Discover the most in-demand jobs in China for 2025
2024 was a landmark year. Global geopolitical shifts had far-reaching impacts on businesses worldwide. Technological advancements continued to challenge the status quo, pushing organisations to adapt or risk obsolescence. All of this is impacting professionals in China who are expected to broaden their skillsets laterally and embrace new tools and innovative ways of working to enhance and optimise existing processes.
Organisations are prioritising the need for skilled employees to tackle future challenges
60% of organisations in China faced moderate to extreme skill shortages last year. 45% of hiring managers attributed this to a competitive hiring landscape, with companies vying for limited talent resources. This competition is set to continue in 2025, with 42% of businesses expecting to increase their headcount, a notable rise compared to 2024.
While we will be looking to explore deeper recruitment trends for China in our upcoming 2025 Salary Guide, we wanted to give job candidates a preview of the most in-demand roles for businesses this year. We spoke to our recruiting experts to learn why these roles are currently experiencing high demand.
China’s top ten in-demand jobs for 2025 are:
- R&D/Engineering Manager
- Full Stack Engineer
- Human Resources Business Partner/Director
- Finance Business Partner Manager/Director
- Private Banking/Wealth Management Relationship Manager
- Compliance Business Partner Manager/Director
- Marketing Manager/Director
- Business Development Manager
- Category Manager
- AI Engineer
R&D/Engineering Manager
What does a R&D/Engineering Manager do?
R&D/Engineering Managers help maintain the company's competitive edge by leading the development of new products and improving existing ones. Professionals in this role are responsible for strategic R&D planning, project management, team leadership, cross-functional collaboration, budget management, and compliance.
What skills does a R&D/Engineering Manager need?
Professionals at this level are expected to have a deep understanding of engineering principles, strong leadership and problem-solving skills, and the ability to stay updated with industry trends and technological advancements.
Why are R&D/Engineering Managers in-demand today?
Smart manufacturing sectors in China such as new energy vehicles, semiconductors, and lithium batteries are booming, buoyed by strong government policies and subsidies promoting innovation and development in the area. Demand for advanced technologies has continued to increase worldwide, driven by the need for sustainable energy solutions and the ever-present consumer demand for high-performance electronic devices.
Vic Zhao, Head of Engineering
What does a R&D/Engineering Manager do?
R&D/Engineering Managers help maintain the company's competitive edge by leading the development of new products and improving existing ones. Professionals in this role are responsible for strategic R&D planning, project management, team leadership, cross-functional collaboration, budget management, and compliance.
What skills does a R&D/Engineering Manager need?
Professionals at this level are expected to have a deep understanding of engineering principles, strong leadership and problem-solving skills, and the ability to stay updated with industry trends and technological advancements.
Why are R&D/Engineering Managers in-demand today?
Smart manufacturing sectors in China such as new energy vehicles, semiconductors, and lithium batteries are booming, buoyed by strong government policies and subsidies promoting innovation and development in the area. Demand for advanced technologies has continued to increase worldwide, driven by the need for sustainable energy solutions and the ever-present consumer demand for high-performance electronic devices.
Vic Zhao, Head of Engineering
Full Stack Engineer
What does a Full Stack Engineer do?
Capable of developing both the front-end and back-end components of web applications, these engineers play a crucial role in creating seamless and efficient user experiences by integrating various technologies and ensuring the smooth operation of applications.
What skills does a Full Stack Engineer need?
Professionals at this level are expected to have proficiency in multiple programming languages (such as JavaScript, Python, and SQL), strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work across different layers of the technology stack. They must also stay updated with the latest industry trends and best practices to continuously improve their skills and the applications they develop.
Why are Full Stack Engineers in-demand today?
China's tech industry has maintained moderate growth compared to the previous year. However, we are seeing strong growth in the AI, Robotics, and Intelligent Hardware sectors, all of which require tech developers to work hand-in-hand with engineering teams to contribute their knowledge of software capabilities and limitations to help realise project plans.
Leo Shen, Business Director for Technology
What does a Full Stack Engineer do?
