Position: Director of Sustainability

Overview:
Fynde Global Recruitment, acting on behalf of our client, is seeking a Director of Sustainability to join their team. This position is pivotal in shaping, expanding, and leading the sustainability practice with a strong focus on regulatory compliance, client advisory, and strategic growth. As a key figure within the organisation, the Director will work closely with senior leadership and C-level clients, driving ESG initiatives that align with EU regulations and industry standards. This role is ideal for a seasoned sustainability professional with a strategic vision for ESG, compliance, and risk management who thrives in a dynamic, growth-focused environment.

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Practice Development
- CSRD Practice Leadership: Take ownership of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) practice, driving its development to meet the growing regulatory requirements within the EU. Ensure that the organisation’s sustainability risk and compliance services align with evolving EU directives and position the company as a market leader in this domain.
- Strategic Guidance: Set the overall direction for the sustainability risk and audit functions, creating a cohesive strategy that integrates best practices in compliance, risk management, and governance.
- Mentorship: Act as a mentor to the Principal ESG Risk Advisor and other team members, providing guidance and support to foster an environment of continuous learning and growth within the sustainability practice.
Client Engagement & Thought Leadership
- C-level Stakeholder Management: Engage with senior client executives to provide strategic ESG and sustainability insights, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and regulatory demands.
- Advisory Role: Serve as a senior advisor on ESG risk and compliance, guiding clients through complex regulatory landscapes and positioning the company as a trusted partner for their sustainability needs.
- Industry Representation: Actively represent the company at key industry events, forums, and conferences, enhancing the organisation’s visibility and reputation as a thought leader in sustainability risk and audit services.
Regulatory Compliance & Framework Development
- Compliance Advisory: Offer expert advice on regulatory aspects of ESG compliance, including frameworks such as CSRD and NFRD, ensuring the organisation’s services are compliant with current and anticipated regulations.
- Framework Design: Develop robust and scalable compliance frameworks that inspire client confidence in the company’s ESG delivery model. These frameworks should support the company's goals for sustainable growth while meeting or exceeding regulatory standards.
- Quality Assurance: Oversee and maintain high standards of service delivery within the risk and audit functions, ensuring that both client and internal quality expectations are consistently met.
Business Development & Market Expansion
- Growth Identification: Identify and pursue opportunities for expanding the company’s presence in the sustainability risk and audit space, with a focus on driving meaningful growth through strategic partnerships and innovative offerings.
- Team Capacity Building: Leverage expertise in ESG, including legal and content knowledge, to help the team address a diverse array of client needs. Support the development of in-house capabilities to enhance the team’s expertise in delivering comprehensive, value-driven solutions.
- Revenue & Partnership Development: Proactively engage with existing and potential clients to understand their evolving sustainability needs and provide tailored solutions that reinforce the organisation’s commitment to impactful ESG and audit services.

Qualifications

Experience:
- 12-16 years of experience in Sustainability, Risk, Finance, and Audit, ideally within a consulting environment. Candidates should demonstrate extensive knowledge and experience with complex ESG projects, regulatory initiatives, and sustainable business practices.
- Proven track record in leading and executing multiple ESG and sustainability initiatives within large organisations, particularly in roles that have involved compliance, governance, and risk management.
Industry Background:
- Strong experience with regulatory and audit frameworks, ideally gained within a Big 4 consultancy (KPMG, PwC, Deloitte, EY) or a similar large-scale, client-focused organisation. Familiarity with building and scaling sustainability practices is essential.
- Deep understanding of EU regulatory frameworks, including CSRD and NFRD, as well as emerging trends in sustainability risk management and reporting.
Technical Expertise:
- Advanced knowledge of ESG frameworks, sustainability reporting, and audit standards. Expertise in designing and implementing compliance frameworks that address EU regulatory standards.
- A Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification or an equivalent is highly desirable, as it adds valuable insight into financial reporting, compliance, and audit practices specific to sustainability.
Leadership & Communication Skills:
- Exceptional leadership capabilities, with a history of managing and mentoring high-performing teams in a dynamic, growth-oriented setting.
- Strong interpersonal skills for effective client engagement, with the ability to translate complex sustainability concepts into actionable insights for clients and stakeholders at various levels.
- Outstanding presentation and communication skills, with the capability to represent the company and communicate its value proposition in a variety of public and client-facing forums.

This role is an opportunity to join an ambitious team in a high-impact capacity, where your leadership will drive sustainable transformation for both the company and its clients. As an industry leader in ESG compliance and sustainability, the successful candidate will play a crucial role in guiding clients through the complexities of sustainability risk, compliance, and regulatory requirements, positioning them to achieve long-term, sustainable growth.

Director of Sustainability

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Director of Sustainability