AN American internet company is to create 289 jobs in Derry giving a major boost to the local economy.
Dallas-based OneSource Virtual specialises in human resources.
Its Derry operation is to begin this September.
All 289 jobs are expected to be in place by the end of December 2017.
The roles include payroll administration, benefits administration and application management services.
Most of the employees will have the potential to earn about £36,000 a year.
SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan: “The addition of OneSource Virtual to the list of global companies which have chosen Derry as an investment location is further evidence of our city’s strength as a digital city.
“I want to acknowledge the people locally who have pioneered, pushed and sponsored the whole Digital Derry agenda as a platform for future economic growth in a global marketplace.
“These 289 jobs are a much-welcomed boost to our local economy – as are the economic spin-offs that a jobs announcement of this size brings.
“OneSource Virtual chose Derry ahead of eight other European cities, which is a strong endorsement of the skills of our people and the opportunities available in this region.”
Enterprise Minister Jonathan Bell said: “This is a major project for Derry.
“The company undertook a rigorous evaluation of a number of locations looking at the availability of a skilled workforce, local higher education provision, quality of life and cost of living, as well as the financial business case.
“It was down to two locations and, with the support of Invest NI, Derry was chosen, securing this project for Northern Ireland.
“When the project is fully operational, it will contribute nearly £12m of salaries to the economy annually.
“The new centre will service both existing OneSource clients in the US and new clients based in Europe as part of its expansion plans.
“This will offer staff an exciting and creative opportunity to provide innovative, cloud-based HR solutions to international firms.
“This is the second new investor for the city announced in a matter of weeks, which reflects our strong commitment to working with our partners in the north west to deliver projects that will provide economic benefit, not only to the immediate area, but also to the whole of Northern Ireland.”
OneSource Virtual co-founder and CEO Brian Williams said: “We will be looking for technology graduates with three to five years experience who possess strong verbal skills and thrive in a fast-paced environment as well as experienced UK payroll professionals.
“With the support of Invest NI, through its skills growth programme, we will be providing the staff with intensive training and support throughout their career.
“We have been very impressed by the opportunities we see in Derry and are looking forward to working closely with the business community and local colleges and universities to help develop our centre.”
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