Sustainability is now a major driver of transformation and job opportunities across multiple sectors. Mid-sized companies, the financial sector, and consulting and accounting firms continue to fuel the job market by creating new positions.
In response to ecological imperatives and corporate sustainability transformation, sustainability expertise is now embedded within traditional roles (procurement, finance, marketing, logistics), creating career development opportunities and dual-skill profiles.
For the 7th consecutive year, Birdeo, a pioneering and leading recruitment and HR consulting firm specializing in Sustainability and Impact, has identified the TOP 5 most in-demand positions for 2025, based on insights from over 200 client companies. The impact job market continues to grow, driven by two key trends: the rise of highly specialized technical expertise and the emergence of hybrid skill sets.
European regulations (CSRD, CS3D) remain a key driver of recruitment needs, while internal mobility is becoming a crucial tool for talent retention and career growth, integrating sustainability into core business practices. This trend encourages businesses to embed sustainability considerations into their core functions.
The main challenge for 2025: Moving beyond compliance to achieve strategic, long-term sustainable performance at the heart of organizations.
In 2023, the top 5 jobs were « CSRD Global Performance Project Manager », « Sustainable Transformation Administrator », « HR CSR Manager », « Biodiversity and Natural Resources Management Officer » and « Sustainability Data & AI Analyst ».
1 – CIRCULAR ECONOMY PROJECT MANAGER (LCA & Eco-Design)
Regulations and the introduction of new EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) schemes require companies to rethink their product offerings—from materials to eco-design, product and packaging lifecycle, and reuse—impacting the entire value chain.
The Circular Economy Project Manager designs products and services that minimize environmental impact, prioritizing recycled or alternative materials. This role involves identifying new materials, assessing environmental impact, and promoting eco-design innovation both internally and externally.
Candidate Profile:
- Degree: Master’s in engineering or design, with a specialization in environment or sustainability.
- Hard Skills: Strong expertise in environmental and sustainability topics, experience in collaborative project management, regulatory knowledge.
- Soft Skills: Innovation mindset, curiosity.
- Salary: €50K to €55K per year on average, based on experience.
2 – PART-TIME CSR MANAGER
Beyond large corporations (SBF120), over 90% of France’s businesses are SMEs and mid-sized companies (ETIs). While they may lack the resources for full-time sustainability roles, they still require technical expertise in the field.
A part-time CSR Manager offers companies a flexible solution, providing strategic sustainability guidance, risk management, and impact maximization. This role can be structured as either a permanent contract (CDI) or consultancy contract.
Candidate Profile:
- Degree: Master’s in sustainability management.
- Hard Skills: Initial experience in CSR and strong sustainability network.
- Soft Skills: Influential leadership and excellent organizational skills.
- Salary: Varies depending on contract type (daily rate or fixed salary).
3 – SUSTAINABILITY RISK MANAGER
Regulations such as CSRD and CS3D emphasize the need for companies to assess business risks related to ethics, human rights, compliance, and operational adaptation to national and European laws.
The Sustainability Risk Manager plays a key role in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks related to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors. This position requires a deep understanding of environmental and social issues and the ability to integrate sustainability principles into an organization’s risk management framework.
Candidate Profile:
- Degree: Master’s in law with a CSR specialization or strong interest in sustainability.
- Hard Skills: Knowledge of corporate functions, experience in global risk management consulting, industrial risk management, ESG reporting.
- Soft Skills: Influential leadership, strong communication skills, curiosity, ability to simplify complex concepts, change management.
- Salary: €70K to €100K per year on average, based on experience and company size.
4 – BIODIVERSITY & NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGER (Water & Forestry)
With the implementation of CSRD and deforestation regulations, businesses must address biodiversity as a core strategic issue for long-term resilience and sustainability.
In response to deforestation and water conservation policies, the Biodiversity Strategy Manager is responsible for:
- Defining biodiversity strategies (impact measurement, policies, targets);
- Integrating nature-related challenges into product design and circular economy initiatives;
- Leading or participating in industry and institutional initiatives.
For example, water management strategies involve overseeing hydraulic projects, regulatory compliance, awareness campaigns, and impact assessment. The role may also include managing natural resources to prevent biodiversity loss and ensuring responsible sourcing, traceability, and compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
Candidate Profile:
- Degree: Master’s in engineering with a specialization in environment and biodiversity, technical expertise in hydrology.
- Hard Skills: Experience managing complex projects, in-depth knowledge of regulations and impact assessment tools.
- Soft Skills: Strong facilitation skills, teaching ability, initiative.
- Salary: €50K to €65K per year on average, based on experience and location.
5 – HEAD OF SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY & PROCUREMENT
Sustainability is reshaping corporate logistics and procurement functions. This transformation involves rethinking sourcing strategies, inventory management, handling, and transportation. The role requires expertise in circular economy principles, energy efficiency, decarbonization, and supplier audits.
The Sustainable Procurement & Supply Chain Director is responsible for upskilling internal and external stakeholders, implementing KPIs and measurement tools across the supply and distribution chain, and fostering an innovation-friendly environment—such as developing sustainable packaging solutions.
Candidate Profile:
- Degree: Master’s in engineering.
- Hard Skills: Strong industry expertise coupled with a deep understanding of sector-specific sustainability challenges; organizational capabilities; stakeholder engagement.
- Soft Skills: Influential leadership, excellent interpersonal skills, rigor, curiosity.
- Salary: €100K+ per year on average, based on experience and company size.
For more information on these roles, contact us.
To read this article in French, click here.
