In the last few years, ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) has moved from the sidelines to the centre of strategy in financial services. It is shaping everything from lending decisions and product design to risk frameworks and regulatory reporting.
But while ESG has become a business priority, recruitment has not caught up. Many firms know they need to hire for ESG-related roles, but they do not always know what those roles look like or where to find the talent.
What ESG recruitment actually involves
At Barrow Mount, we have seen a wide range of ESG positions emerging across the financial sector. These include:
- ESG analysts and researchers
- Sustainable investment specialists
- Risk and compliance roles with ESG focus
- Heads of ESG or sustainability
- ESG reporting and data professionals
- Inclusion and social impact leads
What is common across these roles is a hybrid skillset. Successful candidates often combine subject knowledge with commercial awareness, stakeholder management, and the ability to work across functions.
Why the talent pipeline is thin
There is no long-established career path into ESG. That means fewer candidates with a decade of hands-on experience. Many have built ESG careers through pivots, moving from legal, consulting, or operational roles and developing ESG expertise on the job.
Younger professionals are entering the space through academic routes or early-career sustainability roles, but the overall talent pool remains limited, especially for senior hires.
Where to look for ESG talent
If you are hiring into an ESG role, the usual sources may not be enough. Here are four practical steps:
- Widen the net
Look at professionals from sectors like consulting, law, non-profits, or government who have ESG-relevant experience. - Consider upskilling
Internal candidates with a strong understanding of your business can often step into ESG roles with targeted training. - Be clear on the brief
Many ESG roles fail to attract applications because the job description is vague. Define the core purpose of the role and the business outcomes it supports. - Partner with recruiters who understand the space
ESG is a specialist area. Working with a recruitment partner who understands the nuance can save time and help avoid hiring the wrong fit.
Final thought
Firms that invest early in building ESG capability will be in a stronger position both commercially and reputationally. If you are planning to grow your ESG team or make a strategic hire, we are here to help.
