Greater economic optimism, demand for fresh challenges and modest pay increases are encouraging mobility.

The proportion of managers open to a move rose 10 percentage points from a year earlier. Those actively seeking a new position increased from 23% to 30%, while 46% were not looking but would consider an attractive offer.

Optimism about the coming year climbed to 81%, compared with 49% in 2025. Among managers most optimistic about the economic outlook, 38% were actively seeking another job.

Balázs Mihályi, head of the recruitment firm specializing in middle and senior management, said job searches were particularly common among executives who had received no raise this year or whose increase had failed to exceed perceived inflation.

“Alongside an appropriate pay increase of between 5% and 8%, retention requires managers to find their work professionally motivating. If either is missing, they start considering a move, particularly now that they are becoming more confident about the economy’s future,” he said.

AI Adoption Linked to Lower Job Search Activity

The survey found a substantial difference in job search activity depending on employers’ adoption of artificial intelligence.

At companies that had integrated AI into operations with measurable objectives, 18% of managers were actively seeking another job. At businesses less advanced in AI adoption, the figure was 38%.

“As AI gains ground, employees increasingly expect their company to keep pace with technological development. They consider a business with its own AI strategy and stable processes much more resilient to crises. Managers believe these companies are considerably better prepared for unexpected situations than those that have not paid sufficient attention to adopting AI in recent years,” Mihályi said.

Technology is also reshaping recruitment priorities. Practical AI knowledge ranked among the most important new management skills for 53% of respondents, while 40% highlighted an approach focused on automation and process improvement.

Current AI use is concentrated in data analysis, reporting and general office tasks.

“Demand has increased for employees with concrete experience in implementing AI systems and automation processes. These professionals can secure significantly larger pay increases than average, as the coming period will increasingly revolve around the expansion of AI at more companies,” Mihályi said.

Regional and Industrial Roles Lead Pay Rankings

Managing directors and regional CEOs responsible for several countries or regions typically receive gross monthly pay of HUF 5.9 mln, the survey showed.

Plant managers also command substantial salaries. Typical gross monthly pay reaches HUF 4.94 mln at industrial companies with more than 500 employees, compared with HUF 3.62 mln at smaller businesses.

Finance and technology positions rank among the highest-paid functional leadership roles. Regional finance directors typically earn HUF 3.8 mln a month. Chief information officers receive typical monthly base salaries of HUF 3.58 mln, while chief technology officers earn HUF 3.4 mln.

Regional supply chain directors typically receive monthly base pay of HUF 3.59 mln, followed by regional sales directors at HUF 3.38 mln and regional procurement directors at HUF 3.28 mln.

Commercial and supply chain leadership positions also commonly include a range of benefits alongside their base salaries, Wyser said.