WEBB Fontaine plans to hire an additional 100 to 150 people within the next two years as it expands its presence in Metro Manila, the global trade tech firm said.
The 90-employee research and development team in Metro Manila specializes in single window, mobile technology, big data, and customs systems. The company plans to hire Java developers, software engineers, data analysts, and product managers.
Webb Fontaine Group Manila Marketing Specialist Arabelle Magallona said that the expansion is linked to expanding local operations and more global demand.
“We would need more information technology (IT) talents to develop these software and solutions for the global trading community,” she said at an online briefing.
The Philippines continues to be attractive for research and development for global firms, she added, noting the English-language skills of the local work force.
Webb Fontaine offers tech solutions to governments and businesses for facilitating international trade, including trade compliance and electronic payments solutions.
The company is looking into whether or not it will put in place hybrid remote and in-office operations in its Ortigas space, or if it would maintain remote operations as it expands.
“The challenges currently of getting IT talents in the Philippines is there’s a lot of competition. There are a lot of other IT companies that also need software engineers, IT specialists, and product managers,” Ms. Magallona said.
Last year, British technology company Dyson Ltd. announced plans to open a software lab in Alabang and hire 400 software engineers for research and development work. — Jenina P. Ibañez