupled with a keen business acumen and a focus on achieving organisational success.
- Academic Degrees and Certifications
- Degree in business management and administration with concentration in HR
- Certifications such as PHR, CCBP, CHRM, CPTM
- Recommended skills for success
- Strategic HR planning and business acumen
- Communication and interpersonal skill
- Knowledge of HR processes and employment law
- Change management and adaptability
- Employee relations
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Average salary range
- €55,000 - €80,000
3. Chief Information Security Officer
Chief Information Security Officers (CISO) are responsible for protecting their company’s data, infrastructure, and assets from cyber attacks. In short, they ensure their employer’s IT facility is secure, both, internally and externally.
This encompasses both designing and implementing the appropriate safeguards, as well as the education of all employees on how to be digitally 'safe'. They will work closely with senior leaders across the rest of the organisation.
- Academic Degrees and Certifications
- Degree in business, computer science or engineering
- Certified Information Systems Auditor
- Certified Information Security Manager
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional
- Recommended skills for success
- Communication and presentation skills
- Policy development
- Knowledge about relevant legislation, regulations and standards of compliance
- Financial, planning and strategic management skills
- Incident management
- Ability to articulate IT security and technical issues
- Risk management and auditing experience
- Average salary range
- €180,000 - €280,000
4. Risk Manager
Risk Managers play a crucial role in safeguarding organisations from potential losses, operational disruptions, and reputational damage. They are responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that could hinder the organisation's ability to achieve its objectives. In essence, risk managers act as the organisation's first line of defence against potential threats, ensuring that the organisation can navigate challenges and achieve its strategic goals while minimising the likelihood of significant losses or disruptions.
- Academic Degrees and Certifications
- Degree in risk management or financial risk management
- Certificate or diploma in enterprise risk management
- Applied risk management, compliance management and corporate governance certification
- Recommended skills for success
- Risk identification, assessment and mitigation
- Communication and stakeholder management
- Regulatory compliance
- Strong quantitative and statistical skills
- Knowledge of risk management principles and methodologies
- Continuous learning and adaptability
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Average salary range
- €65,000 - €95,000
5. Process Engineer
Process Engineers are responsible for the design, implementation, and optimisation of chemical or biochemical processes. Their purpose is to turn raw materials into an end product on an industrial scale.
The role often consists of monitoring or directing operations, as well as being involved in the design and upgrading of facilities. Depending on the size of the employer, the Process Engineer may either specialise in a niche area or contribute to a larger variety of tasks.
- Academic Degrees and Certifications
- Degree in chemical or process engineering, manufacturing, mechanical engineering, or other related fields of science
- Process engineer accreditations
- Recommended skills for success
- Interpretation of technical drawings
- Project management
- Commercial awareness
- Critical thinking
- Communication
- Problem solving
- Average salary range
- €45,000 - €80,000
Visit our 2024 Salary Guide to view salary information about a wider range of roles in Ireland.