Capable of developing both the front-end and back-end components of web applications, these engineers play a crucial role in creating seamless and efficient user experiences by integrating various technologies and ensuring the smooth operation of applications.
What skills does a Full Stack Engineer need?
Professionals at this level are expected to have proficiency in multiple programming languages (such as JavaScript, Python, and SQL), strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work across different layers of the technology stack. They must also stay updated with the latest industry trends and best practices to continuously improve their skills and the applications they develop.
Why are Full Stack Engineers in-demand today?
China's tech industry has maintained moderate growth compared to the previous year. However, we are seeing strong growth in the AI, Robotics, and Intelligent Hardware sectors, all of which require tech developers to work hand-in-hand with engineering teams to contribute their knowledge of software capabilities and limitations to help realise project plans.
Leo Shen, Business Director for Technology
Human Resources Business Partner /Director
What does a Human Resources Business Partner/Director do?
HR Business Partners (HRBP) and Directors align human resources practices with business objectives to drive organisational success. These professionals play a key role in fostering a productive and engaged workforce by partnering with business leaders and providing expert HR guidance.
What skills does a Human Resources Business Partner/Director need?
Professionals in these roles are expected to have a deep understanding of HR practices and business operations, strong analytical skills to assess workforce needs, excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with stakeholders, and the ability to influence and drive change. Additionally, they should possess strategic thinking abilities, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a commitment to fostering a positive organisational culture.
Why are Human Resources Business Partners/Directors in-demand today?
As organisations gear up for a productive year, there is a need to fill critical skill gaps essential for companies to reach their full potential. 60% of organisations in China faced skill shortages in 2024, highlighting the need for strategic human resource management.
Ashley Ye, Team Manager for Human Resources
What does a Human Resources Business Partner/Director do?
HR Business Partners (HRBP) and Directors align human resources practices with business objectives to drive organisational success. These professionals play a key role in fostering a productive and engaged workforce by partnering with business leaders and providing expert HR guidance.
What skills does a Human Resources Business Partner/Director need?
Professionals in these roles are expected to have a deep understanding of HR practices and business operations, strong analytical skills to assess workforce needs, excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with stakeholders, and the ability to influence and drive change. Additionally, they should possess strategic thinking abilities, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a commitment to fostering a positive organisational culture.
Why are Human Resources Business Partners/Directors in-demand today?
As organisations gear up for a productive year, there is a need to fill critical skill gaps essential for companies to reach their full potential. 60% of organisations in China faced skill shortages in 2024, highlighting the need for strategic human resource management.
Ashley Ye, Team Manager for Human Resources
Finance Business Partner Manager/Director
What does a Finance Business Partner Manager/Director do?
Finance Business Partner Managers and Director play an increasingly pivotal role, bridging the gap between the finance department and other business units within an organisation. These senior executives are instrumental in aligning financial insights with business strategy to drive informed decision-making and enhance overall performance.
What skills does a Finance Business Partner Manager/Director need?
These professionals are expected to possess strong analytical skills, effective communication abilities, deep industry knowledge, and the capability to build and maintain relationships across the organisation. They also need to be adept at using financial models, managing budgets, and forecasting to support business objectives
Why are Finance Business Partner Managers/Directors in-demand today?
High-end financial talent is particularly sought after in China's evolving manufacturing, life sciences, and consumer industries. Professionals with international perspectives, expertise in IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, and cost control are in high demand, especially those with proficiency in English and other foreign languages.
Echo Wang, Senior Director for Accountancy & Finance
What does a Finance Business Partner Manager/Director do?
Finance Business Partner Managers and Director play an increasingly pivotal role, bridging the gap between the finance department and other business units within an organisation. These senior executives are instrumental in aligning financial insights with business strategy to drive informed decision-making and enhance overall performance.
What skills does a Finance Business Partner Manager/Director need?
These professionals are expected to possess strong analytical skills, effective communication abilities, deep industry knowledge, and the capability to build and maintain relationships across the organisation. They also need to be adept at using financial models, managing budgets, and forecasting to support business objectives
Why are Finance Business Partner Managers/Directors in-demand today?
