Head of Sustainable Business & Finance

Allen & York Ltd; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading conservation charity is seeking a Head of Sustainable Business & Finance to lead efforts in integrating nature recovery into private sector markets. The role involves strategizing, building partnerships, and guiding a high-performing team to secure funding for biodiversity initiatives. Ideal candidates will possess strong leadership abilities and a relevant network in the finance sector. This position is hybrid and includes international travel, contributing to significant global conservation outcomes.

Qualifications

• Strong organisational leadership experience.
• Established network within corporate finance.
• Ability to lead cross-sector engagement.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic direction for sustainable finance.
• Cultivate partnerships with corporate and financial sectors.
• Mentor and develop team members across multiple regions.

Skills

Organisational leadership

Strategic partnerships

Finance mechanisms

Biodiversity standards

Mentoring

Job description

Head of Sustainable Business & Finance

Location: Hybrid/Regents Park
Salary: Competitive

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is an international conservation charity, driven by science, working to restore wildlife in the UK and around the world. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives, and every person at ZSL plays a part in achieving this shared mission.

The Head of Sustainable Business & Finance leads ZSL's work to embed nature recovery at the heart of private sector markets. This influential role guides a high‑performing team and works across the organisation to unlock over £100 million in finance for nature and engage 500 companies to improve transparency around environmental impacts by 2030. A central focus is forging transformational partnerships with major organisations, ensuring ZSL's scientific expertise shapes how businesses and investors address biodiversity.

As a senior leader within the Conservation & Policy Directorate, you will already have an established network of contacts, shaping and delivering ZSL's markets‑facing strategy, steward the Sustainable Business & Finance department, and oversee a diverse portfolio of institutional and philanthropic grants. You will grow ZSL's advisory services, expanding income and impact while ensuring all work aligns with ZSL's ethical standards and delivers measurable outcomes for wildlife.

Key responsibilities include developing strategic direction, cultivating high‑level corporate and financial sector partnerships, scaling innovative finance mechanisms, and strengthening ZSL's leadership role in biodiversity disclosure and standards such as TNFD. You will also support global corporate engagement through programmes including ZSL's SPOTT initiative and ForestIQ partnership.

The role requires strong organisational leadership, with responsibility for mentoring and developing team members across the UK, Africa and Southeast Asia, as well as ensuring financial sustainability through effective budgeting and resource allocation. You will champion an inclusive, collaborative culture grounded in ZSL's values and contribute to the wider strategic leadership of the Directorate.

This position involves international travel, cross-sector engagement at senior levels, and a commitment to delivering impactful, ethical and science-driven conservation outcomes.

To find out more or for an informal confidential conversation about the role, please email Justine Sanford at [e-mail].

Allen & York have been matching purposeful people with purpose‑led organisations for 30 years. We partner with our clients and candidates on roles that build an understanding of climate change, promote sustainability and create inclusive and responsible organisations, working towards a sustainable world for us all. Committed to inclusiveness in the workplace, we aim to increase diversity across all areas and therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, or whether or not they have a disability. Let's help build a better world, together.