In recent years, demand for ESG jobs in the UK has grown rapidly, driven by a surge in climate policy, investor expectations, and a national push toward net-zero goals. From financial services and real estate to energy and tech, companies are hiring professionals who can embed sustainability into everything from reporting and risk to supply chains and stakeholder engagement.
For job seekers passionate about impact, ESG roles offer the opportunity to align career goals with purpose-driven work. But with demand growing fast and the market becoming more competitive, it is essential to understand where to look, which sectors are hiring, and how to stand out.
The rise of ESG careers in the UK
What are ESG jobs, and why do they matter?
ESG jobs span a wide range of disciplines, from environmental compliance and net-zero strategy to social impact, ethical sourcing, and corporate governance. They are often embedded within roles such as sustainability analysts, ESG data specialists, responsible investment managers, and even senior leadership positions like Chief Sustainability Officer.
These roles are crucial as companies navigate increasing expectations from regulators, investors, and consumers. A recent Deloitte UK analysis revealed that nearly half of the UK’s largest companies have had to restate their climate and sustainability disclosures. This highlights both the rising regulatory scrutiny and the urgent need for skilled ESG professionals to guide strategic direction and ensure compliance.
With legislation such as the UK’s Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) requirements and the growing influence of the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), ESG expertise has shifted from a “nice to have” to a business-critical asset.
Market growth and demand for ESG talent
The surge in ESG careers is not solely driven by regulatory pressures; it is also significantly influenced by the financial sector and global capital markets. Asset managers and institutional investors are increasingly demanding deeper accountability on environmental and social issues, compelling UK businesses to recruit professionals with the requisite ESG expertise.
Recent data underscores this trend: in the UK, the demand for green skills grew by 11.6% between 2023 and 2024, while the supply only increased by 5.6%. This widening gap highlights the urgent need for qualified ESG professionals to meet the growing market demands (ESG News).
Jobs are proliferating across entry, mid, and senior levels, particularly in companies preparing for compliance with disclosure frameworks such as ISSB, GRI, and TCFD. These frameworks necessitate integrated ESG reporting that aligns with international investor standards, making the hiring of ESG talent not just beneficial but essential.
Top sectors hiring for ESG jobs in the UK
Financial services and sustainable finance
In financial services, ESG jobs in London are particularly strong. As a global centre of finance, the city is home to institutional investors, asset managers, and banks accelerating their ESG mandates. These organisations are increasingly recruiting for roles tied to impact investing, ESG integration, and climate risk analysis. These positions play a critical part in aligning portfolios with frameworks such as the UN PRI or TCFD.
Energy, infrastructure & net-Zero transition
The UK’s energy sector is undergoing a green transformation. With bold national commitments to net-zero by 2050, roles in renewable energy, carbon management, and climate adaptation are seeing sustained growth. Companies operating in wind, solar, and hydrogen infrastructure are actively hiring ESG specialists to support project development and regulatory alignment.
Consulting & professional services
Multinational consulting firms and boutique advisory practices alike are scaling their ESG teams. Demand is high for candidates who can support ESG disclosures, stakeholder reporting, carbon strategy, and ESG data analytics. Many consultancies are also embedding ESG into their audit and risk service lines.
Corporate in-house sustainability teams
Across the private sector, in-house ESG teams are expanding. Major brands in consumer goods, real estate, logistics, and retail are hiring sustainability professionals to oversee governance, emissions reductions, supplier standards, and green innovation projects.
Where to find ESG jobs in the UK
ESG recruitment agencies and specialist job boards
Understanding where to search is key to accessing the best ESG career opportunities. While general job boards can be useful, the most effective route often involves working with sector-specific recruiters.
One standout example is EnableGreen, a specialist ESG recruitment agency focused on connecting purpose-driven talent with organisations committed to positive impact. With deep experience recruiting for ESG jobs in London, as well as across the UK and EU, EnableGreen helps candidates secure roles that align with their expertise in ESG strategy, sustainable finance, climate policy, and social impact.
General job platforms with ESG filters
Mainstream platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and TotalJobs have added ESG and sustainability filters to meet rising demand. Setting job alerts for “sustainability careers UK” or “ESG analyst” can help candidates track relevant roles across sectors.
Company career pages to watch
Many leading firms now recruit ESG talent directly through their websites. Organisations like Octopus Energy, National Grid, Tesco, Barclays, and Arup frequently publish new openings for sustainability managers, carbon strategists, or ESG reporting leads. Reviewing their sustainability strategies and annual reports can provide hiring clues.
Professional networks and ESG events
Networking remains one of the most effective ways to access ESG jobs. Joining communities like IEMA, ESG UK, or Women in Sustainability opens doors to exclusive job boards, thought leadership, and career events. Many candidates secure roles through referrals or contacts made during ESG panels, summits, or webinars.
How to land an ESG job in the UK: skills, strategy and standout tips
Build the right skills and certifications
ESG professionals are expected to understand global frameworks such as TCFD, GRI, ISSB, and the EU Taxonomy. Data literacy, especially in carbon accounting, ESG metrics, and scenario modelling, is a major asset. Industry-recognised certifications—such as the CFA ESG Certificate, GARP SCR, or IEMA professional membership—can significantly boost employability.
Tailor your CV and LinkedIn for ESG jobs
Candidates should position themselves as ESG-literate professionals. This means aligning your CV and online profile with the language of sustainability reporting, net-zero strategy, and stakeholder engagement. Use real metrics to demonstrate impact (e.g., “led biodiversity risk mapping across 50+ suppliers”) and show familiarity with ESG tools or reporting platforms.
Network strategically in the sustainability sector
Professional networks are not just for job seekers—they are a core part of ESG culture. Many hires are made through referrals, sector events, and informal conversations with hiring managers or consultants. Connecting with ESG leaders on LinkedIn and engaging with thought leaders through panels, meetups, or content sharing can open unexpected doors.
📌 Want to boost your interview success? Read ESG recruiters: Top 10 interview tips for sustainability jobs and how to impress them on EnableGreen for expert guidance.
Future outlook: What’s next for ESG jobs in the UK?
Looking ahead, hybrid ESG roles are expected to grow, particularly at the intersection of sustainability and technology, law, data, or regulatory compliance. ESG leadership positions are also maturing, with more companies appointing Heads of Sustainability, Chief Impact Officers, or creating board-level ESG oversight roles to align strategy with stakeholder expectations.
Final thoughts: Your next step in sustainability careers
The rise of ESG jobs in the UK reflects a fundamental shift in how businesses are built and measured. These roles are no longer peripheral; they are central to strategy, risk, and long-term success. For professionals looking to align career ambition with climate action, governance ethics, or social impact, ESG careers offer a rewarding, future-facing path.
EnableGreen remains a trusted partner in this space, helping professionals find roles that match both their skillsets and values. Whether you are a graduate, a sector switcher, or a senior leader in transition, your next step in ESG is just a connection away.
🔗 Explore ESG roles and career resources at EnableGreen
🔗 Follow EnableGreen on LinkedIn for the latest jobs and insights:
📩 Ready to find your next ESG opportunity? Get in touch today and let EnableGreen help you build a career with impact.
