Future Jobs of Shared Services and GBS

A recent report titled “100 Jobs of the Future” captured the interest of the SSON editorial team. Many of the jobs listed can possibly fall under the shared services purview, which led to a discussion amongst the team about which roles are most relevant to the current direction of the shared services and GBS.

The following are the job titles we feel the shared services and GBS space are most likely to either establish or bring into shared services and GBS in the coming year. If there is a job you feel is going to shape the future of shared services, let us know in the comments below. 

Head of Capability 

The Head of Capability is a leadership role that focuses on developing and managing the skills and competencies of its workforce. This job involves identifying the organization's capability gaps, designing and implementing training programs, and aligning the workforce with the company's strategic goals. In the context of shared services, the Head of Capability plays a crucial role in ensuring that employees have the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality services to multiple business units or departments within the organization. 

Floating Resource Coordinator

A Floating Resource Coordinator is responsible for managing and optimizing the allocation of resources within a shared services environment. Shared services involve centralizing support functions such as HR, IT, finance, and others to serve multiple departments or business units. The Floating Resource Coordinator ensures that the available resources, such as personnel, equipment, and facilities, are effectively assigned and utilized across different teams or projects. They help maintain balance and efficiency in the delivery of shared services. 

Visual Communicator

A Visual Communicator is a professional who specializes in creating visual content to convey information, messages, or concepts. In shared services, visual communication is crucial for effectively presenting complex information, data and processes to various stakeholders. Visual Communicators may design infographics, presentations, videos, and other visual materials that simplify and enhance the understanding of shared services offerings, benefits, and procedures. They help make shared services more accessible and engaging for both internal and external audiences. 

Chief Ethics Officer

A Chief Ethics Officer is a senior executive responsible for overseeing and promoting ethical behavior and practices within an organization. Their primary role is to ensure that the organization operates with integrity, adheres to ethical standards, and complies with applicable laws and regulations.

SSON Research & Analytics data shows that 9% of shared services and GBS are taking over ESG responsibilities for their business, meaning a job title like Chief Ethics Officer will likely soon fall in the shared services domain. 

Workforce Experience Lead

A Workforce Experience Lead focuses on optimizing employees' overall experience within shared services and the organization as a whole. They work to create a positive and engaging work environment by considering factors such as employee satisfaction, engagement, well-being, and career development. The Workforce Experience Lead collaborates with HR, managers, and other stakeholders to design and implement initiatives that enhance the employee experience, promote a collaborative culture, and support the overall success of shared services. 

Data Waste Recycler

The role of a Data Waste Recycler involves managing and optimizing data resources within a shared services organization. Data waste refers to redundant, outdated, or trivial data that occupies storage space, hampers data analysis, and slows down processes. A Data Waste Recycler works to identify and eliminate unnecessary data, implement data governance practices, and develop data management strategies to improve the quality and usability of data within shared services.

According to SSON Research & Analytics, 57% of shared services organizations and GBS provide data management services to the company as a whole, meaning the data waste recycler would sit inside shared services but provide their assistance to several functions within the organization. This role ensures that shared services can leverage accurate and relevant data to support decision-making and deliver efficient services. 

Freelance Virtual Clutter Organizer

A Freelance Virtual Clutter Organizer is an individual who provides remote organizational services to individuals or businesses. In the context of shared services, they may be engaged to help employees or teams declutter their digital workspaces, such as email inboxes, file systems, and project management tools. By organizing and streamlining digital information, a Freelance Virtual Clutter Organizer improves productivity and efficiency within shared services by enabling easier access to relevant data and reducing information overload.