High-end financial talent is particularly sought after in China's evolving manufacturing, life sciences, and consumer industries. Professionals with international perspectives, expertise in IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, and cost control are in high demand, especially those with proficiency in English and other foreign languages.
Echo Wang, Senior Director for Accountancy & Finance
Private Banking/Wealth Management Relationship Manager
What does a Private Banking/Wealth Management Relationship Manager do?
Wealth Management Relationship Managers provide comprehensive financial planning and investment management services to high-net-worth individuals and families. These professionals play a crucial role in helping clients achieve their financial goals and preserve their wealth through personalised strategies and expert guidance.
What skills does a Private Banking/Wealth Management Relationship Manager need?
Professionals in this role are expected to have deep knowledge of investment products and markets, strong analytical skills to assess financial situations, excellent communication skills to explain complex financial concepts, and a thorough understanding of tax laws and estate planning. Additionally, they should possess strong interpersonal skills to build trust and long-term relationships with clients, and a commitment to ongoing education to stay updated on financial regulations and market trends.
Why are Private Banking/Wealth Management Relationship Managers in-demand today?
Despite foreign banks and securities firms downsizing in China, demand for wealth management and private banking talents remains strong. Senior level professionals with ultra-high-net-worth client resources and comprehensive product knowledge are especially valuable, and employers are willing to offer higher base salaries, improved pay structures, and additional benefits to attract top candidates today.
Sophia Zhang, Senior Business Manager for Banking & Finance
What does a Private Banking/Wealth Management Relationship Manager do?
Wealth Management Relationship Managers provide comprehensive financial planning and investment management services to high-net-worth individuals and families. These professionals play a crucial role in helping clients achieve their financial goals and preserve their wealth through personalised strategies and expert guidance.
What skills does a Private Banking/Wealth Management Relationship Manager need?
Professionals in this role are expected to have deep knowledge of investment products and markets, strong analytical skills to assess financial situations, excellent communication skills to explain complex financial concepts, and a thorough understanding of tax laws and estate planning. Additionally, they should possess strong interpersonal skills to build trust and long-term relationships with clients, and a commitment to ongoing education to stay updated on financial regulations and market trends.
Why are Private Banking/Wealth Management Relationship Managers in-demand today?
Despite foreign banks and securities firms downsizing in China, demand for wealth management and private banking talents remains strong. Senior level professionals with ultra-high-net-worth client resources and comprehensive product knowledge are especially valuable, and employers are willing to offer higher base salaries, improved pay structures, and additional benefits to attract top candidates today.
Sophia Zhang, Senior Business Manager for Banking & Finance
Compliance Business Partner Manager/Director
What does a Compliance Business Partner Manager/Director do?
Compliance Business Partner Managers and Directors take responsibility for compliance teams, and are instrumental towards maintaining the company's integrity and protecting it from legal and financial risks by implementing and overseeing comprehensive compliance programs.
What skills does a Compliance Business Partner Manager/Director need?
Senior executives are expected to have a deep understanding of regulatory guidelines, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent communication abilities, and the capacity to lead and manage compliance teams. They must also stay updated with industry best practices and regulatory changes to ensure the organization remains compliant and operates ethically.
Why are Compliance Business Partner Managers/Directors in-demand today?
As more companies look to get listed in the country, demand for compliance talent has increased, especially for professionals with expertise in the local regulatory environment who ensure organisations meet all requirements while maintaining high standards of corporate governance.
Sophia Zhang, Senior Business Manager for Banking & Finance
What does a Compliance Business Partner Manager/Director do?
Compliance Business Partner Managers and Directors take responsibility for compliance teams, and are instrumental towards maintaining the company's integrity and protecting it from legal and financial risks by implementing and overseeing comprehensive compliance programs.
What skills does a Compliance Business Partner Manager/Director need?
Senior executives are expected to have a deep understanding of regulatory guidelines, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent communication abilities, and the capacity to lead and manage compliance teams. They must also stay updated with industry best practices and regulatory changes to ensure the organization remains compliant and operates ethically.
