Global Net Zero Strategy Lead (SBT & Decarbonization)

Cushman & Wakefield; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 135,000 - 159,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Disability insurance

Job summary

Cushman & Wakefield is seeking a Senior Manager, Climate Strategy to lead the firm's global net zero commitments and drive decarbonization across operations and value chain. You will own strategy development, governance, and performance tracking while partnering with Real Estate, Procurement, Finance, HR, and business lines to embed sustainability.

The role oversees Scope 1-3 accounting and climate tech tools.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in sustainability, ESG, climate strategy, or related field.
• Strong expertise in GHG accounting, climate frameworks (SBTi, CDP, GRESB, GRI), and decarbonization pathways.
• Proven experience managing complex, cross-functional programs and implementing change management initiatives.
• Advanced analytical and data management capabilities (Excel, Power BI, or similar tools).
• Experience in commercial real estate or professional services preferred.
• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree or relevant certifications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of enterprise-wide Net Zero and SBTI strategy, including roadmap development and execution planning.
• Develop and manage decarbonization and environmental initiatives across operations, supply chain, business travel, and real estate portfolio.
• Support internal control design, governance processes, and KPI frameworks for performance tracking and reporting.
• Partner cross-functionally with Real Estate, Procurement, Finance, HR, and business lines to embed sustainability.
• Oversee Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions accounting to align with GHG Protocol standards.
• Oversee climate-related technology stack including GHG accounting tools and building energy tools.
• Oversee data analytics, modeling, and scenario analysis for decision-making and reductions.
• Manage external partnerships including consultants, auditors, and data providers.
• Lead contributions to environmental disclosures including CDP, GRI, SBTi and annual reporting.
• Support business development and client engagement with sustainability thought leadership.
• Build and lead education and change management initiatives across the organization.
• Directly manage Net Zero Analyst; set priorities and coach for high-quality outputs.
• Build scalable processes, tools, and playbooks for program delivery.
• Drive partnerships with leaders to advance climate transition actions.

Skills

GHG accounting

Climate frameworks

Program management

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Job description

Cushman & Wakefield is seeking a Senior Manager, Climate Strategy to lead the firm's global net zero commitments and drive decarbonization across operations and value chain. You will own strategy development, governance, and performance tracking while partnering with Real Estate, Procurement, Finance, HR, and business lines to embed sustainability.

The role oversees Scope 1-3 accounting and climate tech tools.