Position Summary
The Carlyle Group is seeking a highly commercial, execution-oriented Sustainability US Value Creation Lead to drive tangible business outcomes across its US Private Equity, Real Assets, and Infrastructure portfolio.

This role is focused on designing and delivering value creation initiatives that enhance portfolio company performance through sustainability-driven levers, including cost optimization, risk mitigation, and revenue growth. The position operates as an in-house strategy and operations consultant, working directly with portfolio company management teams to build and implement high-impact programs.

The ideal candidate will be able to independently lead engagements with senior executives, translate ESG insights into business strategy, and operationalize initiatives that drive measurable financial value.

The ideal candidate will be passionate about business innovation and demonstrate leadership in using AI to advance sustainability outcomes and improve team operations. A strong track record of driving innovation and adopting emerging technologies is desired.

In-Office Requirement: 4 days per week

Responsibilities
Lead ESG-Driven Value Creation Across Portfolio Companies

Independently lead engagements with portfolio company management teams to identify, prioritize, and execute value creation opportunities
Translate ESG topics (e.g., energy, supply chain, workforce, product positioning) into clear commercial strategies that drive EBITDA impact
Design and implement initiatives that deliver cost savings, operational efficiencies, risk reduction, and revenue enhancement
Act as a trusted advisor to C-suite and senior operators, with limited oversight

Program Design & Execution

Build and operationalize scalable and bespoke value creation programs across asset classes
Develop clear roadmaps, KPIs, and implementation plans, and drive accountability through execution
Ensure initiatives are embedded into core business operations, not treated as standalone ESG efforts
Lead cross-functional collaboration within portfolio companies to execute programs effectively

Investment Lifecycle Integration (Selective, High-Impact)

Support ESG diligence for new investments with a focus on value creation opportunities and commercial upside, not just risk identification
Translate diligence findings into actionable 100-day plans and ownership-ready value creation strategies

Thought Leadership & Platform Building

Develop practical playbooks and toolkits that enable repeatable value creation across the portfolio
Identify emerging trends and innovative approaches to sustainability-driven value creation
Support internal knowledge sharing and capability building across deal and operating teams

Qualifications
Education & Certificates

Bachelors degree, required
Concentration in finance, accounting, economics, or other business- or ESG-related discipline, strongly preferred

Professional Experience

5–8+ years of experience in management consulting, private equity value creation, or a similar strategy/operations role
Demonstrated experience leading workstreams or projects independently, ideally with direct exposure to senior client stakeholders
Proven track record of driving measurable business outcomes (cost savings, revenue growth, operational improvements)
Experience working with or advising portfolio companies or operating businesses strongly preferred
Familiarity with sustainability/ESG topics as business levers (not just reporting frameworks)

Core Capabilities

Strong commercial acumen with the ability to connect ESG initiatives to financial performance
Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills; able to structure ambiguous problems and drive to execution
Outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills, with confidence engaging senior executives
Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced, unstructured environment with high expectations
Demonstrated ability to move from strategy to execution and deliver results
Mindset & Attributes
Highly proactive, ownership-driven, and execution-focused
Naturally curious and innovative, with a passion for building and scaling programs
Comfortable challenging management teams and influencing without authority
Strong judgment on when to escalate vs. operate independently
Strong team player mentality and able to operate in a global environment

Benefits/Compensation
The compensation range for this role is specific to Washington, DC and takes into account a wide range of factors including but not limited to the skill sets required/preferred; prior experience and training; licenses and/or certifications.

The anticipated base salary range for this role is $105,000 to $115,000.

In addition to the base salary, the hired professional will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package spanning retirement benefits, health insurance, life insurance and disability, paid time off, paid holidays, family planning benefits and various wellness programs. Additionally, the hired professional may also be eligible to participate in an annual discretionary incentive program, the award of which will be dependent on various factors, including, without limitation, individual and organizational performance.

Due to the high volume of candidates, please be advised that only candidates selected to interview will be contacted by Carlyle.

About Us:

The Carlyle Group (NASDAQ: CG) is a global investment firm with $475 billion of assets under management, across 678 investment vehicles as of March 31, 2026. Founded in 1987 in Washington, DC, Carlyle has grown into one of the world's largest and most successful investment firms, with more than 2,500 professionals operating in 28 offices in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia.

Carlyle’s purpose is to connect people, ideas, and capital to fuel growth for companies and performance for investors, which range from public and private pension funds to wealthy individuals and families to sovereign wealth funds, unions and corporations. Carlyle invests across three segments – Global Private Equity, Global Credit and Carlyle AlpInvest – and has deep expertise across industries, markets, and geographies.

At Carlyle, we believe that a wide spectrum of experiences and viewpoints drives performance and success. Our CEO, Harvey Schwartz, has stated that, "To build better businesses and create value for all of our stakeholders, we are focused on assembling leadership teams with the strongest insights from a range of perspectives." Reflecting this view, emphasis is placed on development, retention and inclusion through our internal processes and seven Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). We cultivate a culture where ideas are openly shared and challenged, connecting diverse expertise and perspectives to drive enduring value.

The Carlyle Group Employee Co. jobs

The Carlyle Group Employee Co.