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Q3 2025 saw an improvement in placements for both the internal and external market versus Q2 2025. However, the 8% increase is modest given the already limited number of external moves in Q2 2025. This is also likely driven by increases in certain areas, such as ER/IR.
The more striking statistic is the large rise in internal moves through this period. This is a continuation of a trend for internal hiring within the senior HR market, as evidenced by the 17% increase between Q3 2024 and Q3 2025. Equally, the 25% reduction in external moves between the same period is both worrying and unsurprising for those who continue to experience a fallow market. However, it is worth noting that the already reduced volumes give the illusion of a greater reduction activity than would be the case in typical conditions.
As mentioned, ER has seen a sharp rise, tripling its market share between ’24 and ’25 in the same period. OD has seen the reverse. This is perhaps a sign that many organisations have been planning transformations this year, with the peak in OD hiring last year a sign of bringing in the necessary talent to create the design.
Challenges clearly remain. However, we’ve seen an increase in roles to support transformation at SD in recent months. These numbers could reinforce our forecast that change activity, namely streamlining, is increasing. Our synopsis is that 2025 has been a year of planning, and due to the nature of the change, a broader spread of HR talent is going to be required to implement and harness the new shape of organisations that are on the horizon.
Chris Williams is Director of Interim at Strategic Dimensions. If you have any questions on the market trends, or are interested in support with interim recruitment for your team, contact .