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 by CIEL Works: Building Materials Sector – Talent Trends and Insights highlighted the 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 specialised roles in material science, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing technologies continues to rise. Companies actively seek 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.
Hiring roles frequently include Plant Manager, Production Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Sales Manager, Environment and Sustainability Specialist, Design Engineer, R&D Engineer, Quality Control Engineer, Structural Engineer, and Safety Engineer.
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 construction, urbanisation, and real estate growth. This will directly boost the building materials industry, creating new opportunities and driving long-term progress.”
Additionally, 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 companies need to adopt inclusive hiring policies, structured mentorship programs, and targeted upskilling initiatives to bridge the gap.
The study underscores 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.
The report, analysing data from 105 leading companies and 2,763 job postings highlights several key trends. Nearly 50% of job transitions were seen among mid-level professionals (with 6–15 years of experience), while 33% of movements involved new joiners (0–5 years of experience). Senior professionals showed the least mobility, reflecting the sector’s stability and a potential lack of dynamism compared to more competitive industries. Additionally, companies are increasingly investing in workforce training and upskilling to stay ahead of emerging technologies. Another notable shift is the growing prominence of gig and contract-based roles, particularly in sustainable construction and smart infrastructure, as firms seek to tap into specialised expertise while optimising costs.
