Digital Transformation » Skills and roles businesses can’t ignore in 2025

Skills and roles businesses can’t ignore in 2025

The professional landscape in 2025 is set to be defined by accelerated technological advancements and complex regulatory shifts. With artificial intelligence (AI) leading industry transformation and government policies adding pressure to already tight margins, businesses must adapt or risk falling behind.

Recent report by Core-Asset Consulting identifies five functional areas that will dominate recruitment strategies in 2025, reflecting the evolving needs of businesses navigating unprecedented complexity.

1. Technology Integration and Automation

AI and automation are no longer futuristic concepts; they are now integral to improving operational efficiency and supporting strategic decisions. The pace of digital transformation is expected to accelerate further in 2025, with businesses seeking to harness these tools to stay competitive.

In-demand roles:

  • AI Specialists: Driving innovation by embedding machine learning and AI into workflows.
  • Data Analysts: Extracting actionable insights from vast datasets to inform strategy.
  • Digital Transformation Leads: Managing large-scale technology integrations to optimize business processes.

Why it matters: Organizations that fail to adopt advanced technologies will see declining productivity and competitiveness. The demand for these roles will surge as businesses look to increase automation and reduce costs.

2. Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management

Increased scrutiny from regulators and the complexity of new compliance frameworks are setting a high bar for operational resilience. Companies must remain vigilant, ensuring adherence to updated policies while managing risks effectively.

In-demand roles:

  • Compliance Officers: Safeguarding businesses from financial and reputational penalties.
  • Regulatory Analysts: Interpreting and implementing complex regulatory changes.
  • Operational Risk Managers: Building frameworks to anticipate and mitigate potential disruptions.

Why it matters: As regulators enforce stricter guidelines, particularly in sectors like finance, healthcare, and energy, companies must invest in skilled professionals who can navigate and adapt to these changes.

3. Cybersecurity and Digital Resilience

Cybercrime and digital fraud remain persistent threats, with businesses of all sizes at risk of severe operational disruptions. The introduction of new regulations around fraud prevention and data protection will add urgency to the need for fortified cybersecurity strategies.

In-demand roles:

  • Cybersecurity Specialists: Defending against evolving cyber threats and breaches.
  • Technology Risk Managers: Anticipating vulnerabilities and developing mitigation plans.
  • IT Governance Leads: Ensuring IT systems meet security and compliance standards.

Why it matters: Beyond the immediate financial impact of breaches, cybersecurity failures can erode stakeholder trust, making this area a critical focus for every organization.

4. Strategic Change Management

Adapting to change is not optional—it’s a necessity. The relentless pace of organizational transformation, whether driven by external pressures or internal restructuring, requires leaders and teams equipped to guide businesses through uncertainty.

In-demand roles:

  • Business Change Analysts: Evaluating operational shifts to ensure they align with strategic goals.
  • Strategy Consultants: Advising on long-term growth initiatives in challenging markets.
  • Transformation Project Managers: Steering businesses through complex change programs.

Why it matters: Change fatigue is a growing concern. Skilled change managers will be critical in ensuring transformations are not only executed but embraced across organizations.

5. Complex Tax Management

New UK tax regulations set to take effect from April 2024 and anticipated updates to US tax policies will heighten demand for specialized expertise in managing complex tax structures. From cross-border compliance to personal wealth advisory, tax professionals will play a crucial role in navigating this challenging landscape.

In-demand roles:

  • Global Tax Specialists: Handling intricate international tax arrangements.
  • Intercompany Specialists: Optimizing tax compliance across group entities.
  • Personal Tax Advisors: Supporting clients with rapidly changing tax policies.

Why it matters: Effective tax management directly impacts an organization’s bottom line. Securing the right talent in this area can help mitigate risks and uncover cost-saving opportunities.

What Businesses Need from Candidates

While specific technical expertise will be vital, Betsy Williamson, founder and CEO of Core-Asset Consulting, emphasizes that adaptability and a proactive approach to upskilling will often matter more than past experience.

“With the labour market and the world of work exceptionally volatile right now, businesses need workers that are able to constantly adapt, pivot and upskill in order to navigate known and unknown challenges ahead. Professionals that are able to demonstrate these skills will set themselves up for the most success when it comes to career progression in 2025.”

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