The UK's IT industry, along with its thriving consultancy sector, has created plenty of opportunities for innovation and career advancement. In 2024, the UK IT sector witnessed substantial growth, with a 10% increase in the number of professionals employed.
This expansion is reflected in the dynamic job market. According to the LinkedIn data, over 138,000 tech professionals switched jobs within the year and currently there is more than 31,000 open IT positions. If you're a skilled IT professional seeking a dynamic and challenging role, the UK consultancy market could be the perfect fit.
Top 5 IT consultancy roles in the UK
1. Cloud Consultant
As cloud computing continues to revolutionise businesses, Cloud Consultants are in high demand. Their expertise in designing, implementing, and managing cloud-based solutions is invaluable. They help organisations migrate their IT infrastructure to the cloud, optimise cloud resources, and ensure security and compliance. Roles include Cloud Architects, Migration Specialists, and Security Consultants. The top industry currently hiring for these roles is IT systems and design services.
2. Cyber Security Consultant
With the increasing threat of cyber-attacks, cyber security consultants are essential to protecting organisations' digital assets. They assess vulnerabilities, implement security measures, respond to incidents, and provide ongoing security guidance. With the knowledge of cyber security frameworks (such as ISO 27001 and NIST Cybersecurity Framework), vulnerability assessment tools, incident response planning, and risk management they can protect organisations from cyber threats. There is a high demand especially in the fields of threat intelligence, penetration testing, digital forensics, or compliance. The highest hiring movement for the cyber security field in the UK is seen in computer network security companies, followed by strategic management services.
3. Data Analyst/Data Scientist
The ability to extract valuable insights from data is crucial for businesses. Data Analysts and Scientists use statistical techniques, data mining, and machine learning to analyse large datasets and identify trends. They are proficient in data analysis tools (SQL, Python, R...), statistical modelling, data visualisation, and machine learning algorithms. Their expertise lies in areas including data warehousing, business intelligence, or predictive analytics. Recently, the UK energy, government, and rail transportation sectors have seen an increased demand for data professionals.
4. Business Intelligence Consultant
Business Intelligence Consultants help organisations leverage data to improve their operations and decision-making. They design and implement Business Intelligence (BI) systems, develop reports, and provide strategic insights with their expertise in BI tools (Power BI, Tableau, Qlik...), data warehousing, data modelling, and reporting. Roles include the fields of data governance, data visualisation, or advanced analytics.
5. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Consultant
ERP systems integrate various business processes, streamlining operations and improving efficiency. ERP Consultants configure ERP systems, provide training, and support ongoing operations with their knowledge of ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics), business process analysis, project management, and change management. They can specialise in specific ERP systems or industries.
Why choose a technology consultancy career in the UK?
The UK tech sector reached a combined market valuation of $1.1 trillion in Q1 2024, solidifying its position as the number one tech ecosystem in Europe. This thriving sector, encompassing IT and consultancy services, provides opportunities for learning, growth and career advancement. In addition to the dynamic nature of the industry, consultancy IT roles typically offer competitive compensation packages, including bonuses and benefits. This ensures that your contributions are valued and rewarded.
Many UK-based consultancy firms operate on an international scale, providing opportunities for global projects and cultural experiences. This exposure can broaden your perspective, enhance your cross-cultural communication skills, and career prospects on a global scale.
