Key jobs in demand for 2025 in Mainland China
In our 2025 Salary Guide, we've uncovered the top roles shaping China's job market this year. Drawing insights from conversations with hiring managers and industry leaders, our expert recruitment teams have identified the hottest jobs in China that employers seek in 2025. Whether you're planning your next career move or hiring top talent, this list has you covered!
Note: These roles are only from within the industries and sectors in which we have recruitment expertise - there will undoubtedly be others that are hotly in demand this year.
1. Sales Manager
A Sales Manager in China is responsible for leading sales teams, developing strategies to achieve revenue targets, and building strong client relationships. They play a pivotal role in understanding market trends, identifying business opportunities, and driving sales growth in China’s competitive and fast-evolving market.
Sales Managers are critical for aligning sales objectives with business goals while fostering team performance and customer satisfaction.
- Academic Degrees and Certifications
- Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Sales, or a related field
- Certifications in Sales Management, Strategic Selling, or CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) (optional but beneficial)
- Recommended skills for success
- Strong knowledge of sales strategies and market dynamics in China
- Proficiency in CRM tools (Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Excellent negotiation and relationship management skills
- Leadership and team motivation
- Analytical and data-driven decision-making
- Communication and presentation skills
- Fluency in Mandarin (required) and English (advantageous)
- Average salary range (per year)
- ¥300,000 - ¥600,000
2. Operations Manager- Technology
An Operations Manager in Technology in China is responsible for streamlining operations, managing resources, and ensuring the efficient delivery of technology services. They oversee day-to-day activities, implement operational strategies, and ensure compliance with local regulations in China's rapidly advancing tech ecosystem.
Operations Managers in Technology play a crucial role in improving operational efficiency, managing cross-functional teams, and supporting the organisation’s growth and innovation goals.
- Academic Degrees and Certifications
- Degree in Operations Management, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field
- Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) or Technology Management (optional but advantageous)
- Certifications such as ITIL, Lean Six Sigma, or PMP (optional but beneficial)
- Recommended skills for success
- Expertise in operational strategy and process optimisation
- Proficiency in technology operations and IT infrastructure
- Leadership and team management
- Knowledge of regulatory compliance in China’s tech industry
- Data analysis and performance monitoring
- Problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Communication and collaboration abilities
- Familiarity with emerging technologies and trends
- Average salary range (per year)
- ¥450,000 - ¥530,000
3. Project Manager
A Project Manager for Projects Strategy and Change in China plays a pivotal role in managing transformative initiatives that align with organisational objectives. They are responsible for overseeing project lifecycles, ensuring the successful delivery of change management strategies, and fostering collaboration across teams to drive innovation and efficiency.
In China’s dynamic and fast-paced business environment, these professionals are key drivers of sustainable growth and operational success.
- Academic Degrees and Certifications
- Degree in Business Administration, Management, or a related field
- Master’s Degree in Project Management or Business Administration (optional but advantageous)
- Certifications such as PMP, PRINCE2, Agile (e.g., Certified ScrumMaster), or Change Management (e.g., PROSCI)
- Recommended skills for success
- Strategic planning and project alignment
- Expertise in change management and transformation leadership
- Budgeting, resource allocation, and risk management
- Stakeholder engagement and communication
- Knowledge of Agile and Waterfall methodologies
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving
- Familiarity with China’s regulatory environment and market dynamics
- Average salary range (per year)
- ¥500,000 - ¥2200,000
4. Managing Director- Banking and Financial Services
A Managing Director in Corporate Banking and Financial Services in China is a senior executive responsible for defining and executing the strategic vision for corporate banking operations. They oversee high-value client relationships, develop financial products, and ensure compliance with Chinese banking regulations.
This role is pivotal in driving business growth, maintaining operational excellence, and positioning the organisation as a leader in China’s highly competitive financial sector.
- Academic Degrees and Certifications
- Degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field
- Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) or Finance (strongly preferred)
- Certifications such as CFA, CPA, CAIA, or FRM (optional but advantageous)
- Recommended skills for success
- Extensive knowledge of corporate banking products and services
- Strategic planning and execution
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Expertise in regulatory compliance and risk management in China
- Business development and client relationship management
- Financial analysis and market insights
- Networking and collaboration with industry stakeholders
- Fluency in Mandarin (required) and English (highly advantageous)
- Average salary range (per year)
- ¥1,440,000 - ¥2,160,000
5. Finance Manager
A Finance Manager in Accounting and Finance oversees financial operations, ensures accurate reporting, and maintains compliance with accounting standards and regulations. They manage budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning while providing strategic insights to support organisational goals.
In their role, Finance Managers ensure financial integrity and help drive business performance through effective resource allocation and risk management.
- Academic Degrees and Certifications
- Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related field
- Professional certifications such as CPA, ACCA, CIMA, or CMA
- Master’s Degree in Finance or Business Administration (optional but advantageous)
- Recommended skills for success
- Expertise in financial reporting and compliance with local and international standards (e.g., IFRS, GAAP)
- Budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning
- Proficiency in accounting software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, QuickBooks)
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Leadership and team management abilities
- Knowledge of taxation and regulatory frameworks
- Communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Average salary range (per year)
- ¥280,000 - ¥450,000
Visit our 2025 Salary Guide to view salary information about a wide range of roles in Mainland China.
