As summer winds down and teams return from annual leave, September once again brings the “September Surge” in recruitment activity. This period is widely recognised as one of the busiest times of year for both job seekers and employers.
The demand for sustainability professionals has increased by 116% since 2019, driven by regulatory changes, net-zero targets, and rising stakeholder scrutiny. Businesses are now prioritising skill sets, such as circular economy expertise, TCFD and CSRD reporting, and the integration of AI into sustainability practices.
Organisations across construction, infrastructure, energy, and wider industries are looking for experts who can embed sustainability into core business strategy and deliver tangible results. September and October consistently see peaks in job applications as professionals return from summer breaks motivated to take the next step in their careers.
For employers, this is an ideal time to review talent gaps and plan ahead.
Hiring in September allows new starters to be in place well before year-end targets and reporting deadlines. It also helps build resilience, particularly if post-summer resignations leave teams stretched. Even if you don’t have immediate vacancies, monitoring the candidate market now can uncover exceptional talent who might not be available at other times of the year.
Tips for hiring during the September Surge:
Move quickly: Strong sustainability professionals often have multiple opportunities on the table. Clear timelines and swift processes make all the difference.
Be transparent: Setting realistic expectations around interview stages and start dates helps keep candidates engaged.
Stay flexible: Offering hybrid working, contract options, or phased start dates can help attract in-demand sustainability talent.
The competition for environmental and sustainability expertise has never been stronger. By acting decisively and communicating clearly, organisations stand the best chance of securing talent.
At Irwin and Colton, we specialise in helping organisations build high-performing environment and sustainability teams. Whether you’re planning to expand your current team or exploring your own next career move, we’d be happy to support you.
Jess Rowe is a Consultant in Irwin and Colton’s Sustainability and Environment Team. Contact Jess at Jessica.Rowe@irwinandcolton.com or +44 (0)1923 432 693.