The Netherlands
Salary Guide 2024

GreenTech Hiring Trends in The Netherlands

In recent years, the Netherlands has emerged as a leading hub for green technology and sustainable innovations.

With its strategic location, progressive policies, and thriving start-up ecosystem, it’s an attractive destination for GreenTech companies and professionals in the sector. In this article, we’ll explore some of the key GreenTech trends shaping the Dutch landscape and their implications for hiring and talent acquisition.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a cornerstone of business strategy for many Dutch companies. As an increasing number of organisations are embracing CSR across the globe, it’s important to recognise that the Netherlands was one of the first.

These initiatives aren’t limited to environmental sustainability but also extend to social and economic aspects. Companies are adopting responsible practices across their operations, from sourcing ethical raw materials and reducing waste to promoting fair trade and community development.

This shift towards CSR is not only benefiting the environment but also transforming the job market. It’s creating a whole host of opportunities for professionals with expertise in CSR. From CSR managers and sustainability consultants to ethical sourcing specialists, these sorts of roles are becoming increasingly important in today’s business landscape. But what are the implications for hiring and talent?

Growing demand for CSR professionals: As more companies adopt CSR initiatives, the demand for experts in this field is set to rise. This makes it a candidate-driven market where professionals with the right skillset have the upper hand. To attract these professionals, companies need to offer competitive salaries, flexible working conditions, and opportunities for career advancement.

Attracting talent with CSR initiatives: Companies that demonstrate a strong commitment to CSR are more likely to attract and retain top talent. Offering employees the opportunity to contribute to meaningful environmental initiatives can be a powerful motivator. In fact, Forbes shares that millennials and Gen Z workers are more likely to choose employers that align with their personal values. In a competitive job market, a strong CSR program can help companies stand out.

Upskilling and education: Given the growing importance of CSR, there’s a need for continuous learning and upskilling. Companies can differentiate themselves by offering training programs and courses on CSR and sustainability.

Solar and Wind Energy

The Netherlands is making significant strides in its commitment to renewable energy, with a particular focus on solar and wind energy. The country’s favourable geographic location, particularly its extensive coastline, makes it an ideal candidate for wind energy development. Simultaneously, the falling costs of solar technology have made solar energy an increasingly viable option.

This focus on renewables is driving innovation in the energy sector. From advancements in turbine technology and solar panel efficiency to the development of smart grids and energy storage solutions, these innovations are creating a host of new job opportunities. But what are the implications for hiring and talent?

Specialists in high demand: The expansion of the renewable energy sector means there’s a high demand for specialists in solar and wind energy. These roles require a unique blend of technical skills and knowledge of the renewable energy market. To attract these specialists, employers need to offer competitive packages. This includes not only attractive salaries (note there’s around a 10-15,000 Euro difference between ‘average’ renewables salaries and ‘competitive’ salaries in the Netherlands – and even more for C-suite roles). But also benefits such as flexible working hours, opportunities for career progression, and a commitment to work-life balance.

Upskilling opportunities: With the rise of renewable energy, there’s a need for upskilling current employees to meet the ever-evolving demands of the industry. Employers can differentiate themselves by offering training programs and continuous learning opportunities. These could cover areas such as renewable energy technology, energy management, and sustainability practices.

Innovation-focused roles: Given the fast pace of innovation in the renewable energy sector, there’s a growing demand for roles focused on research and development. Professionals with a background in engineering, science, or technology, combined with a passion for sustainability, could find numerous opportunities in this space.

Sustainability as a selling point: As more professionals seek roles that align with their personal values, companies that demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability can use this as a selling point in their recruitment. This could involve highlighting the company’s renewable energy projects, its sustainability goals, or its contributions to reducing carbon emissions.

Electric Vehicles & Future Mobility

The Netherlands has positioned itself as a frontrunner in Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption and infrastructure. The country’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, paired with the government’s supportive policies, has created an ideal environment for the growth of the EV sector.

This trend towards sustainable mobility is reshaping the automotive industry. From the rise of electric car manufacturing to the development of advanced charging infrastructure, this transformation is creating a host of new roles. But what are the implications for hiring and talent?

Need for EV specialists: The EV boom has led to a surge in demand for professionals with expertise in electric vehicle technology. Roles such as EV engineers, battery specialists, and charging infrastructure consultants are in high demand. And just behind technical and engineering roles is a demand for sales and marketing specialists. It’s a candidate’s market, and employers need to adapt their hiring strategies accordingly. This might involve offering competitive salaries, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities for career progression.

Training and development: Given the rapid pace of change in the EV sector, continuous learning and development opportunities can be a key differentiator for employers. Companies can offer training programs on the latest developments in EV technology, battery management systems, and sustainable transportation.

Attracting talent with sustainability initiatives: As more professionals seek roles that align with their personal values, companies that demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability can use this as a selling point in their recruitment efforts. This could involve highlighting the company’s contributions to the EV sector, its sustainability goals, or its initiatives to reduce carbon emissions.

Innovation-focused roles: Given the integration of AI and IoT in EV technology, there’s a growing demand for roles focused on innovation. Professionals with a background in engineering, technology, or data science, combined with a passion for sustainability, could find numerous opportunities in this space.

The GreenTech sector in the Netherlands is on an upward trajectory, driven by factors like CSR, renewable energy, and EVs. For employers, this presents both challenges and opportunities. By understanding these trends and their implications, companies can position themselves as attractive employers in this competitive market.