In the world of eCommerce recruitment, attracting the right talent in 2025 takes more than a competitive salary or quirky perks. As a specialist eCommerce recruitment agency, Cranberry Panda knows that candidates are sharper than ever when it comes to knowing their worth - and what they expect from their next eCommerce job.
So, what are the non-negotiables for today’s eCommerce professionals? From flexible working and salary progression to personal development and company culture, we asked candidates exactly what matters most. In this blog, we’re diving into those expectations and comparing them to what hiring managers are offering. Whether you’re hiring for your eCommerce team or planning your next career move, understanding these trends will help you stay one step ahead.
Missed our latest update on eCommerce hiring trends and candidate activity? Check it out to see when businesses are hiring and how candidates are responding in 2025.
In our 2025 eCommerce Salary Survey – a go-to guide for attracting top eCommerce talent – we asked respondents to share their non-negotiables. What factors make them hit ‘apply’ on a job ad? And what ultimately seals the deal when choosing to accept an offer? These insights reveal expectations from candidates in a competitive hiring landscape.
According to our latest survey, it’s clear that salary and flexibility top the list. A competitive salary and remote working were tied as the most essential factors in a new eCommerce role, each chosen by 78% of respondents.
It’s not surprising. With the cost of living still a concern and remote working now firmly part of workplace culture, professionals are no longer willing to compromise on financial reward or flexibility. The demand for remote options also reflects the way eCommerce talent works best – with autonomy, trust and access to digital tools from anywhere.
In third place is job security, highlighted by 64% of respondents. While innovation and change are constant in eCommerce, that doesn’t mean candidates want uncertainty. Many have experienced rapid shifts, restructures, or redundancies over the past few years. Now, they’re placing more value on stability and long-term prospects when considering their next move.
Together, these top three priorities paint a clear picture: eCommerce professionals want roles that offer real value, both in how they live and how they work. If businesses want to stand out to top talent, these expectations should be at the core of any hiring strategy.
Here’s what our hiring manager respondents shared when asked how they’re appealing to top candidates in 2025:
Competitive Salary – 96%
Nearly all employers say they’re offering competitive pay, which aligns well with the 78% of candidates who list it as a top priority. The intent is there, but candidates may still question if these salaries truly reflect market benchmarks.
Flexible/Remote Work – 79%
A strong match to candidate expectations, with 78% of professionals saying remote work is essential. This shows that most businesses are adapting to the post-pandemic shift in how people want to work.
Aligned Company Culture – 71%
Culture fit is clearly a focus for employers, and while not in the top 3 candidate priorities, it supports other values like job security, progression and ethical alignment.
Leadership Training – 38%
While only 33% of candidates list career growth as essential, leadership training can support progression and retention. There's potential here to communicate this benefit more clearly to candidates.
Career Growth Opportunities – 33%
A direct match to the 40% of candidates who said a clear progression plan is a must-have. However, this relatively lower offering suggests many companies still need to step up in showing clear advancement paths.
Bonuses – 25%
Although bonuses are valued, they're not a top priority for most candidates. That said, they’re a useful addition to the wider benefits package, especially when salary expectations are met.
Want to attract the best eCommerce talent in 2025? Make sure your hiring strategy speaks to what candidates actually care about. If you’re ready to take the next step, submit your vacancy here.
Make sure to download a full copy of our 2025 eCommerce Salary Survey below – these insights are just the beginning!