Why are Compliance Business Partner Managers/Directors in-demand today?
As more companies look to get listed in the country, demand for compliance talent has increased, especially for professionals with expertise in the local regulatory environment who ensure organisations meet all requirements while maintaining high standards of corporate governance.
Sophia Zhang, Senior Business Manager for Banking & Finance
Marketing Manager/Director
What does a Marketing Manager/Director do?
Marketing Managers and Directors are crucial in driving business growth and brand awareness by developing and executing comprehensive marketing strategies. These senior executives are responsible for strategic marketing planning, market research, campaign management, brand management, budget management, and team leadership.
What skills does a Marketing Manager/Director need?
Marketing Managers/Directors are expected to have strong strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, creativity, analytical abilities, leadership qualities, and a deep understanding of digital marketing tools and trends. They must also stay updated with the latest industry developments to effectively drive the company's marketing success.
Why are Marketing Managers/Directors in-demand today?
Demand for marketing talent is particularly healthy in health and wellness, where organisations continue to hire for growth in 2025. This field is seeing increasing hyper-personalisation as AI and machine learning provides consumer data to organisations at a greater scale, and organisations are on the lookout for professionals capable of filling these critical gaps that enable them to stand out among competitors.
Anna Yuan, Team Manager for Marketing
What does a Marketing Manager/Director do?
Marketing Managers and Directors are crucial in driving business growth and brand awareness by developing and executing comprehensive marketing strategies. These senior executives are responsible for strategic marketing planning, market research, campaign management, brand management, budget management, and team leadership.
What skills does a Marketing Manager/Director need?
Marketing Managers/Directors are expected to have strong strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, creativity, analytical abilities, leadership qualities, and a deep understanding of digital marketing tools and trends. They must also stay updated with the latest industry developments to effectively drive the company's marketing success.
Why are Marketing Managers/Directors in-demand today?
Demand for marketing talent is particularly healthy in health and wellness, where organisations continue to hire for growth in 2025. This field is seeing increasing hyper-personalisation as AI and machine learning provides consumer data to organisations at a greater scale, and organisations are on the lookout for professionals capable of filling these critical gaps that enable them to stand out among competitors.
Anna Yuan, Team Manager for Marketing
Business Development Manager
What does a Business Development Manager do?
Business Development Managers play a crucial role in expanding the company's market presence and building strategic partnerships. They conduct market research to identify potential opportunities, generate leads and build a pipeline of prospects, manage relationships with key stakeholders and partners.
What skills does a Business Development Manager need?
Professionals in this role are expected to have strong analytical skills to assess market trends and opportunities, excellent communication and negotiation skills to build and maintain relationships, strategic thinking abilities to develop effective business plans, and sales acumen to drive revenue growth.
Why are Business Development Managers in-demand today?
Working hand-in-hand with marketing teams are business development executives responsible for implementing new strategies to help organisations achieve their development goals in China’s evolving landscape. Business Development Managers contribute to this by identifying and pursuing new business opportunities to drive growth and increase revenue.
Anna Yuan, Team Manager for Marketing
What does a Business Development Manager do?
Business Development Managers play a crucial role in expanding the company's market presence and building strategic partnerships. They conduct market research to identify potential opportunities, generate leads and build a pipeline of prospects, manage relationships with key stakeholders and partners.
What skills does a Business Development Manager need?
Professionals in this role are expected to have strong analytical skills to assess market trends and opportunities, excellent communication and negotiation skills to build and maintain relationships, strategic thinking abilities to develop effective business plans, and sales acumen to drive revenue growth.
Why are Business Development Managers in-demand today?
Working hand-in-hand with marketing teams are business development executives responsible for implementing new strategies to help organisations achieve their development goals in China’s evolving landscape. Business Development Managers contribute to this by identifying and pursuing new business opportunities to drive growth and increase revenue.
Anna Yuan, Team Manager for Marketing
Category Manager
What does a Category Manager do?
