IT Jobs in FMCG and Pharma Manufacturing

The digital revolution is transforming every industry, and India’s FMCG & Pharmaceutical manufacturing sector is no exception. But what does this mean for IT professionals? Let’s take a look at FMCG & Pharma IT talent needs in India. In this post, we will delve into the top IT Jobs, salaries and skills in India’s FMCG & Pharma Manufacturing sectors. 

India’s Manufacturing Sector:

India’s manufacturing sector is on a promising trajectory. Reports buzz about India’s smart “plus-one” strategy, wooing manufacturers seeking alternatives to China’s manufacturing industry. 

Specific sectors like FMCG, pharmaceuticals and automobiles are showing particularly strong growth.

Why the shift?

• India boasts a vast, trainable and ambitious tech and non-tech workforce.
• Strategic access to emerging markets opens doors to new growth.
• Competitive edge in low-cost and economical manufacturing.
• Strong legal system and patent protection.

The rise of e-commerce and a robust digital infrastructure is further keeping operations in India connected and efficient, further boosting domestic manufacturing industry.

While challenges remain, the relentless focus on building a robust ecosystem is putting India’s manufacturing sector on the world map. With continued improvements, India has the potential to rewrite the global manufacturing story in the years to come.

How IT is fueling growth in Pharma and FMCG Manufacturing: 

India’s rise as a manufacturing powerhouse isn’t just about factories and assembly lines. Behind the scenes, digitization is driving demand for skilled IT professionals in the FMCG and Pharma manufacturing sectors.

Gone are the days of siloed operations; today’s fast-paced world demands real-time insights, optimized production, and seamless supply chains. That’s where IT talent enters the stage, wielding powerful ways to transform traditional manufacturing.

Xpheno mapped the IT talent landscape of 39 prominent manufacturing companies belonging to the FMCG and Pharma sector in India. Through this dipstick analysis, we explore the demand and compensation trends for IT professionals in manufacturing hubs, highlighting top locations, job roles and sought-after skills. 

Total active demand for IT professionals:

As of January 2024, the total number of active job openings in the cohort analyzed across different functions is 124k. Openings in the tech and engineering functions in this sector amount to 34k, which makes up 27% of the total active white-collar job openings in the sector. 

Amidst a hiring slowdown in IT Services and the FAAMNG cohort, overall tech hiring is in low gear. We see the manufacturing sector emerge as a promising avenue for IT professionals in the current job market. 

Compensation trend for IT jobs in Pharma and FMCG manufacturing:

Our research reveals:

• Nearly half (47%) of IT jobs offer salaries between 6-10 LPA, making it a lucrative career path.
• Top performers can command even higher salaries, with 19% of roles exceeding 10 LPA.
• Compared to other functions like Sales and Finance where lower salary bands dominate, IT stands out. 

Top locations:

Bengaluru takes the lead, boasting almost 40% of total job openings. Following behind are Hyderabad and Pune, securing 20% and 16% of active job opportunities respectively. 

Job Roles and Skills in Demand:

Software Engineers, Data Engineers and System Analysts are among the highly sought-after IT roles in the manufacturing sector, accounting for over 20% of the total IT jobs. Here are 7 major hot skills for IT pros in the manufacturing sector.

Analytical Skills: 

Regardless of the tech stack (which is at the crux of it all), the ability to decipher data, identify trends, and make informed decisions is paramount for IT pros working in manufacturing. 

Data Analytics:

As FMCG & Pharma giants are building data-driven supply chains to deliver personalized experiences, it requires understanding customer desires. That’s where Data Analysts step in, analyzing data to guide strategy. From sentiments to buying habits, they help enterprises offer the right product, at the right place, at the right time – driving optimisation and building loyalty in a competitive landscape.

SQL:

The language of databases, SQL, unlocks insights hidden within oceans of data. These insights then power informed decisions in manufacturing firms. 

Python:

The versatile coding language of choice, Python tackles anything from automation to AI, making it a must-have in the modern manufacturing tech stack. its versatility and efficiency in data analysis, automation, and machine learning. Whether it’s streamlining processes, predictive maintenance, quality control or regulatory compliance, it helps enhance productivity and decision-making in the Pharma and FMCG sectors.

AWS:

The cloud giant reigns supreme, offering agility, scalability, and cutting-edge solutions for data storage, analytics, and more.

SAP:

SAP and ERP skills are vital for FMCG and Pharma companies, streamlining logistics, sales, and production. They enhance efficiency, provide real-time insights and ensure seamless integration across the supply chain.

DevOps:

Bridging the gap between development and operations, DevOps ensures seamless software delivery and smooth system integration for enterprises across various sectors.

Conclusion:

With good investments and support from the Government in the recent past, India’s FMCG & Pharma manufacturing landscape is booming. It offers competitive salaries, diverse opportunities and exciting career prospects. Embracing the digital revolution in manufacturing is a paradigm shift, and India is at the forefront.  If you develop the right tech skills, you can consider opportunities in the exciting world of manufacturing.