Sustainability Director

We have an exciting opportunity to join a listed Global Electronic Connector Manufacturing Company as a Sustainability Director.

Our client is 100% committed to achieving Net Zero across its operations by 2030 while meeting regulatory reporting requirements as a listed UK company. The company is headquartered in Woking with sites in Europe (UK), the US and Asia.

This role is pivotal in ensuring our Client has credible plans to achieve its sustainability commitments. The Sustainability Director, reporting to the EVP of Operations will support the development of the Group Sustainability Strategy, aligned with company values and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. The focus is on advising site and functional leads, identifying opportunities, developing roadmaps, and auditing progress to ensure credible external reporting.

Job Responsibilities

The Sustainability Director is expected to:

  • Interpret and communicate key regulations (e.g., Scope 1, 2, 3) to the Management Board, enabling the setting of meaningful sustainability targets.
  • Assess climate-related risks and opportunities, ensuring material risks are reported to the Management Board.
  • Engage regional, site, and functional leaders to drive understanding and commitment to sustainability goals.
  • Collaborate with site/functional leaders to develop actionable roadmaps and plans aligned with sustainability targets.
  • Evaluate site-level actions to ensure they meet Group targets, providing guidance as needed.
  • Enhance internal sustainability policies and reporting, introducing science-based targets.
  • Establish governance, including:
    • Facilitating the Sustainability Committee
    • Tracking progress against roadmaps
    • Auditing site and functional actions
    • Reporting on performance and corrective actions
  • Ensure regulatory compliance and reporting (e.g., scopes 1, 2, and 3 under GHG Protocol), including drafting the Sustainability section of the annual report.
  • Manage the sustainability reporting database in Salesforce, ensuring data accuracy and timeliness.

Key Interactions

  • Head of Investor Relations and Sustainability / EVP Operations: Collaborate on sustainability strategy and execution.
  • Site Leads: Develop and implement Net Zero roadmaps.
  • Functional Leads: Address Scope 3 emissions, particularly through Group Procurement initiatives with suppliers.
  • Group Finance: Develop financial disclosure reporting for external audits.

Qualifications

Qualifications and Experience

  • Degree in environmental or physical sciences (or relevant discipline).
  • 7-year min. proven experience in sustainability within a manufacturing environment, eg. automotive, aerospace, pharmaceuticals
  • Familiarity with sustainability regulations and reporting (e.g., GHG Protocol, SECR, CFD).
  • Hands-on experience with Scope 1 & 2 reporting; Scope 3 preferred.
  • Track record of implementing and refining sustainability processes and reporting.
  • Experience working with leaders across geographies and cultures.
  • Willingness to travel to build relationships and verify site improvements.

Skills and Competencies

  • Leadership to drive the company’s Sustainability Agenda
  • Strong analytical and numerical skills, with the ability to derive insights from complex data.
  • Excellent organization and attention to detail.
  • Clear and concise communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Strong team player with the ability to build networks and work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Proven ability to foster strong relationships within a human-sized organization, collaborating effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including the Management Board, engineers, and on-site operating teams.

What the organization offers

  • Reporting Line: EVP Operations
    Location: Woking, Surrey, UK (hybrid, 3 days per week) with the flexibility to work from production sites in Manchester, Newcastle, Cardiff, Southampton, and Gloucestershire.
  • Autonomy in a low-bureaucracy environment, offering visibility, room for growth, and opportunities to make a meaningful impact.
  • Permanent Contract
  • Salary: £90,000
  • Bonus: 15% target, 30% maximum
  • Car Allowance: £7,150
  • Private Medical Insurance: Self + Partner + Children under 18
  • Pension: Up to 7% company contribution
  • Life Assurance: 4x salary
  • Holiday: 25 days
  • Travels: 10-20% (US, UK, Asia)
  • The company does not offer visa sponsorship

This is an opportunity as a Sustainability Director to lead and shape our Client’s sustainability journey, driving impactful and meaningful change. If you are interested in joining, apply now!

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Job Status

Open

Job Type

Permanent

Recruiter

Hayatte Loukili

Job Posted

2025/01/14

Salary

£90,000

Job Reference

196-2024-H

Confidential

Who we are and What we do

We are an exclusive Sustainability and ESG Executive Search and Recruitment Agency, offering both permanent and temporary contracts recruitment solutions, across all sectors. We assist employers find their next great hire in ESG and Sustainability Integration/ Green Energy & CleanTech/ Responsible Investment, Sustainable Finance & Impact Investing.

