Alfie Lampe
Last updated: February 2026 – What’s changed?
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AI integration (Joule): SAP’s generative AI copilot is now embedded across SuccessFactors, with specialised AI agents for performance, talent development and payroll driving adoption.
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SmartRecruiters acquisition: SAP’s €753m acquisition in late 2025 has significantly strengthened recruiting and talent acquisition capabilities within the SuccessFactors ecosystem.
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Cloud migration momentum: RISE and GROW programmes continue to accelerate large scale moves from on-premise systems to SuccessFactors.
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Rising demand for niche skills: Increased hiring activity for Employee Central Payroll, AI and People Analytics, Talent Intelligence Hub and SAP BTP expertise.
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Candidate advantage returning: Organisations are rebuilding delivery teams, creating stronger negotiating power for skilled professionals.
SuccessFactors is the leading cloud-based human capital management (HCM) solution that helps organisations of all sizes and industries to attract, develop, and retain top talent. With more than 10,000 customers in over 200 countries and consisting of over 220 million users, it's helping to shape the future of HR and people management
As we enter 2026, it remains a candidate-driven market with huge potential. That means high demand, high salaries, and high competition for SAP SuccessFactors professionals.
Nowadays, there are many different modules that make up the platform – but these are split into four categories: Core HR, Talent, Growth & Intelligence. Within these categories, sit a set of primary modules.
- Core HR – Employee Central (EC), Payroll (ECP), Time Tracking.
- Talent – Recruiting/SmartRecruiters (RCM/RMK), Onboarding (ONB/ONB 2.0), Performance (PMGM), Compensation (CMP), Succession (CDP).
- Growth – Learning (LMS) and Opportunity Marketplace (OM).
- Intelligence – People Analytics (PA/SAC), Talent Intelligence Hub (TIH), Joule
The most common questions we get from candidates who are interested in SAP SuccessFactors are: How do I choose the best career path for myself as a SAP SuccessFactors professional? Should I work as a consultant or as an in-house employee? What are the pros and cons of each option? And how can I find the best role for my skills and goals?
For this blog I will share with you my insights and advice on how to choose your SAP SuccessFactors career path in 2026 and how Empiric can help you find the best opportunities and land your perfect position. (Updated February 2026)
Consultancy vs In-House: How to Choose Your Path
Both options offer different benefits and drawbacks, and the best option for you depends on several factors. When engaging with candidates, I follow a model based on different aspects of their work life to help find the best fit.
Career goals and aspirations:
- Are you interested in developing expertise specific industry or domain, or are you keen to gain exposure to different sectors and challenges?
- Are you looking to advance within a single organisation, or are you aiming to expand your network and reputation across multiple clients?
Personal preferences and lifestyle:
- Are you looking for a consistent and long-term work arrangement, or are you open to flexible and short-term work opportunities?
- Are you willing to be busy with lots of different projects at once? Or would you rather focus on one project at a time?
- Do you like travelling frequently, or would you rather have a fixed office location?
Skills and competencies:
- How confident are you in your knowledge and experience to implement and configure SAP SuccessFactors solutions for different scenarios and requirements e.g. performance management or talent acquisition?
- How well do you communicate and interact with various stakeholders and users?
- What motivates you to constantly learn new technologies and best practices? How quickly and effectively do you learn new technologies and best practices?
Consultancy vs In-House: a Side-by-Side Comparison
Following a conversation using the questions above, we’ll leverage our expertise to assess your skills, experience and preferences to help find the best role for you. Our network and connections provide inside perspectives on the pros and cons of various roles, so you can make the right choice with confidence.
From my experience working on roles from both sides, I’ve lined up some of my take on in-house vs Consultancy, below:
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As we enter 2026, there have been several key factors that have bolstered SuccessFactors’ position in the market over the last 12 months:
- AI Integration (Joule) – The rollout of Joule, SAP’s generative AI copilot, has acted as a key adoption driver. Now, specialised AI agents for performance, talent development and payroll have become standard features.
- SmartRecruiters Acquisition – In late 2025, SAP acquired SmartRecruiters for approximately €753 million, which has significantly expanded the recruiting and talent acquisition customer base within the SuccessFactors ecosystem.
- Cloud Migration Momentum – SAP’s RISE and GROW programs have pushed thousands of legacy, on-premise customers toward SuccessFactors as part of their cloud and digital transformations.
With the increase in job requirements, especially for those with niche skills, the power is back in the hands of you the candidate. Many businesses are aggressively re-building their delivery teams following years of cuts and huge dips in project demands.
This year we are already seeing, and expect to continue to do so, increased demand in niche skillsets like Employee Central Payroll, AI & People Analytics, Talent Intelligence Hub and BTP (for those who can navigate the SAP Business Technology Platform) to connect SuccessFactors with other technology environments and systems.
Your 2026 SAP SuccessFactors Career
Our clients this year are telling us they are adding staff and growing teams - bigger companies are expanding their divisions and hiring more talent.
We’ve got live jobs across both in-house and consultancy - so weigh up your situation. Whether you’re looking for a new challenge or a change of scenery, we can help you find the best fit for your skills and goals. Currently, we are hiring for several openings across both permanent and contract/freelance, as well as plenty more roles across the ecosystem which you can find on our SAP page.
With huge demand forecasted in 2026, SAP SuccessFactors offers exciting potential for consultants and in-house talent alike.
Learn more about Empiric's SuccessFactors capabilities on our dedicated SAP SuccessFactors page and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter below. Also, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn – I’m always keen to speak, connect and help professionals land their perfect SAP SuccessFactors position.
