The Most in-demand Roles in 2024 – Which Positions Dominated Executive Search Recruitment in Our Agency in Poland?

One of the fundamental principles of executive search agencies is discretion. We rarely disclose for whom we conduct recruitment processes. That is why we are pleased to share a summary of all recruitment projects that our clients approached us with over the past year without the names of companies. This analysis was surprising even to us. Our firm has been conducting many recruitment processes for technical industries for years, but in 2024, companies from this sector were not necessarily looking for candidates for strictly technical positions. This is just one of the interesting trends from this year’s recruitments, so we encourage you to read on.

1. Dominance of Sales Roles – Sales Manager and Sales Director

The most sought-after position in 2024 was Sales Manager. Companies have been heavily investing in sales development, leading to an increased demand for experienced sales leaders. Close behind was the Sales Director, confirming the growing importance of strategic sales management at the executive level.

2. Stable Interest in Financial Roles – Chief Accountant

Among financial positions, the Chief Accountant stood out. In a dynamic economic environment, companies sought experts capable of managing finances and optimising accounting processes within the organisation.

3. Demand for Regional Directors – Expansion and Structural Growth

Companies actively expanding their operations in various Central and Eastern European regions were searching for Regional Directors. The demand for these roles highlights the significance of market expansion and the necessity of managing operations in decentralised structures.

4. The Growing Role of Strategy and Transformation Leaders

More and more organisations were investing in executives responsible for business strategy and transformation. Companies sought managers capable of driving change, optimising processes, and implementing innovative solutions in the context of digitisation and global economic trends.

5. The Role of HR in Key Positions – HR Director

The transformation of the job market and the growing importance of talent acquisition resulted in increased demand for HR-related positions. HR Directors were key figures supporting organisational growth through effective human capital management.

6. Demand for Operational Leaders – COO

Many clients were also searching for experienced COOs (Chief Operating Officers) who could help companies increase operational efficiency and optimise supply chain management.

Analysis of Position Levels in Organizational Structures

• C-Level Positions: The highest demand was for roles such as CEO, CFO, and COO, demonstrating that companies actively sought leaders to manage strategic business processes.
• Director Level: There was strong demand for positions such as Sales Director, Finance Director, Commercial Director, Operations Director, e-Commerce Director, Stud Farm Director, and Regional Directors. This indicates intensive organisational growth and the need for experienced operational leaders.
• Managerial Level: The demand for positions such as Sales Manager, Plant Manager, Event Manager, Brand Manager, CEE Marketing Manager, Marketing Manager CEE, Operations Manager, Innovation Manager, and Social Marketing Manager highlights the growing importance of managers in implementing business strategies.

Increasing Interest in Foreign Markets

In 2024, we noticed increased inquiries regarding positions in Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries, such as Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, and Ukraine. Employers were looking for candidates capable of managing operations in these markets and expanding business internationally. Regional Directors and Sales Managers were particularly in demand for leading expansion efforts.

Additionally, there was a noticeable trend of increasing demand for leaders managing digital transformation in Western European and Scandinavian countries. Companies sought managers with expertise in digitization, e-commerce, and international operational optimisation.

Percentage Breakdown of Industries and Nationalities of Parent Companies Recruiting in Poland

Industries Seeking Candidates:

61% Manufacturing Companies

Manufacturing Companies by Product Type:

• Food Production – e.g., fruit and vegetable processing, dairies, bakeries.
• Chemical Production – e.g., cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, cleaning products.
• Metal and Machinery Production – e.g., tools, industrial machinery, steel structures.
• Automotive Production – e.g., car parts, vehicles, batteries.
• Electronics Production – e.g., household appliances, TVs, computer components.
• Clothing and Textile Production – e.g., clothing, fabrics, footwear.
• Construction Production – e.g., building materials, windows, doors, roofs.
• Furniture Production – e.g., upholstered furniture, wooden furniture, office furniture.
• Plastic Production – e.g., packaging, technical parts.
• Agricultural and Agrochemical Production – e.g., fertilizers, agricultural machinery.

Other Sectors:

• Media
• IT and Telecom
• Real Estate
• Energy and Wind Energy
• Logistics and Transport
• Culture
• Financial Services

Nationalities of Parent Companies:

• Poland – 47.83%
• Denmark – 11.96%
• Belgium – 6.52%
• USA – 5.43%
• Hungary – 4.35%
• Germany – 4.35%
• France/United Kingdom – 3.26%
• Finland – 2.17 %
• Switzerland – 2.17 %
• Ukraine – 1.09 %

What Do These Trends Mean for the Job Market?

The increased demand for sales positions suggests that organisations strive for aggressive revenue growth. At the same time, interest in financial and strategic roles highlights the growing need for stability and precise operation management. The strong demand for regional leadership roles indicates continuous corporate expansion into new markets.

Looking at these data, we can anticipate that these trends will persist into 2025. However, new challenges related to digitisation and economic shifts may arise. The key question is: What new competencies will leaders require in the coming years?

Ewa Adamczyk

This can be interesting for you:

C-Level Executives Recruitment. 5 Trends in 2025

Key Challenges for CEOs in Poland in 2025. Own reasearch results.

What Challenges Await CEOs and Executives in 2025? Results of the Global IESF Study.