As ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) becomes an integral part of corporate strategy, businesses are recognising the need for purpose-driven, future-ready ESG teams. But with demand for talent soaring and the skills landscape rapidly evolving, many employers are asking: How do we build an ESG team that’s not only fit for today—but equipped for tomorrow?
In this blog, we’ll explore the key components of a future-ready ESG function, and how to attract and retain the right professionals to lead your organisation’s sustainability and impact agenda.
đ± 1. Start with a Clear Vision
Before diving into recruitment, define your ESG goals and ambitions. Are you aiming to meet basic regulatory standards, or lead in sustainability innovation? Do you need ESG professionals who can focus on data and reporting, or those who can drive cultural change and stakeholder engagement?
A well-articulated ESG strategy provides clarity for:
- The type of talent you need
- The skills and experience required
- The internal structure of your ESG team (centralised vs. embedded)
đ Tip: Share your ESG roadmap with candidates—it shows commitment and gives them something to get behind.
đ„ 2. Build a Multi-Disciplinary Team
ESG is inherently cross-functional. A future-ready team includes professionals from diverse backgrounds—legal, finance, operations, communications, HR, and sustainability itself.
Consider including roles such as:
- ESG Analyst or Reporting Specialist
- Head of Sustainability / ESG Director
- Climate Risk Manager
- Social Impact or Human Rights Lead
- Sustainable Finance or Responsible Investment Specialist
This blend ensures your ESG function can cover everything from compliance to storytelling.
âïž 3. Focus on Both Technical and Soft Skills
While technical capabilities—such as GHG emissions accounting or ESG reporting frameworks—are important, the most effective ESG teams also excel in influence, communication and collaboration.
Future-ready ESG professionals often combine:
- Strategic thinking
- Data literacy
- Stakeholder engagement
- Adaptability
- Passion for sustainability and ethics
đĄ Bonus: Candidates with experience navigating change, scaling programmes, or working in high-growth or regulated sectors often bring added value.
đŒ 4. Prioritise Cultural Fit and Purpose Alignment
The best ESG hires aren’t just looking for a job—they’re looking to make a difference. A strong sense of purpose can be a major motivator for candidates in this space.
Be transparent about:
- Your company’s values and sustainability progress
- How ESG links to business performance and strategy
- Leadership buy-in and future investment in ESG
When candidates see authenticity and alignment, they’re more likely to choose—and stay with—your organisation.
đ 5. Think Beyond Today’s Needs
The ESG space is evolving quickly. What you hire for today may shift tomorrow as regulations tighten, stakeholder expectations rise, and technologies advance.
Future-ready ESG teams need to be:
- Agile and open to change
- Committed to continuous learning
- Comfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity
đ Tip: Encourage professional development and consider hiring candidates with potential and learning agility - even if they don’t tick every technical box today.
đ Need Help Building Your ESG Team?
At Leonid, we work with forward-thinking businesses to identify and place ESG professionals who combine purpose, commercial acumen, and long-term impact. Whether you’re hiring your first sustainability lead or expanding a global ESG function, we can help.
Get in touch with Adam Bond to start building your future-ready ESG team today.