The Paris Agreement at COP21 identified capacity building as a core challenge our governments, institutions, organisations and civil society need to overcome to build a sustainable world.
Companies need to build business strategies and develop activities to keep growing and create value for their shareholders without exhausting resources or harming future generations. Therefore, engaging in building a decarbonised and equitable economy is at the core of their mission and success in the long term. Their ability to build resilience of human and ecological systems will enable them to navigate this ever-evolving world.
As a recruitment agency, we truly believe, we have a substantial part to play in equipping those thriving businesses with the best candidates to conquer those challenges.
Our purpose is to support businesses in their sustainability journey by connecting them with the best talents in the ESG and Sustainability job market.
We focus to provide tailored solutions to our clients’ needs and enhance candidates’s experience in finding their ideal jobs.

Qualifications and Education: Building Expertise in the Field

In terms of qualifications, academic programs and certifications in sustainability and ESG management have gained prominence. Universities and professional organisations offer courses and certifications that equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the field. Additionally, relevant degrees in environmental science, sustainability, business administration, and finance are highly valued by employers.
The ESG and sustainability job market is experiencing significant growth and offers diverse opportunities for professionals. Dedicated roles, as well as the integration of ESG knowledge into traditional job functions, highlight the increasing importance of sustainability in business strategies. Specialized skills, regulatory expertise, and industry knowledge are highly sought after.
​As companies strive to embed ESG practices into their operations, professionals with ESG expertise will continue to play a crucial role in driving positive change and shaping a sustainable future.

Diverse Opportunities: ESG and Sustainability Across Industries

The ESG and sustainability job market is not limited to specific industries. While sectors such as renewable energy, cleantech, and sustainable finance have a well-established presence, organisations across diverse industries are recognizing the need to prioritize ESG and sustainability practices. From manufacturing and retail to technology and healthcare, professionals with ESG expertise are sought after to drive sustainability initiatives and help companies future-proof their operations.

Navigating the Regulatory Landscape: Compliance and Governance Expertise

The increasing regulatory focus on ESG factors has led to a rise in demand for professionals who can navigate the evolving compliance landscape. Knowledge of relevant regulations and frameworks, such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is highly valued. This includes expertise in managing ESG risks, conducting audits and assessments, and implementing sustainable governance structures.

Specialised Skills and Knowledge: Key Areas in High Demand

The ESG and sustainability job market also offers opportunities for specialised skills and knowledge. Professionals with expertise in renewable energy, circular economy, sustainable supply chain management, impact investing, and environmental conservation are in high demand. Additionally, individuals with experience in sustainability reporting frameworks, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) or Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), are sought after to ensure transparent and standardized reporting.

ESG Expertise in Traditional Job Roles: The Integration of Sustainability Principles

Another emerging trend is the growing importance of ESG expertise in traditional job roles. Professionals in finance, legal, marketing, operations, and human resources are increasingly expected to have a solid understanding of ESG principles and their implications for their respective fields. For example, financial analysts need to assess the financial risks and opportunities associated with ESG factors, while marketing professionals must effectively communicate a company’s sustainability initiatives to consumers.

Dedicated ESG and Sustainability Roles: A Shift Towards Holistic Approaches

One significant trend in the job market is the rise in dedicated ESG and sustainability roles. Previously, these responsibilities were often dispersed across different departments, such as corporate social responsibility, environmental management, or investor relations. However, as companies recognize the need for a holistic approach, they are creating specialised positions such as ESG managers, ESG analysts, and corporate sustainability officers. These roles focus on integrating ESG considerations into business strategies, measuring and reporting on sustainability performance, and engaging with stakeholders.

ESG and Sustainability Job Market Trends

The ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and sustainability integration job market has experienced significant growth and transformation in recent years. As companies worldwide recognize the importance of incorporating ESG principles into their operations, the demand for professionals with expertise in this field has surged. This article will explore the evolving landscape of the ESG and sustainability job market, highlighting key trends and opportunities.
The integration of ESG and sustainability practices into business strategies has become a top priority for organisations across industries. This shift is driven by various factors, including the increasing awareness of climate change, social justice issues, and corporate governance standards. As a result, companies are actively seeking professionals who can navigate the complexities of ESG and sustainability and drive positive change within their organizations.