Q3 2017 Hong Kong Recruitment Market Insights,

As predicted in the first quarter of the year, Q2 2017 has seen a very noticeable upswing in Hong Kong's Sales & Marketing job market in terms of employers with open headcounts and the number of professionals who were actively seeking new positions.

While this is not unusual post-Chinese New Year, we have seen more activity in this period as compared to the similar period in previous years. This is reinforced by the fact that experienced professionals with in-demand skill sets are facing multiple offers within a short span of time.

Increased hiring activity within a healthier market

In terms of job market movement, there has been an increase in hiring activity within marketing and communication agencies, hospitality, financial services, FMCG, beauty and cosmetics, as well as mass retail industries.

Many of the vacancies were across Digital, Social Media and e-Commerce. While some of these were replacement headcounts, many were newly created roles in anticipation of improved market conditions.

Domestic and technology shifts in Retail

The Retail sector has been going through a period of transformation. With the sharp decrease in mainland tourists visiting Hong Kong over the last few years, retailers have been shifting their strategies to focus more on domestic consumers. There has been an apparent change in marketing, branding and communication strategies, with an aim to drive higher engagement among the local clientele. We saw an increase in demand for frontline retail staff to strengthen sales and revenue generation.

Technology has also been positively impacting the retail sector, especially with the development of omnichannel retailing, creating synergy between physical and online stores. This phenomenon has created a strong demand for professionals with experience in Digital and e-Commerce.

The Luxury sector, however, remained cautious on their resourcing strategy, especially in talent acquisition. In the FMCG sector, we saw an increase in recruitment activity across Key Account Management, Trade Marketing and Regional Business Development.

Hiring processes will lengthen in Q3 2017

Throughout Q3, we foresee a similar hiring trend for Sales & Marketing professionals, although interview processes will take longer than usual due to school holidays and vacations.

We advise job seekers to carefully weigh opportunities and offers, as hiring decisions will take slightly longer to make. When it comes to job search, patience will be key in the upcoming summer months.

Sales & Marketing
Salary Report for Q3 2017*

Banking & Financial Services
Job title	Years of experience	Annual salary range (HK$)
Marketing
Marketing Director	15+	1.4M–2M+
VP, Marketing	12+	780K–1.3M
AVP / Manager Marketing	6–10	540K–720K
Associate / Assistant Marketing Manager	3–5	240K–480K
Head of Corporate Communications / Affairs	15+	1.3M–1.8M+
VP, Corporate Communications / Affairs	12+	720K–1.2M
AVP / Manager Corporate Communications / Affairs	6–10	480K –720K
Associate / Assistant Corporate Communications Manager	3–5	240K–480K
Head of Events	15+	1.1M–1.5M+
VP Events	12+	660K–1M
AVP / Manager Events	6–10	480K–600K
Event Specialist	3–5	240K–420K
VP Media Relations	6–10	720K–1.3M
Head of Market Research / Business Intelligence	15+	1.2M–1.7M+
Market Research / Business Intelligence Manager	6–10	600K–900K

