Bengaluru, 11th April 2025: Fuelled by rapid urbanisation, infrastructure development, and industrial expansion, India’s building materials sector is experiencing a significant hiring boom, with recruitment soaring by 30% over the past two years, reveals CIEL HR. The latest survey report, titled CIEL Works: Building Materials Sector – Talent Trends and Insights, highlights a 12% increase in hiring over the past year. Among various segments, Pipes and Steel have emerged as frontrunners, leading hiring demand due to increased domestic consumption and global exports.

As emerging technologies like 3D printing, AI, and IoT reshape manufacturing processes, demand for specialized roles in material science, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing technologies continue to rise. Companies are actively seeking proficient talent in green certifications and lifecycle analysis, highlighting a shift toward sustainable and technology-driven operations. The sector, spanning aluminium, steel, pipes, cement, glass, and other critical segments, is undergoing a transformative shift in skills demand. Leading companies driving this growth include UltraTech Cement, JSW, Tata Steel, Hindalco, Havells, Kansai Nerolac Paints, Vedanta, Shree Cement, Asian Paints, and Berger Paints. Roles being hired frequently include – Plant Manager, Production Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Sales Manager, Environment and Sustainability Specialist, Design Engineer, R&D Engineer, Quality Control, Structural Engineer and Safety Engineer.

Commenting on the findings, Mr. Aditya Narayan Mishra, Managing Director & CEO of CIEL HR Services, said, “India’s building materials sector is at a defining moment—experiencing a hiring surge, employing over 5.5 lakh professionals. As disposable incomes increase, we expect strong growth in the sectors of construction, urbanization, and real estate. This will directly boost the building materials industry, creating new opportunities and driving long-term progress.”

Despite strong hiring trends, the report highlights a significant gender disparity, with women accounting for just 12% of the sector’s total workforce, one of the lowest representations among major industries. The study attributes this to limited access to skill development programs for women, lack of flexible workplace policies, and deep-rooted cultural biases that discourage female participation in traditionally male-dominated roles. The absence of visible female leadership within the industry further exacerbates the challenge, making it imperative for companies to adopt inclusive hiring policies, structured mentorship programs, and targeted upskilling initiatives to bridge the gap.

The study also highlights geographic hiring trends, with 81% of job postings concentrated in Tier-1 cities. Hyderabad (14%), Bengaluru (13%), Delhi/NCR (12%), Chennai (8%), Ahmedabad (7%), and Pune (7%) have emerged as the key employment hubs, reflecting high construction and infrastructure activity in these regions. With India’s continued focus on smart cities, green construction, and industrial expansion, these metros are expected to remain primary hiring destinations.

CIEL Works by CIEL HR Services is talent trends research that outlines insights from an in-depth analysis of hiring and recruitment trends across sectors. Drawing insights from 105 leading building materials companies and an analysis of 2,763 job postings across job portals, this report provides a comprehensive view of the employment landscape in the sector.

Other Key Findings

● The report notes that nearly 50% of these transitions occurred among mid-level professionals (6–15 years of experience), while new joiners (0–5 years) accounted for 33% of job movements.

● Senior professionals displayed the least mobility, indicating that while the sector offers long-term career stability, it may lack the dynamism seen in more competitive industries.

● Companies are investing in workforce training and upskilling programs to align with new technologies.

● The building materials sector is witnessing a rise in gig and contract-based roles, particularly in sustainable construction and smart infrastructure, as companies leverage flexible workforce models to access specialized expertise while optimising costs.