I. The Intensifying Battle for Top Talent

As the global economy rebounds strongly, Vietnam has emerged as a strategic destination for international corporations. The influx of FDI into manufacturing, technology, and retail is generating thousands of job opportunities—especially at the managerial and executive levels. Senior Talent

However, with opportunities come challenges. Both local and foreign companies are fiercely competing to attract rare, high-caliber leaders who can drive teams and shape long-term strategies.

This article explores the most in-demand senior roles across three key industries—Manufacturing, Retail, and IT—and offers optimal solutions for businesses to gain a competitive edge in the talent race.

Tip: Instead of relying on traditional recruitment methods, many businesses are turning to executive search services to save time, protect confidentiality, and access top-tier talent pools.

II. Vietnam’s Senior Talent Market Overview 2025

According to ManpowerGroup Vietnam, demand for senior-level hiring in Vietnam is projected to increase by 20–25% compared to 2024, with strong concentration in manufacturing, retail, and digital technology.

Key drivers of scarcity include:

1. Massive FDI Inflows

• Many multinational corporations are relocating factories and tech hubs from China and Thailand to Vietnam.
  
• This sudden surge creates high demand for globally experienced leaders.
  

2. New Skill Requirements from Digital Transformation

• Leaders now need traditional management expertise plus knowledge of AI, ESG, automation, and digital supply chains.
  
• Many Vietnamese executives have not yet adapted to these new demands.
  

3. Fierce Compensation Competition

• FDI companies typically offer 30–50% higher salaries and benefits than local firms.
  
• This makes it harder for domestic companies to retain top performers.
  

4. Workforce Mobility

• Gen Z and Millennials are increasingly stepping into leadership roles.
  
• However, their preference for new experiences results in higher turnover rates.

III. Top Scarce Senior Positions in 3 Key Sectors

1. Manufacturing – The Demand for Holistic Operations Leadership

Vietnam has become Southeast Asia’s new manufacturing hub, particularly in electronics, textiles, automotive components, and green production.

Most in-demand roles:

• General Manager (GM) / Plant Manager
  Oversees entire factory operations, managing thousands of workers, ensuring productivity and quality.
  Requires strategic thinking, cross-cultural management skills, and strong English communication.
• Supply Chain Director
  Manages raw materials, logistics, and warehouse operations amid global supply chain disruptions.
  Crucial for export-driven industries such as textiles and electronics.
• R&D Director
  Leads innovation projects, green production initiatives, and energy-saving programs.
  Extremely scarce due to high technical expertise and international experience requirements.
• HSE Director (Health, Safety, Environment)
  An essential role as ESG compliance becomes mandatory for export businesses.

Recruitment challenges:

• Limited pool of globally-minded candidates with large-scale operations experience.
  
• Top talent often works for multinationals and rarely appears on the job market, making them hard to reach.
  

Solution suggestion:
Manufacturers can cut recruitment time by 50% by partnering with executive search firms like NIC Global, which have an extensive senior talent network across all 34 provinces.

2. Retail – Battleground Between Offline & Online

Vietnam’s retail sector has seen double-digit growth for three consecutive years. In 2025, intense competition comes from global brands like Uniqlo, Decathlon, and Central Group.

Key senior roles in high demand:

• Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)
  Crafts omnichannel marketing strategies, integrating traditional retail and online sales. Requires data analytics skills and deep insight into Vietnamese consumer behavior.
• E-commerce Director
  Leads e-commerce strategy, managing marketplaces and proprietary platforms. Driven by Vietnam’s booming online shopping trend.
• Retail Operations Manager
  Oversees large retail networks of dozens or hundreds of stores. Focuses on cost optimization and consistent customer experience.
• Customer Experience Director (CX Director)
  Enhances customer experience, a vital factor in omnichannel retail success.
  

Why does talent shortage exists?

• Rapid shift from offline to online retail leaves a gap in digital and data-driven leaders.
  
• Top candidates are headhunted by global corporations, intensifying competition.
  

3. Information Technology (IT) – The Talent War in the AI Era

Vietnam is rising as a regional technology hub, with major projects in AI, software, fintech, and digital transformation.
However, the senior talent pool remains both small and underdeveloped.

Critical executive positions:

• CTO (Chief Technology Officer)
  Defines core technology strategy, selects AI and big data platforms for businesses.
  
• AI/ML Director
  Specialized in artificial intelligence and machine learning, pivotal for digital product innovation.
  
• Cybersecurity Director
  Protects company systems and data amid global cybersecurity shortages.
  
• Digital Transformation Director
  Leads comprehensive digital transformation to optimize operations and customer service. Executive Roles.
  

Challenges:

• Top IT executives often migrate to developed markets for better opportunities.
  
• Vietnamese firms struggle to compete on salaries, equity, and career growth.
  

Proposed solution:
Leverage IT-focused executive search services to reach passive candidates—high-level professionals not actively job hunting but connected through headhunter networks. Executive Roles.

IV. Solution: Optimizing Hiring with Executive Search Services

As competition intensifies, many companies are shifting from traditional hiring to partnering with headhunters to ensure both quality and speed.

Key benefits:

• Access to passive candidates:
  High-performing leaders who aren’t publicly job hunting can only be reached through specialized networks.
  
• Time & cost savings:
  Recruitment timelines are reduced by 40–50%, minimizing the cost of bad hires.
  
• Confidentiality:
  Vital when replacing C-level roles without public announcement.
  
• Improved retention:
  Executive search firms offer comprehensive long-term workforce development consulting, encompassing not only candidate sourcing but also strategic planning and talent management.
  

Why choose NIC Global?

• Nationwide candidate network, strong in Manufacturing, Retail, and IT.
  
• ESS (Executive Search & Selection) – proprietary, end-to-end recruitment optimization process.
  
• Experienced headhunter team with 15+ years in Vietnam’s labor market.

Contact NIC Global today to access elite leadership talent and build a world-class executive team. Executive Roles.

Conclusion: Act Now or Fall Behind

In 2025, senior talent across manufacturing, retail, and IT will remain scarce, driving fierce competition among businesses. Companies that delay recruitment risk losing market share, stalling strategies, and missing major growth opportunities. Executive Roles.

Instead of struggling alone, partner with NIC Global’s executive search services – a trusted ally supporting hundreds of businesses in the race for talent.

Act today – lead tomorrow.
NIC Global is ready to turn your HR challenges into a sustainable competitive advantage.

For contact and support:

Facebook: NIC Global – Human Resource Solutions
LinkedIn: NIC Global Sourcing JSC
Website: www.nicvn.com
Email: info@nicvn.com
Hotline: (+84) 981.23.43.76
Address:

• Hanoi Office: No. 3A Thi Sach, Hai Ba Trung Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam
• Ho Chi Minh City Office: Dakao Center Building, 35 Mac Dinh Chi, Sai Gon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

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