Safety profs with leadership skills in growing demand, says recruiter

Partner Michael Colton said that construction, infrastructure, and manufacturing, are where most of these roles are being advertised. These are sectors where organisations increasingly view safety as a “core ESG metric.”

Writing for their blog, Colton added that hybrid HSE and ESG roles are also on the increase, with roles a blend of safety with environmental and sustainability responsibilities.

Professionals with experience in carbon management, ethical supply chains, and social impact are therefore finding new opportunities in “evolving, multi-disciplinary roles”, said Colton.

Senior safety professionals who can influence culture, lead transformation, and align health and safety with wider business goals are in growing demand. Photograph: iStock

It comes as the percentage of new vacancies in health and safety went up by at least 10 per cent in October after a period of uncertainty reflecting an unstable economic climate, said the recruiter.

“After a muted first half of the year, the recent uptick in hiring activity feels significant, not just a blip,” said Michael Colton. “Whether this proves to be the start of a sustained recovery or a short-lived surge remains to be seen, but momentum is building again.”

“For both employers and professionals, now is the time to re-engage with the market, refine strategies, and prepare for what’s next.”