Senior Project Manager –Lenders’ Environmental and Social Advisory

Arup; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Career development

Global networks access

Inclusive environment

Job summary

Arup is expanding its Lenders' Environmental and Social Advisory (LESA) team to manage E&S assessments, due diligence and monitoring for high-profile infrastructure projects worldwide.

You will lead complex E&S advisory projects, advise on IFC/Equator Principles, and nurture client relationships while growing the business. The role offers flexible working arrangements within a global network.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Environmental & Social risk management.
• Strong knowledge of international lender standards (IFC, Equator Principles).
• Track record in leading complex projects and managing client relationships.
• Experience in business development and winning work.
• Experience across infrastructure, energy, transport, water or industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver complex E&S advisory projects for lenders, investors and developers.
• Provide expert advice on international lender standards and related frameworks.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships while supporting business development.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality projects across sectors/geographies.
• Mentor and support the development of colleagues while growing the business.

Skills

E&S risk mgmt

Client relationships

Business development

Project leadership

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Education

Environmental/ES degree

Chartered status preferred

Job description

Joining Arup

Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach have set us apart for 80 years, guiding how we shape a better world. Arup's globally connected and multi-disciplinary Lenders' Environmental and Social Advisory (LESA) team provides environmental, social and sustainability advisory services to lenders, investors, developers and project sponsors on high-profile and complex transport, energy and water projects worldwide. The team supports clients throughout the project lifecycle, delivering environmental and social impact assessments, gap analyses, due diligence, monitoring, management systems development and implementation support in line with international lender requirements, including the IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles, EIB Standards, EBRD Performance Requirements and World Bank requirements, amongst others. The team currently supports major projects across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas and is experiencing continued growth through existing commissions and strategic framework appointments such as the European Investment Bank Advisory Services Framework.

The Opportunity

Building on this strong and internationally recognised platform, we are expanding our E&S assessment and IESC capability to meet a growing portfolio of energy, water, transport and property infrastructure.

Working closely with E&S specialists, plus technical advisory and sector specialists across Arup's global network, the successful candidate will manage our E&S assessments, due diligence and monitoring services required by Lenders for projects and portfolios in these sectors. You will advise Project sponsors and Lenders on complex, high-profile projects across multiple geographies while helping influence industry best practice and drive positive change. You will manage LESA assignments, nurture client relationships, undertake business development and line manage junior colleagues, while continuing to develop your technical specialism. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to thought leadership, framework delivery and strategic growth initiatives across Arup's global network. You will work closely with colleagues across Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia and the Americas to support the delivery of LESA services. This role combines technical excellence, client engagement, project management and business development, offering an exciting opportunity to contribute to the continued growth and global success of Arup's lenders' E&S advisory business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver complex Environmental & Social (E&S) advisory projects for lenders, investors and developers.
• Provide expert advice on international lender standards, including IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles and related frameworks.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships while supporting business development and winning work.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality projects across a range of sectors and geographies.
• Mentor and support the development of colleagues while helping grow the business.

What We Are Looking For

• Significant experience in Environmental & Social risk management, sustainability consulting or environmental advisory.
• Strong knowledge of international lender standards and E&S due diligence requirements.
• Proven experience leading complex projects and managing client relationships.
• Track record in business development and winning work.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication and leadership skills.
• Experience working across sectors such as infrastructure, energy, transport, water or industry.

Desirable

• Experience as an Independent Environmental & Social Consultant (IESC).
• Experience in emerging markets.
• Knowledge of Environmental & Social Management Systems (ESMS) and Environmental & Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs).
• Additional language skills such as French, Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin or Arabic.

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant discipline such as Environmental Science, Sustainability, Geography, Engineering, Social Sciences or International Development.
• Chartered status (or equivalent professional accreditation) preferred.
• Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application and for the duration of employment. Any offer made will be subject to satisfactory proof of immigration status.* **

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on high-profile and nationally significant projects.
• Career development within a global multidisciplinary organisation.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Access to industry-leading technical networks and expertise.
• A collaborative and inclusive working environment focused on sustainable outcomes.

Different People, Shared Values

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity orexpression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment thatembraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks supportour inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more aboutlife at Arup at www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup.

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact Lei Padua at [e-mail] to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.

Closing date

17 November 2026

We may close the role earlier than the advertised date should we receive a large number of applications.