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The Environment and Sustainability recruitment market has started 2026 with steady, sustained activity.
Demand remains strong across construction, infrastructure, energy, and environmental services, driven by a continued shift from high‑level ESG strategy toward physical delivery.
Many organisations are now expanding their sustainability teams to support more mature programmes, meet regulatory expectations, and demonstrate real progress against net zero goals. As a result, hiring is particularly active at the mid‑senior level, where professionals are expected not only to advise but to lead, influence, and embed sustainability into day‑to‑day operations.
Below is a snapshot of how the market has performed so far this year.
Market Activity
Across the first part of the year, there has been consistent hiring across projects in construction and infrastructure, where environmental performance and compliance remain critical commercial and regulatory priorities. At the same time, organisations within utilities and environmental services are expanding their in‑house expertise to manage permitting, ensure compliance, and respond to increasing scrutiny from regulators.
A noticeable trend is the rise in demand for professionals who can translate sustainability commitments into implementable programmes. Many businesses have now set their net-zero and ESG strategies; 2026 is increasingly about execution.
This shift is generating demand for individuals with strong operational, commercial, and stakeholder management skills - those who can work across functions, influence senior decision‑making, and drive measurable progress are the most sought after.
Most In‑Demand Roles
The roles in the highest demand reflect these operational and delivery‑focused priorities.
Environment and Sustainability Advisors and Managers continue to be heavily recruited within construction and infrastructure, where project‑based environmental management remains essential. Sustainability Managers specialising in carbon reduction, net zero strategy, and ESG reporting are also in strong demand, particularly across large corporates and asset‑heavy sectors.
Environmental compliance and permitting specialists are being increasingly sought after in utilities and environmental services, where upcoming regulatory milestones are shaping hiring plans.
Meanwhile, at the senior end of the market, more organisations are recruiting Heads of Sustainability or Environment, reflecting a shift toward stronger internal governance, clearer direction, and board‑level accountability.
Key Skill Shortages
Skills shortages remain one of the defining features of the sustainability market. Carbon and climate expertise, particularly around measuring and reducing Scope 1–3 emissions, continues to be one of the scarcest and most valuable technical capabilities. Candidates who can design, implement, and track net-zero strategies are receiving significant interest from multiple sectors.
There is also increasing demand for professionals who can embed sustainability within complex supply chains. Organisations are looking for individuals with experience in influencing procurement, engaging suppliers, and improving end‑to‑end traceability.
Candidate Market
The 2026 market remains strongly candidate‑led, especially at the experienced Advisor and Manager level. Skilled sustainability professionals are often approached by several organisations simultaneously, meaning hiring processes must be efficient, well‑structured, and compelling.
Candidates continue to prioritise hybrid working, clear progression, and organisational commitment to sustainability. Many jobseekers are increasingly selective, favouring employers with mature strategies, transparent reporting, and visible executive support for sustainability programmes.
Organisations that can articulate their long‑term vision during the interview process are best placed to secure sustainability professionals.
Salary and Package Trends
Salaries across the market have remained generally stable so far this year. However, strong candidates, particularly those with carbon, ESG reporting, or permitting expertise, continue to command salary increases when moving roles due to limited supply and high competition.
At the same time, organisations are becoming more flexible with benefits and incentives to strengthen attraction. Car allowances are common for project‑based roles, while flexible working patterns are now widely expected.
Market Outlook for 2026
The outlook for the remainder of 2026 is positive.
Sustainability hiring is expected to continue growing as regulatory pressures increase, reporting obligations tighten, and organisations move further into delivery and measurement phases of their net zero and ESG commitments. Many businesses are now moving beyond compliance, focusing instead on leadership and long‑term value creation through sustainability.
This shift is likely to drive continued hiring at senior level throughout the year.
With strategy implementation now centre stage, demand will remain strong for professionals who bring both technical expertise and delivery capability. Those with carbon, supply chain, and change‑management skill sets will be especially sought after.
As the market continues to mature, organisations that offer clear progression, strong leadership backing, and agile recruitment processes will be best positioned to secure high‑calibre talent.
If you’d like to discuss your hiring plans or explore the latest environment and sustainability opportunities, the team at Irwin and Colton would be happy to help.