IT firm announces 168 jobs for Belfast

A new IT firm has announced 168 jobs for Belfast.

Presseye
Published 27th Jun 2017
Last updated 27th Jun 2017

Austin-based Bazaarvoice is making a multi-million pound investment in a new office in Belfast and will be recruiting the new staff over the next three years.

Announcing the investment, Alastair Hamilton, Invest Northern Ireland CEO said: “Bazaarvoice works with major high-street brands and retailers to provide them with precious insights on consumer purchasing habits through collecting and analysing consumer-generated content (CGC), like ratings and reviews.

“The new office will house 168 software engineering, sales and customer service staff to help service and grow the company’s UK and European business. Once fully operational this will generate nearly £5.5m annually, in salaries, into the NI Economy."

The new roles will be based in software engineering, support and quality assurance and some sales roles, with five of those positions already filled.

Gary Allison, Executive Vice President of Engineering at Bazaarvoice, said: “Our software ensures customer reviews and visual content are valid before they are shared on a retailer’s website, as well as providing valuable information to the retailer on consumer behaviour.

Gary Allison

"We might not be visible to the consumer but we are central to the retail experience, helping brands and retailers use consumer views to build engagement and trust.

“Northern Ireland was able to offer high quality technical staff with relevant industry skills, as well as a stable ICT sector, to support our growth plans. We were also impressed by the low staff turnover rates here.

“We have already begun our recruitment for experienced software professionals, and have been very impressed with the quality of the people.

"We spent time with Queen’s and Ulster universities, learning how to get the best from their internship and graduate recruitment programmes.

"I am pleased that we are now able to create significant opportunities for graduates to work in software engineering, client services and sales roles.

“We are also working closely with the Department for the Economy and will be launching an Assured Skills training programme to support non-IT graduates to get the relevant ICT knowledge needed to work for us