Category Managers are a specialised branch of professionals responsible for managing the procurement and sourcing of specific categories of products or services within an organisation. Executives are responsible for strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, contract negotiation, market analysis, and risk management.
What skills does a Category Manager need?
Professionals at this level are expected to have strong analytical skills, excellent negotiation abilities, a deep understanding of supply chain dynamics, and the ability to manage supplier relationships effectively. They must also possess strong communication skills and the capability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve organisational goals.
Why are Category Managers in-demand today?
Supply chains are growing more complex on the back of geopolitical tensions, requiring alternatives to traditional routes. Procurement talent are especially valuable assets to organisations looking to navigate these complexities, ensuring the efficient acquisition of goods and services, optimising costs, and maintaining supplier relationships.
Catherine Zhang, Associate Director for Supply Chain & Procurement
What does a Category Manager do?
Category Managers are a specialised branch of professionals responsible for managing the procurement and sourcing of specific categories of products or services within an organisation. Executives are responsible for strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, contract negotiation, market analysis, and risk management.
What skills does a Category Manager need?
Professionals at this level are expected to have strong analytical skills, excellent negotiation abilities, a deep understanding of supply chain dynamics, and the ability to manage supplier relationships effectively. They must also possess strong communication skills and the capability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve organisational goals.
Why are Category Managers in-demand today?
Supply chains are growing more complex on the back of geopolitical tensions, requiring alternatives to traditional routes. Procurement talent are especially valuable assets to organisations looking to navigate these complexities, ensuring the efficient acquisition of goods and services, optimising costs, and maintaining supplier relationships.
Catherine Zhang, Associate Director for Supply Chain & Procurement
Artificial Intelligence Engineer
What does an Artificial Intelligence Engineer do?
AI Engineers design, develop and deploy artificial intelligence and machine learning models to solve complex problems and drive innovation within an organisation. Senior engineers are responsible for developing and implementing advanced AI models, analysing large datasets to extract meaningful insights, designing algorithms to address specific business challenges, integrating solutions into existing systems, and optimising model performance for accuracy and efficiency.
What skills does an Artificial Intelligence Engineer need?
Professionals in this role are expected to have strong programming skills in languages such as Python, R, and Java, and expertise in data analysis and statistical methods. Additionally, they should possess excellent problem-solving abilities, the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, and a commitment to staying updated with the latest advancements in AI technologies.
Why are Artificial Intelligence Engineers in-demand today?
Many industries are undergoing digital transformation, requiring more tech professionals to support these changes. Beyond the usual software development and algorithm positions, major internet companies are now investing in chip-level roles to enhance their AI applications, highlighting the growing importance of hardware optimisation in AI development here in China.
Leo Shen, Business Director for Technology
What does an Artificial Intelligence Engineer do?
AI Engineers design, develop and deploy artificial intelligence and machine learning models to solve complex problems and drive innovation within an organisation. Senior engineers are responsible for developing and implementing advanced AI models, analysing large datasets to extract meaningful insights, designing algorithms to address specific business challenges, integrating solutions into existing systems, and optimising model performance for accuracy and efficiency.
What skills does an Artificial Intelligence Engineer need?
Professionals in this role are expected to have strong programming skills in languages such as Python, R, and Java, and expertise in data analysis and statistical methods. Additionally, they should possess excellent problem-solving abilities, the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, and a commitment to staying updated with the latest advancements in AI technologies.
Why are Artificial Intelligence Engineers in-demand today?
Many industries are undergoing digital transformation, requiring more tech professionals to support these changes. Beyond the usual software development and algorithm positions, major internet companies are now investing in chip-level roles to enhance their AI applications, highlighting the growing importance of hardware optimisation in AI development here in China.
Leo Shen, Business Director for Technology
Looking for more recruitment insights? Our 2025 Salary Guide features in-depth analysis for jobs that are in demand across 15 different specialisms in China, Hong Kong SAR, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Get updates on the latest recruitment challenges organisations face today, and how professionals can stand out from the competition. Learn how salaries have changed over the past year, and how much you can expect to earn in your position today.
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