Shaping tomorrow's sustainable enterprises: profiling the hard and soft skills of sustainable managers

Despite the growing importance of sustainability in the enterprise, a knowledge gap exists regarding the specific roles and skills of professionals managing it. This research explores the key characteristics and differences between three sustainability professions: CSR Manager, Sustainability Manager, and ESG Manager. Employing a qualitative approach, the study conducts a content analysis of job advertisements for each position (n=146) posted on LinkedIn and similar platforms between June and September 2023. The analysis aims to identify the main hard and soft skills companies demand when seeking these sustainability professionals. This research sheds light on the evolving landscape of corporate sustainability management, offering valuable insights for companies seeking qualified personnel and individuals aspiring to enter these fields. It is also a study that opens critical reflections on what may be new professional figures that will emerge to manage the challenges of the near future such as the stakeholder manager and the ecosystem manager.