Investment Manager, Climate & Nature Fund

Unilever; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

UL in London is seeking an experienced Investment Manager to lead the Climate & Nature Fund investments, working with global teams across procurement, sustainability, finance and legal. The role focuses on originations, due diligence, and performance monitoring of direct equity and blended financing structures within a fast-paced FMCG context.

Based at Blackfriars, this full-time temporary post runs until 31 July 2027, offering a hybrid work pattern and a competitive salary up to £83,000 per

Qualifications

• 10–15 years of professional experience in finance, impact investment, M&A or venture capital.
• Experience delivering multi-stakeholder projects with strong business-case execution.
• Knowledge of sustainability in industry or supply chains is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead origination, due diligence, closing and performance management of direct equity and blended financing investments.
• Coordinate with Procurement, Global Sustainability, R&D, Supply Chain, Finance, Legal and other teams.
• Develop external financing partnerships and manage investment programs across global projects.
• Present investment cases to senior leadership and oversee cross-functional delivery.

Skills

Investment experience

Stakeholder management

Financial modelling

Project management

Sustainability/climate finance

International travel

Job description

Manpower are currently seeking an interim Investment Manager, Climate & Nature Fund, to work with our global FMCG client, renowned for brands such as Dove, Sure, Persil, and Simple, to become an integral part of their fast-paced FMCG environment.

The position is based at Blackfriars on London’s Victoria Embankment, just a short walk from Blackfriars tube. This is a full-time temporary role to run until end July 2027, requiring 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation for this role is competitive, paying up to £83,000 per annum, pro rata, depending upon experience.

The role currently offers a mix of remote and onsite working, subject to adjustment based on business requirements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The role as Senior Manager for the Climate and Nature Fund presents an opportunity to be part of an international team of investment professionals, program managers, and sustainability professionals managing global programs and projects. This is an exciting role and a unique opportunity to spearhead transformation in a global supply chain, as part of an international team, sponsored by UL’s Global Chief Procurement Officer and working across UL business groups and value chains.

In 2020, UL announced the creation of a €1 billion commitment over the next 10 years to take meaningful and decisive action to protect the health of the planet and connect sustainability with our superior value creation model. The Climate & Nature Fund enables greater impact, through growth-based global value chain transformation and technology innovation, and as a platform for collaboration with partners in innovation and financing that help scale impact faster and further.

You will be responsible for managing the development, execution and the ongoing performance management of strategic supply chain financing and innovation partnerships and programs, and the origination, completion and monitoring of direct equity / debt investments and fund investment strategies. You could be managing a close international team of analysts/ assistant managers. The role will consist of:

• Project origination and investment management:
• Lead investment manager for internal partner collaboration within Procurement and with Global Sustainability, R&D, Supply Chain, Finance, Legal, Assurance, Brands and Business Units.
• Lead manager for the origination, due diligence, closing and performance management of direct equity investments forming joint ventures, investments in funds, and in some cases the co-creation of, or investment in, externally managed blended financing structure.
• Managing the origination, due diligence and performance management of co-financing partnership programs and investment for strategies that could include raw material supply chains, energy transition, alternative feedstocks, packaging and circular economy, as well as media and business services.
• Present investment cases and performance monitoring to senior leadership team committees.
• Lead / support the investment workstream for highly strategic global projects.
• As part of a multi-discipline investment team, lead overall project creation and delivery working in collaboration with global and business unit teams from Procurement Portfolio, Legal, Supply Chain, Finance, M&A, R&D, Global Treasury, Tax and Accounting.
• Partnership development and influencing the field:
• Contribute to elevating the leadership profile of the Climate & Nature Fund and UL’s role in sustainable resilience supply chain transformation.
• Develop and maintain effective external financing and innovation partnerships.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED:

EXPERIENCES & QUALIFICATIONS:

• 10-15 years professional experience in finance, impact investment, M&A, blended finance, venture capital and innovation partnerships
• Market knowledge and insights of sustainability in industry or supply chains are a benefit, for example alternative materials, regenerative agriculture, circularity and energy transition
• Proven experience delivering and managing complex and multi-stakeholder projects with strong business case execution
• External network desirable within public and private sector financial institutions
• Knowledge and experience preferred working on investment strategies in supply chains and areas relevant to UL’s business groups
• Some international travel required once per quarter

SKILLS:

• Self-starter with an entrepreneurial growth mindset, a strong bias for action, accountability and interested in innovation and collaboration
• Ability to build, manage and lead relationships with internal stakeholders
• Proven strength in execution and able to work independently and collaboratively
• Strong at communicating ideas to business partners, internally and externally, translating these into effective proposals conveying value and influencing
• Strong analytical skills for building business cases and development / collaboration on financing solutions
• Strong skills in program management skills and data-driven decision making
• Business acumen and ability to understand how the organization derives value from opportunities, interventions and capabilities for decarbonization and nature positive strategies
• Demonstrated ability to strategically motivate/influence colleagues and senior stakeholders, and in the process holding oneself as well as others accountable for reaching ambitious targets

LEADERSHIP:

• You are an inclusive motivator of people. Your team delivers with real passion, growing and learning from each other whilst delivering quick wins.
• You are responsible for your own results and as a manager, you also need to motivate others to deliver with passion, creating an inclusive and engaging climate around you. You can balance challenge with support and coaching.
• You understand the wider business context and can motivate people to deliver what is needed.

Blackfriars working environment:

• Iconic location on the Victoria embankment, modern working environment
• Short walk from Blackfriars station
• Staff shop discounted products
• Free tea & coffee facilities
• Onsite Deli and a restaurant open for breakfast and lunch
• Gym is available for use subscription required.