Sustainability Jobs in 2025: Discover the Top 10 Most In-Demand Positions in the field

The demand for sustainability professionals keeps rising as businesses, governments, and investors strengthen their ESG and net-zero commitments. Stricter climate policies are driving companies to hire ESG experts who can design, implement, and manage sustainability strategies while ensuring compliance with sustainability frameworks.

The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is increasing the demand for skilled sustainability professionals by requiring ESG integration in reporting, while the proposed EU Omnibus initiatives may shift ESG roles from compliance to strategy. In contrast, the rollback of the SEC Climate Disclosure in the US is expected to slow ESG hiring. Despite these regulatory changes, investment in renewable energy remains strong, with global investments reaching around $500 billion in 2024 and the green bond market projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2025, driving demand for sustainability jobs in solar, wind, energy storage, and climate finance.

In this moving landscape, organisations need to adapt their hiring strategies to attract and retain top sustainability talent. Below, we highlight the top 10 most in-demand sustainability jobs for 2025.

1. Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO)

Among the most in-demand Sustainability jobs, we find the Chief Sustainability Officer role. Often positioned at a C-suite level, the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) is responsible for driving the organisation’s ESG strategy, sustainability initiatives, and regulatory compliance and ensuring the company meets its environmental and social commitments.

The CSO plays a critical role in driving sustainability initiatives across executives, boards, and operations. They are responsible for educating stakeholders, embedding sustainability into the company’s core strategy, and shaping its ESG identity. The CSO also oversees sustainability branding, reputation management, and long-term impact, ensuring the organisation aligns with regulatory requirements and market expectations. 

The demand for CSOs is rising across industries, particularly in finance, energy, technology, and consumer goods. Companies in Europe and the UK are hiring CSOs to navigate sustainability regulation changes and drive change within organisations. According to a 2023 survey, The Conference Board reported that 68% of companies had appointed a CSO or equivalent position within the past five years, emphasizing the growing strategic importance of this role. 

The rising Fractional CSO model offers a cost-effective way for businesses to access expert sustainability leadership without a full-time commitment. It is ideal for SMEs, mid-sized companies, startups, tech firms, private equity investors, and corporations in transition seeking ESG strategy development and compliance support. We will cover this topic in our next article.

Success in the CSO role requires strategic leadership and regulatory expertise.Want to Learn More?  Read The Full Job Description

2. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager

A Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager develops and implements sustainability and social impact programs that align with a company’s values and ESG commitments. This role ensures businesses engage in ethical practices, enhance community relations, and meet corporate governance standards.

CSR Managers are particularly common in smaller organisations and companies newly entering the sustainability journey. These businesses often rely on CSR professionals to lay the foundation for their sustainability strategies, create ESG-aligned policies and initiatives including carbon footprint reduction and social impact projects, and ensure compliance with evolving regulations.

CSR Managers are in high demand across corporations, retail, and manufacturing. With growing expectations from stakeholders, consumers, and investors for corporate responsibility, businesses of all sizes are incorporating CSR professionals into their strategies. Key skills for this role include stakeholder engagement, and impact assessment. Want to Learn More? Read The Full Job Description.

3. ESG Analyst

The need for benchmarking and ESG scoring is growing, making ESG Analyst a high-demand function in finance, asset management, and corporate sustainability. They play a key role in assessing company performance across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, aiding investors and businesses in making informed, sustainable decisions.

Industries hiring ESG Analysts include financial services, investment firms, consulting, and large corporations integrating sustainability into their business models. High demand exists in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, and Asia, particularly in financial hubs like London, New York, and Singapore, where ESG-driven investment decisions are shaping markets.

This role requires data analysis expertise and regulatory knowledge. Want to Learn More? Read The Full Job Description.

4. Renewable Energy Engineer

Renewable Energy Engineers are at the forefront of designing and developing systems to harness energy from solar, wind, and hydrogen and other renewable sources. These professionals are pivotal in transitioning energy systems from fossil fuels to renewable sources, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and achieve net-zero targets globally.

The demand for Renewable Energy Engineers is surging due to a global commitment to sustainability and stricter environmental regulations. Globally, IRENA reports that 2.3 million renewable energy jobs were created in 2023, with China accounting for 46% of them. This number is expected to rise, driven by COP28’s goal to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030. 

The expansion of solar and wind farms, coupled with innovations in grid modernization, decentralized energy systems, and AI-driven smart grids, will require specialized expertise. Battery storage solutions will be essential in managing energy demand and stabilizing power grids, while hydrogen fuel cells will play a key role in decarbonizing industrial and transportation sectors. Engineers with skills in grid integration, energy storage optimization, and hydrogen infrastructure will be at the forefront of shaping the future of clean energy. Want to Learn More? Read The Full Job Description.

5. Climate Risk Consultant

Climate Risk Consultants helps businesses understand, manage, and mitigate the financial risks associated with climate change. They provide expert analysis on climate-related impacts and advise on adaptation strategies to enhance climate resilience in business operations.

