This month we sat down with Josh, an Associate at Oliver Parks, who specialises in Dynamics 365 throughout the US and Canada. Specifically Finance & Operations (F&O), Business Central (BC), Customer Engagement (CE), and Power Platform. 

In our 5 minutes with Josh we looked at what candidates are looking for in their next role and discussed some pretty exciting opportunities in the market. Keep reading to find out more…

What have you found your candidates are looking for most in their next role?

Within D365, there are two important sectors of the job space. There is Consulting with Microsoft Partners or working in-house at an End User. Each candidate has their own preferences and a feeling in the direction of where they would like their career to go. It is my job to help them connect to an opportunity that fits their own goals moving forward.

For example, End Users can offer a 100% remote role working with one project at a time, compared to the partner space where you can be traveling 50% and on numerous projects. This is something that stands out to a lot of candidates wanting to move out of the busier partner space.

On the other hand, the partner space is a great way to progress your career. By getting numerous full life cycle implementations under your belt, gaining different sector experience, and having the ability to move up to senior levels, partners can accelerate your career. They also tend to offer a higher compensation package too.

Why are people leaving their current roles?

Progression is an important factor. If you are within a role gaining extensive experience in D365 and you are without the feeling you can move up, there are numerous opportunities elsewhere where this is possible. As the supply of talent is sparse in the space, your knowledge and skillset will be in demand at another firm, into a position that progresses your career.

Travel is another important factor too. This can range from 100% remote, up to 75% travel. Each candidate is different, some love traveling and meeting clients. Other candidates are looking for remote roles, where they can work from home. Therefore, as 100% remote roles are rarer in the space, they are of great interest to candidates wanting to reduce the travel that they have in their current roles.

What job titles are most in demand?

For Partners, there is a great demand for consultants and senior consultants. These are both within the technical side and the functional side. There is a great demand for experienced consultants who have numerous years of Microsoft partner experience. The partners that we work with in the F&O space, are looking for expertise in the Finance, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Retail, and HR modules.

For End Users, many are looking to bring on board their own internal expert. This job title can range from Business Analyst to Solutions Architect. They can be working with a partner on a full life cycle implementation and are wanting their own expert to guide them along the process. A trend that we have seen recently is that end users are building their own internal teams to complete the full life cycle implementation themselves! This involves bringing on board a team of functional, technical and PM’s to complete the project.

Has the standard interview process changed in the past year?

Due to the demand and the competition from other firms, there has been less time between the interview stages throughout the process. The slower the process is, the higher chance that the candidate may be in other processes that are moving more quickly.

Firms are more aware of this and know they have to act quickly. This is of great benefit to the candidate too, it ensures a more efficient interview process for them with fewer delays.

What’s exciting about your market at the moment? 

Our clients! We are working with fantastic companies on roles that are offering a great employee experience in the D365 Space. Here are a few great examples below.

A New Jersey Manufacturing Firm End User founded in 1987 is looking for a Remote Senior Functional SCM F&O Analyst. They are offering great benefits, such as full 100% paid healthcare for you & your family and a very strong 401k plan & remote work!

An employee-owned Microsoft Gold Partner with a very impressive 93% employee retention rate since 2005 and a ‘Best Place To Work Winner’ for the last 16 years is looking to bring on board a Senior Finance F&O Consultant!

The largest privately owned Microsoft Inner-Circle Gold Partner is looking to bring on board a Business Central Operations Consultant. They also roll your base and bonus into one, so you no longer have to worry about salary!

What is the best way for people to contact you for advice, Josh?

Whether you are a candidate looking for a new role or a client looking to fill a role, pop me an email and I will be happy to help!

Email: josh.beswick@oliverparks.com