The first half of 2026 has shown that organisations are still investing in enterprise technology - they're simply becoming more selective about how they do it. Projects are moving forward, but hiring decisions are increasingly focused on finding specialists who can deliver measurable outcomes rather than simply fill a role.
Across IFS, NetSuite, HRIS and Epicor, we're seeing a similar pattern emerge. Businesses are continuing to modernise systems, optimise existing platforms and invest in long-term digital capability, creating sustained demand for experienced professionals with both technical expertise and commercial awareness.
So, where is the market heading for the remainder of 2026, and what skills are employers prioritising?
IFS: Maximising value from Cloud investments
The IFS market remains active, but conversations have shifted. While new implementations continue, many organisations are now focused on getting more from IFS Cloud through optimisation, additional functionality and continuous improvement.
As these programmes mature, employers are looking for professionals who understand the entire project lifecycle rather than a single phase of delivery.
Demand continues to be strongest for:
• IFS Cloud Functional Consultants
• Solution Architects
• Technical Consultants
• Integration Specialists
• Project Managers
• Business Analysts
Alongside technical expertise, organisations increasingly value consultants who can engage stakeholders, improve business processes and support adoption across the wider business.
NetSuite: Growth continues beyond implementation
NetSuite adoption continues to gather pace across the UK, particularly among scaling organisations looking for greater operational visibility and flexibility.
As more businesses move beyond implementation, hiring requirements are becoming broader. Rather than focusing solely on project delivery, employers are building internal capability to support optimisation, reporting and future development.
Skills currently attracting significant demand include:
• NetSuite Functional Consultants
• NetSuite Administrators
• SuiteScript Developers
• Integration Specialists
• Finance Systems Specialists
• Solution Architects
Professionals with experience improving existing environments, rather than simply delivering go-lives, are becoming increasingly valuable.
HRIS: Technology and people strategy continue to align
HRIS remains one of the fastest-evolving areas within enterprise technology.
Organisations are continuing to invest in platforms that improve workforce planning, employee experience and data-driven decision making. At the same time, successful HRIS programmes rely heavily on user adoption and effective change management.
As a result, employers are seeking professionals with experience across:
• HRIS implementation and configuration
• Data migration and governance
• Payroll and third-party integrations
• Reporting and workforce analytics
• Change management
• Stakeholder engagement
The strongest candidates continue to combine technical capability with an understanding of HR operations and organisational change.
Epicor: Manufacturing expertise remains a competitive advantage
Demand within the Epicor market continues to be driven by manufacturers looking to modernise operations while improving efficiency across production and supply chain functions.
Cloud migrations, system upgrades and optimisation programmes remain common, creating opportunities for experienced ERP professionals who understand both the technology and the industries it supports.
Employers continue to prioritise:
• Epicor Kinetic Consultants
• Functional Consultants
• ERP Developers
• Manufacturing Business Analysts
• Supply Chain Specialists
• Technical Project Managers
Candidates with practical manufacturing knowledge alongside Epicor expertise remain particularly difficult to source.
One trend connects every market
Although each technology ecosystem has its own priorities, one recruitment trend is becoming increasingly clear - Technical expertise alone is no longer enough.
Employers are placing greater emphasis on professionals who can communicate with stakeholders, understand business objectives and support change throughout the delivery lifecycle.
Across every market, the most sought-after candidates are those who can:
• translate business requirements into practical solutions
• build relationships across technical and non-technical teams
• support user adoption
• improve processes after go-live
• combine functional knowledge with commercial understanding
These hybrid skillsets are becoming increasingly valuable as organisations look to maximise the return on their technology investments.
Looking ahead
The UK ERP recruitment market remains positive heading into the second half of 2026.
While organisations continue to recruit carefully, demand for experienced specialists across IFS, NetSuite, HRIS and Epicor remains consistent. The focus has shifted from simply delivering projects to delivering lasting business value, and that requires people with the right combination of technical expertise, industry knowledge and communication skills.
For employers, securing those individuals is unlikely to become any easier as competition for experienced talent continues.
For professionals, expanding experience beyond technical delivery - through stakeholder management, business process improvement and continuous optimisation - will continue to strengthen career opportunities throughout the remainder of the year.