Industry hiring these in demand specialised consultants includes insurance, finance, banking, infrastructure, energy, and real estate, where climate risks pose significant financial and operational threats. Demand is strongest in financial hubs such as New York, London, Frankfurt, and Singapore, as well as in regions vulnerable to climate risks, including coastal cities and areas with extreme weather conditions.

This role requires expertise in climate scenario analysis and financial risk modeling. As climate regulations tighten and businesses seek to future-proof their operations, Climate Risk Consultants will remain in high demand globally.

6. Sustainable Finance Manager

Sustainable Finance Managers are responsible for managing green investment portfolios and sustainability-linked loans, assessing investment opportunities, and ensuring compliance with ESG financial regulations. They play a key role in the transition to a net-zero economy by funding projects and initiatives that reduce carbon footprints and enhance sustainability. Despite challenges such as those seen in the US regarding climate change policies, the demand for sustainable finance remains strong in regions like the UK, EU, and Asia.

These managers are primarily employed by investment firms and banks that aim to integrate sustainability into their investment strategies. Corporate sectors in industries like energy, manufacturing, and technology also seek their expertise to develop sustainable financial solutions that align with their environmental goals. Success in this role requires expertise in ESG risk assessment and green financial structuring. Want to Learn More? Read The Full Job Description.

7. Carbon Accounting Specialist

Experts in GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions accounting help organisations measure, report, and reduce carbon footprints. They track emissions data, ensure compliance with carbon regulations, and support net-zero strategies. The demand for Carbon Specialists is set to rise as the market expands its focus on carbon reduction, removal solutions, and the development of carbon credit markets. Roles such as Carbon Accountant, Carbon Trader, and Carbon Credit Portfolio Manager are also expected to grow, driven by the increasing need for expertise in carbon management, trading, and regulatory compliance.

The global expansion and strengthening of carbon credit markets, especially in Europe, Asia, and Australia, are driving a heightened demand for professionals skilled in carbon management, trading, and regulatory compliance. Key skills for this role include carbon footprint analysis, carbon credit markets, carbon removal solutions expertise or regulatory knowledge.Want to Learn More? Read The Full Job Description. 

8. Circular Economy Consultant

A Circular Economy Consultant helps businesses move away from traditional “take-make-dispose” models by designing sustainable product life cycles, optimizing resource use, and implementing waste reduction strategies. This role is in high demand as companies align with ESG goals, sustainability regulations, and consumer expectations for greener products. The EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan and corporate net-zero commitments are major drivers of this shift. 

Hiring is concentrated in manufacturing, retail, fashion, packaging, construction, and technology, with high demand in Europe (Germany, Netherlands, UK), the US, Singapore, and the UAE.

This role requires material flow analysis, which helps assess resource use and optimize materials to minimize waste and life cycle assessment expertise. Read the Full Description

9. Sustainable Supply Chain Manager

A Sustainable Supply Chain Manager ensures that sourcing, production, and logistics align with ESG standards, reducing environmental impact and promoting ethical labor practices. Their work involves assessing supplier sustainability compliance, optimizing transportation for lower emissions, and integrating circular economy principles into supply chains.

With stricter regulatory frameworks, including the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and global net-zero goals, companies across retail, manufacturing, fashion, and consumer goods are increasing their focus on sustainable procurement. Demand is particularly strong in Europe (Germany, Netherlands, UK), the US, and the Middle East, where responsible sourcing and carbon reduction initiatives are expanding.

Key skills for this role include supplier risk assessment and logistics optimization. Want to Learn More?  Read The Full Job Description

10. Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Manager

An Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Manager ensures that organizations comply with environmental regulations and workplace safety standards while minimizing risks to employees and the environment. They play a crucial role in developing health and safety policies, implementing risk management frameworks, and ensuring companies adhere to local and international compliance requirements. Demand for EHS Managers is rising due to stricter environmental regulations and corporate sustainability commitments in manufacturing, construction, and heavy industries where worker safety and environmental impact are critical concerns.

The growth in renewable energy capacity is particularly driving demand for HSE experts. Companies in regions with strong regulatory oversight, such as the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East, are actively hiring EHS professionals to manage compliance and mitigate operational risks. This role requires risk assessment expertise and regulatory compliance knowledge to ensure adherence to evolving environmental and safety laws. 

EnableGreen specializes in sustainability jobs and recruitment, linking businesses with skilled professionals in ESG, climate finance, and renewable energy. We partner with organizations and professionals to navigate this competitive Sustainability Recruitment Market, ensuring companies find the right talent while helping candidates secure impactful careers in sustainability. Visit our website to know more about Recruitment and Executive search solutions or  Apply for Sustainability Jobs.

If you want to learn more, read our 2025 Sustainability Recruitment Market Report exploring the latest Sustainability Job market trends on our EnableGreen Website, Browse ESG & Green Finance Careers, or Follow Us on LinkedIn for ESG Hiring Insights & Job Updates.