Big Data Analytics Trend Creates New Executive Roles

The big data analytics trend has led to the growth of and need for different skill sets that necessitate new executive roles. CTPartners, an executive search organization, recently released a report forecasting executive job prospects and opportunities for the upcoming year.

They indicate an increased demand for analytics-related jobs, such as Head of People Analytics and roles related to cyberspace, as these will be necessary for a company when maintaining competitive advantage. Companies now have, or are at least aware of, the numerous data processing programs and softwares available, and need leaders and decision makers who have familiarity with these tools.

While searching for executives to fill more roles, companies are also looking for these professionals to have an advanced grasp of analytics and the opportunities and pitfalls that can accompany it. The Data Directive, published by the Economist Intelligence Unit, illustrates that of the 300 companies included in the report, the ones with the most data-driven insights had their CEO at the forefront of these decisions and initiatives.

Again, this highlights the need for executives to be well-versed in data and analytics, able to know which data must be analyzed to produce which kind of information, how the information created will provide value for the business. Most importantly, they must be able to discern the advantages, as well as the hazards within the big data realm.

Emerging Executive Jobs for Human Resources

In the Human Resources sector, the data analytics trend emphasizes the importance of the Chief Human Resource Officer, and their ability to create employee data insights has given the HR department a seat at the C-suite table.

Companies are starting to see the great value in using employee data to further the business strategy, and the CHRO is the CEO’s right hand in leveraging this data.

Also, HR has seen an emergence of a Head of People Analytics, the individual that would identify business needs and fulfill them with the appropriate employee data analytics tests. They are the person the business looks to in providing deeper worker insights.

Clearly it is a smart investment to dedicate time to developing a background in analytics if your goal is to attain an executive position. It provides a great competitive advantage and may even become a position requirement in the future as big data analytics is definitely a main player in the future of business.

This article is based upon a piece by SHRM Staff, originally published on the We Know Next Blog.

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