Commerce & Industry
Job title	Years of experience	Annual salary range (HK$)
Media / Entertainment
Chief Editor	15+	900K–1.3M
Marketing Director	15+	1M–1.2M
Director, Sales	15+	1M–1.5M
Director, Distribution	12+	1M–1.2M
Associate, Media Sales	10+	720K–1M
Associate Director, Distribution	10+	720K–1M
Manager, Sales	8+	480K–720K
Marketing Manager	5–10	420K–720K
Distribution Manager	6–8	420K–650K
Programming Manager	5–8	300K–540K
Sales Executive	3–5	300K–480K
Marketing Executive	3–5	240K–360K
FMCG
General Manager	15+	1.5M+
Sales Director	12+	840K–1.3M
Sales Manager	8+	540K–720K
Key Account Manager	6–8	390K–520K
Assistant Key Account Manager	3–5	260K–360K
Marketing Director	15+	840K–1.3M
Marketing Manager	10+	650K–910K
Assistant Marketing Manager	6–8	390K–520K
Senior Brand Manager	7–10	520K–780K
Brand Manager	5–8	360K–520K
Assistant Brand Manager	3–5	300K–360K
Category Manager	5–8	360K –480K
Assistant Category Manager	3–5	240K–360K
Product Manager	5–8	360K–480K
Assistant Product Manager	3–5	300K–360K
Trade Marketing Manager	5–8	360K–520K
Assistant Trade Marketing Manager	3–5	300K–360K
IT / Telecommunications
Managing Director	15+	2.5M+
Head of Sales	15+	1.8M–2.2M
Sales/Business Development Director	10–15+	1.3M–1.6M
Sales Manager	6–8+	540K–800K+
Account Manager	3–5	400K–600K
Head of Marketing	15+	1.2M–1.6M
Marketing Director	10–15	800K–1.2M
Marketing Manager	8+	500K–720K
Assistant Marketing Manager	6+	350K–500K
Channel Manager	4–6	500K–800K
Product Manager	3–5	400K–600K
Social Media Manager	5–8	520K–650K
Sales Operations Manager	8–10	325K–400K
Professional Services
Marketing Director	15+	1M–1.5M
Marketing Manager	6–8+	480K–780K
Corporate Communications Manager	5–8	480K–720K
Business Development Director	15+	1.2M–1.6M
Business Development Manager	6–8+	600K–960K
Business Development / Marketing Executive	3–5	300K–600K
PR Manager	6–8+	480K–720K
Industrial & Manufacturing
General Manager	15+	1.3M–1.8M
Sales / Business Development Director	10–15	800K–1.3M
Business Development Manager	8–10	650K–800K
Sales Manager	6–8	480K–660K
Sales Executive / Sales Engineer	3–5	240K–360K
Marketing / Communications Director	10–15	800K–1.3M
Product Marketing Manager	8–10	650K–800K
Product Marketing Engineer	3–5	240K–360K
Marketing Manager	6–8	500K–800K
Marketing Executive	3–5	250K–420K
Retail
Head of Marketing	15+	1M–1.5M
Marketing Manager	10+	650K–910K
Assistant Marketing Manager	5–8	360K–480K
Marketing Executive	1–3	144K–240K
Senior Brand Manager	6–10+	650K–910K
Brand Manager	4–6	420K–540K
PR Manager	5–8	360K–650K
Assistant PR Manager	3–5	300K–364K
Merchandising / Buyer Manager	8+	585K–910K
Digital Marketing Director	10–15	1M–1.5M
Digital Marketing Manager	6+	480K–720K
CRM Director	10–15	910K–1.5M
CRM Manager	8+	650K–910K
Retail Operations Manager	8+	650K–910K
Assistant Retail Operations Manager	6–8	480K–600K
Area Manager	5+	420K–520K
Store Manager	3+	240K–360K
Advertising Agency
Group Managing Director	20+	1.5M–2M+
Managing Director	15+	1.2M–1.5M
Business Director	12+	960K–1.2M
Client Services Director	12+	960K–1.2M
Strategic Planning Director	12+	850K–1.2M
Group Account Director	10+	720K–850K
Account Director	8–10	480K–720K
Account Manager	5+	300K–420K
PR Agency
Managing Director	20+	1.5M+
Director / Group Account Director	15+	1M–1.5M
Account Director	8–10	550K–780K
Account Manager	5+	360K–480K
Property & Real Estate
Head of Leasing	15+	1.2M+
Senior Leasing Manager	12–15	800K–1.2M
Leasing Manager	8–10	600K–800K
Assistant Leasing Manager	6–8	420K–600K
Senior Leasing Officer	3–5	300K–420K
Head of Marketing / Communications	15+	1.2M+
Marketing / Communications Director	12–15	900K–1.1M
Senior Marketing / Communications Manager	10–12	720K–900K
Marketing / Communications Manager	8–10	480K–720K
Assistant Marketing / Communications Manager	6–8	360K–420K
Senior Marketing / Communications Officer	3–5	300K–360K

*Notes about salary report:

Titles and levels vary from organisation to organisation.
The salary ranges given are only approximate guides. For tailored salary advice, please contact us directly.
12-month base salaries are assumed.
All other benefits and bonuses are in addition to these figures.
Bonus ranges can vary significantly from company to company and will be influenced by market conditions, business and individual performances. Bonus ranges from 1 month at the low end to 100%+ at the upper.
Holiday entitlements range from 12–25 days with senior executives not usually receiving less than 18 days. Less than 15 is very rare and 20 days is becoming the norm.
Healthcare policies are standard.
Pension plans vary with some companies offering greater than the standard contribution. Top up schemes can increase employer contribution levels as much as 15–20% of the base salary for senior executives.