Specialist procurement and supply chain recruitment agency Cozens Mabel has reported continued contractor growth in January, recording higher volumes than in previous years. This follows 2025’s strong permanent and contractor market.
“Contractor demand across our mining clients remains strong, but we are also seeing good demand across the public sector too,” said Managing Director Ilsa Cozens.
Flexible working remains the overall preference, although permanent workers and contractors are reportedly more willing to spend time in the office or on-site than they were in the previous 12 months.
“Whilst some roles require more on-site time than others, two to three days per week on-site/in the office or on rotation – such as one week on, one week off – seems to be the most common approach where flexible working is an option, with both clients and contractors supporting these types of arrangements,” said Cozens.
Many organisations are also still engaging senior-level professionals on a contract basis to complete a range of projects.
“They are often weighing up the benefits of engaging these experienced resources over two to three days per week versus less experienced contractors or permanent hires, who may be needed over five days per week.”
Meanwhile, people2people recently released its latest workforce research, revealing the roles and skills that are set to surge in 2026.
Based on market activity and workforce data, the recruitment agency expects selective hiring focused on AI, risk, revenue and transformation roles, with AI capability becoming a baseline skill across professions.
Stronger competition for skilled talent in metropolitan markets is noted, while sustained demand for senior professionals in risk, legal and leadership roles is expected, alongside reskilling initiatives for mature workers.
Hybrid work is set to remain a key retention lever, with 20 percent of Australian workers wanting to work from home in 2026 and 32 percent threatening to quit if forced back into the office full-time.
Among those willing to attend the office, hybrid is the dominant preference, with two to three days in the office most preferred at 29 percent, as also noted by Cozens Mabel.
AI is seen as both an opportunity and a concern across the Australian job market, says people2people, with close to four in ten Australian workers worried about AI’s impact on their jobs this year. However, adoption is accelerating, with 25 percent now using AI in their day-to-day work.
“Demand in 2026 is very clearly centred on AI, risk, leadership and professional services roles,” said people2people’s Head of HR Solutions Suhini Wijayasinghe.
“These aren’t experimental hires – they’re mission-critical positions that help organisations manage uncertainty and drive growth.
“The organisations that win in 2026 will be those that balance caution with clarity – investing in future-ready skills, offering realistic flexibility and being transparent about career pathways in an uncertain market.”
According to LinkedIn’s Jobs on the Rise 2026+ report, the five fastest-growing job roles in Australia include AI Engineer, Chief Risk Officer, Mechanical Engineer, Director of Artificial Intelligence and Organisational Development Manager.
