How to Attract eCommerce Talent – Are You Keeping Up?

In a fast-moving hiring market like eCommerce, attracting top talent isn’t just about filling roles. It’s about standing out. So what exactly are eCommerce hiring managers doing to win the best candidates?

We asked the people doing the hiring, and the results are in. But the bigger question is: are you keeping up?  Let’s explore what your peers are offering and what you might need to improve to stay ahead.

Competitive Salary – Are your pay bands where they should be?

What hiring managers said: 96% are offering competitive salaries
What candidates want: 78% listed salary as their #1 priority

The good news? Most eCommerce employers think they’re offering competitive pay. The challenge? Candidates are savvier than ever. They're comparing offers, using salary surveys and asking for transparency.

Your action plan:

• Use up-to-date benchmarking tools (like our eCommerce salary survey) to check where your packages sit.
• Be upfront with salary ranges. Candidates are 50% more likely to apply to roles with clear compensation.
• If you can’t offer top-end salaries, pair them with flexible perks, meaningful benefits, or rapid growth opportunities.

Flexible or Remote Work – Are you adapting?

What hiring managers said: 79% offer remote/flexible work
What candidates want: 78% said remote work is non-negotiable

Remote and hybrid options aren’t a post-pandemic trend. They’re a foundational expectation for today’s talent. If you're not offering flexibility, you may be cutting out a huge portion of the candidate market.

Your action plan:

• Define your hybrid policy clearly in job descriptions
• Offer flexibility in working hours as well as location
• Consider outcome-based performance over presenteeism

Aligned Company Culture – Do you promote this?

What hiring managers said: 71% are focused on cultural fit
What candidates want: Culture wasn’t in the top 3, but it supports job security, ethical alignment and progression

Culture might not make the top of the candidate wish list, but it’s often the deciding factor when they choose you over another offer. Culture matters more than you think.

Your action plan:

• Showcase real employee stories and testimonials on your careers page
• Be transparent about your mission, values and team dynamics
• Highlight your approach to inclusion, wellbeing and collaboration

Leadership Training – Are you helping your team grow?

What hiring managers said: 38% offer leadership development

Leadership development might not be a headline grabber, but it’s a powerful retention tool. For ambitious eCommerce professionals, the promise of growing into a bigger role is often more appealing than a bigger salary.

Your action plan:

• Introduce personal development plans from day one
• Offer mentorship schemes, learning budgets, or internal promotions
• Talk about how past team members have grown and advanced

Career Growth Opportunities – Is there a clear path forward?

What hiring managers said: 33% offer progression plans
What candidates want: 40% say this is a must-have

There’s a disconnect here, and it could be costing you. Even if you do offer growth, failing to communicate it in the hiring process can lead to missed opportunities.

Your action plan:

• Map out a clear path to promotion and progression
• Be honest about timeframes, skills required, and support offered
• Make career development part of your job descriptions and interviews

Bonuses – Are they the cherry on top?

What hiring managers said: 25% offer bonuses
What candidates want: Bonuses didn’t rank in the top 3

Bonuses are nice, but they won’t make up for poor base salary or unclear expectations. Think of them as a value add, not the main draw.

Your action plan:

• Tie bonuses to personal and business performance
• Communicate them clearly—avoid vague promises
• Use them to reward loyalty, innovation or team contribution

Are you really offering what top eCommerce talent wants?

Here’s what eCommerce professionals told us they value most:

• Salary
• Remote working
• Job security

Yet many employers are still under-delivering on the fundamentals.

If you’re not seeing the quality of applications you hoped for or struggling to compete on offers, it may be time to reassess. The market is still competitive, but with the right adjustments, you can win the best digital talent out there.

At Cranberry Panda, we don’t just fill jobs - we build teams that thrive. Whether you need contract support, permanent hires or senior search, we’re here to help you create a winning offer and find the right fit.