REPORT ON RECRUITMENT DEMANDS FOR SENIOR MANAGEMENT LEVEL OF JAPANESE ENTERPRISE IN VIETNAM – QUARTER 3/2019

Manufacturing leads in recruitment demand among Japanese businesses

According to the data of recruitment desk of Japan Desk of Navigos Seach, in quarter 3.2019, Japanese enterprises continuously had the need to recruit mid-level and high-level employees spread across many fields, from Manufacturing, Consumer Goods, Retail, IT, … in which Manufacturing is the most significant, accounting for nearly 60% of recruitment demand.

Also according to this data, recruitment demand is concentrated in the Technical section, followed by Sales & Marketing and Supply Chain Management.

Increasing investment for Manufacturing in Vietnam, businesses compete for talent

Under the impact of the US-China trade talks, Japanese businesses with manufacturing plants in China are seeking ways to control tariff risks. There have been businesses investing in opening new factories or expanding current production scale in Vietnam, these are High-Tech Manufacturing or Industrial Manufacturing. The investment continues to expand in the southern industrial zones such as Amata Dong Nai, VSIPII Binh Duong, or Phu My Industrial Park, Vung Tau.

However, the US-China trade talks are not the only reason, with favorable economic conditions, Vietnam is still a potential destination for Japanese manufacturing enterprises. Accordingly, Japan Desk predicts that demand for middle and high-level recruitment will continue to grow and businesses will have to compete more intensely because of rising demand and limited supply of qualified candidates. As noted, knowing Japanese is still a big plus for candidates in this field.

Japanese enterprises invest in new technology, employing many key positions

As noted by Japan Desk, in Q3 / 2019, some Japanese IT businesses started investing in the Vietnam market and recruiting key positions. In addition, current IT businesses continue to maintain the demand for recruiting Vietnamese candidates. Notably, in this quarter, IT businesses have more need to recruit trendy positions related to AI – Artificial Intelligence or Data Science.

Opportunity to relocate in Japan for candidates who possess intermediate or professional Japanese

In addition, Vietnamese candidates who have experience of 3-5 years and possess an intermediate or higher level of Japanese, have the opportunity to be recruited by Japanese IT businesses for positions that work in Japan. However, with a modest salary unlike European and American businesses, Japanese IT companies are being seen as suitable for candidates who prefer stability.

Japanese-invested retail brands enter the market, opening up many job opportunities for all levels

Vietnam market in 2019 has received the attention of many large retail groups, including foreign capital from Japan. Specifically, these are retail groups with a wide range of products, from Fashion, Household Appliances, Cosmetics to Pharmaceuticals. Investment in Vietnam increases the demand for recruiting Vietnamese candidates, from employees up to the Management level to work at these retail chains. Japanese businesses still prioritize candidates with good English, hardworking and dynamic.