NEW DELHI: Hiring for middle-level positions in various sectors witnessed a significant uptrend in February as companies are acquiring people for specialised and niche roles, says a report.

A turnaround in the outlook for economic growth because of a stable government and upbeat corporate and stock market sentiments is set to open up more internal roles and external opportunities in the job market for the mid-level positions.

According to TimesJobs' RecruiteX report, the demand for middle managers has shot up 10 per cent year-on-year during February.

"With a positive Indian economic outlook, there is great anticipation of rapid growth across industries. This is leading companies to realise their need for middle management experience and skills to scale up and take advantage of this growth," TimesJobs.com COO Vivek Madhukar said.

Top sectors witnessing upward trend in hiring middle managers include IT, telecom, e-commerce and financial services.

In the IT segment, 5 per cent of all hiring was at mid -management. Recruitments were aimed at acquiring people for specialised and niche roles in areas such as digital channels, business intelligence and risk and control functions.

"With the massive expansion plans of well-funded start- ups especially in the e-commerce and IT sectors – there is also significant demand for mid-level managers and project- team leaders with experience," Madhukar added.

With telecom, retail and e-commerce companies expanding into new markets, new verticals and new product segments - executives in these companies reported that 10 per cent of their total hirings during the January-February quarter were for middle level.

The report noted that with this demand for mid-level professionals, the salary hikes being offered by companies have also been impressive.

Going ahead, the demand for middle and senior level professionals will get a push from metros and established industry hubs, it added.