Sustainability LIVE London: Navigating ESG Recruitment
At Sustainability LIVE London Global Summit 2024 Jonathan Hart-Smith, Chief Operating Officer at ESG REC shared his insights on the current state of hiring in the sustainability and ESG sectors.
Addressing a room full of professionals eager to build and retain strong teams, Jonathan explored key trends, skills gaps and what makes an employer stand out in a competitive hiring landscape.
Understanding the ESG job market
Jonathan’s journey into ESG recruitment was not a traditional one. Originally a molecular biologist, he transitioned into recruitment after realising he wanted to make a broader impact. Now, his company connects businesses with sustainability talent, helping to bridge the gap between demand and supply.
Discussing the current market, Jonathan highlighted that the number of sustainability professionals in the UK has grown by 7% since the start of the year. However, job vacancies in the sector have risen by 24%, creating a talent shortage.
“If you're hiring, it's good news that more professionals are entering the market,” he said.
“But demand is growing even faster, so the challenge remains.”
One of the more striking statistics he shared was that 20% of UK sustainability professionals have changed jobs in the last 12 months. Furthermore, the average tenure of a sustainability role is just 1.8 to 2.3 years.
“If it takes six months to train a new hire, but they leave within two years, that’s a real problem for businesses,” he noted.
Key skills gaps in ESG roles
While technical skills are essential, Jonathan stressed that one of the biggest gaps in ESG recruitment is soft skills. Based on conversations with CSOs and ESG leaders, he found that many professionals struggle to communicate the value of sustainability effectively across their organisations.
“They can understand the data and reporting requirements, but they also need to bring people along on the journey,” he explained. “The ability to influence and articulate sustainability’s importance is just as crucial as technical expertise.”
Jonathan also referenced a recent Harvard Business Review study, which found that many ESG leaders still lack “lived experience” in sustainability. While more CSOs are now present at the board level, those who have built their careers in sustainability from the ground up often have a greater impact.
“Companies have come a long way in appointing sustainability leaders, but they still need people who can truly integrate ESG across all business functions,” he said.
What makes a great employer in ESG?
As a recruiter, Jonathan has a unique perspective on what attracts and retains top sustainability talent. He outlined several key factors that make companies stand out:
- A well-structured hiring process – The best-performing companies move efficiently, involve key stakeholders early and clearly communicate their sustainability strategy to candidates.
- A strong employer value proposition – Organisations that authentically embed sustainability into their culture and operations attract more engaged employees. He cited companies like Patagonia as examples of businesses that successfully position their purpose at the forefront.
- Retention strategies – Companies must focus not only on hiring but also on keeping employees engaged. With 20% of sustainability professionals changing jobs annually, internal career development is critical. “If you’re losing people quickly, you need to ask why,” he said.
Advice for ESG professionals
For those looking to advance in sustainability careers, Jonathan emphasised the importance of stepping out of comfort zones.
“Volunteer for projects, develop new skills and make sure you’re visible within your organisation,” he advised.
He also pointed out that as teams become more global and remote, the ability to lead and influence through digital communication is becoming increasingly important.
“Learn how to build relationships and drive sustainability initiatives even when working across different time zones and cultures,” he suggested.
Jonathan concluded by reiterating that ESG recruitment is evolving rapidly, with more companies recognising the importance of sustainability professionals at all levels. However, businesses must do more than just hire—they need to create environments where ESG teams can thrive and make a real impact.
“The sustainability sector is growing, but it’s still maturing,” he said. “Companies that understand how to attract, retain and develop ESG talent will have a significant competitive advantage in the years to come.”
With ESG becoming a fundamental part of corporate strategy, Jonathan’s insights provided a valuable roadmap for both businesses and professionals navigating this dynamic landscape.
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