Job descriptions library for sustainability positions

Job Description

Reporting into the Chief Legal Officer, the SVP Sustainability for Company X will be a highly regarded  domain expert, especially around climate change and carbon footprint, who will be responsible for  developing and enhancing the Company’s enterprise-wide global strategy to help build out a best-in-class  ESG function with a differentiated approach. The Company has intentionally embedded ESG  responsibilities throughout the Company, and the SVP Sustainability will be a senior and experienced  leader driving the effort both through influence and direct leadership.

Responsibilities

• Refine, lead and drive the Company’s ESG & sustainability efforts at an enterprise level on the  implementation of industry-leading best practices.
• Consider how the Company will manage the impacts that global warming will have on their  business and demonstrate preparedness to operate in a low-carbon economy.
• Work within country sourcing with raw materials and in supply chain to ensure products are  manufactured and moved sustainably.
• Develop methodologies to assess the viability and success of certain sustainability initiatives.
• Coordinate with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders including senior management,  business unit ESG leads, investors, operators, external organizations and experts.
• Articulate to internal and external stakeholders how the Company is aligned with the goal of  reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
• Assess the Company’s operations and vulnerabilities, craft scalable solutions, and consider low carbon investments, among other initiatives.
• Address near-term climate risks and opportunities, while simultaneously making the necessary  internal process, policy, and capital allocation adjustments to allow for long-term financial viability  in a low-carbon economy.
• Participate in investor meetings, diligence sessions and represent the Company at external panels  and conferences; effective disclosure of climate-related risks and GHG emissions data is critical.  ▪ Identify and facilitate education and training on sustainability across the organization as needed.
• Maintain current working knowledge of, and ensures compliance with, all applicable local, state,  federal, and internal environmental laws and regulations.
•  In partnership with Legal, HR, and Corporate Communications, lead the effort to create ESG  communication materials, including annual Corporate Responsibility Report.
• Collaborate with HR in implementing strategies around diversity, equity and inclusion.

Requirements

 The ideal candidate will have

• 15+ years of professional experience, with 5-7 years of experience directly within ESG,  preferably in ESG strategy and implementation
• A proven track record advancing ESG goals and deliverables. They will deliver a seamless  combination of strategic vision and hands on implementation, i.e. a doer as well as an architect
• Demonstrated experience as a subject matter expert in ESG & sustainability
• Experience leading and managing a function with multiple interdependencies within a complex  global organization
• A high level of market sophistication and broad expertise in investor relations
• Track record of executing value accretive ESG workstreams and driving organizational change

S/he will:

• Be entrepreneurial, comfortable operating in lean environments, resourceful, self-starter, but  also team-oriented and collaborative
• Have the highest level of integrity and professionalism
• Be detail-oriented, quality conscious, and have the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced  environment
• Be a creative thinker with strong analytical aptitude and business acumen
• Be nimble and solutions oriented
• Be tactful, patient and cognizant of timing within a robust, layered organization
• Have the ability to manage multiple stakeholders
• Have strong interpersonal skills
• Possess a high level of intellectual curiosity and a desire to continuously add to his/her  knowledge base
• Have excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Have extensive experience of presenting to groups

Setting Strategy

• Oversee the Company’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) program; manage internal  strategy, processes and coordination and partner with communications team on external  communications
• The inclination to seek and analyze data from a variety of sources to support decisions and to  align others with the overall strategy an entrepreneurial and creative approach to developing  new, innovative ideas

Executing for Results

• The ability to set clear and challenging goals while committing to improved performance;  tenacious and accountable in driving results
• Comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty; the ability to adapt nimbly and navigate complex  situations
• Seeks data and input from others to foresee possible threats or unintended circumstances from  decisions while willing to take smart, well-calculated risks

Relationships and Influence

• Naturally connects and builds strong relationships with others, demonstrating strong emotional  intelligence and an ability to communicate clearly and persuasively
• An ability to inspire trust and followership in others through compelling influence, powerful  charisma, passion in his/her beliefs, and active drive
• Encourages others to share the spotlight, and visibly celebrates and supports the success of the  broader team