Chief Sustainability Office (June Start) | London, UK | Hybrid

Leverton Search; London; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Interim Chief Sustainability Officer to lead its sustainability agenda during a maternity cover period. This pivotal role involves strategizing and executing sustainability initiatives while managing a diverse team. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in sustainability leadership within financial services, with a strong focus on sustainable finance solutions. This is a unique opportunity to influence responsible business practices and drive positive global impact in a hybrid working environment based in London.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in senior sustainability leadership roles.
• Strong understanding of sustainability reporting and regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute the group-wide sustainability strategy.
• Manage and mentor a diverse sustainability team.
• Oversee sustainability reporting and disclosures.

Skills

Sustainability Leadership

ESG Strategy Development

Sustainability Reporting

Team Leadership

Stakeholder Engagement

Risk Management

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Master’s Degree in Relevant Field

Job description

Chief Sustainability Office (June Start)

Interim Chief Sustainability Officer (Maternity Cover) Confidential Financial Services Group – London (Hybrid) Are you a passionate sustainability leader ready to make an immediate impact at the executive level? Our client, a leading international financial institution, is seeking an accomplished Interim Chief Sustainability Officer to drive its ambitious sustainability agenda during a key period of maternity cover.

About the Opportunity
This is a high-profile, fixed-term role (12–18 months) reporting directly to the UK Chief Executive Officer and working closely with the Group CEO. You will steer the group’s sustainability strategy, oversee a multi-country team, and ensure the organisation remains at the forefront of sustainable finance and responsible business practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute the group-wide sustainability strategy, aligning with global objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Manage and mentor a small and diverse sustainability team, fostering collaboration and high performance.
• Support the development and delivery of sustainable finance products and services, working closely with business and product teams.
• Oversee the Sustainable Finance Register and monitor group-wide sustainability KPIs.
• Lead all sustainability-related reporting and disclosures, including regulatory and voluntary frameworks (e.g., S&P CSA, ISSB, Principles for Responsible Banking).
• Chair and support governance committees, including the Board Sustainability & Climate Change Committee and Sustainability Council.
• Champion sustainability training and stakeholder engagement across the business.
• Ensure best-in-class sustainability frameworks, policies, and methodologies are in place and continuously improved.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in a senior sustainability or ESG leadership role within financial services or a related regulated sector.
• Track record of designing and delivering sustainable finance solutions and strategies.
• Strong understanding of sustainability reporting, regulatory frameworks, and risk management.
• Excellent team leadership skills, with experience managing multi-location teams.
• Outstanding communication and influencing abilities; comfortable presenting to executive committees and external stakeholders.
• Analytical, strategic, and solutions-focused mindset.
• Experience in or exposure to the Middle East sustainability landscape is highly desirable.
• Master’s degree in a relevant field and evidence of ongoing professional development.
• Fixed-term contract or day rate arrangement, with highly competitive compensation (£150,000–£200,000 base plus completion bonus.
• Hybrid working model based in London; exceptional candidates based in the Middle East may be considered.
• Immediate start preferred, with a comprehensive handover from the outgoing CSO.

Why Join?
This is a rare opportunity to shape the sustainability agenda of a business recognised for its commitment to responsible finance and positive global impact. You’ll work alongside visionary leaders and play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable finance across international markets.

All applications will be handled in strict confidence.

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