Manager, Sustainability

The Carlyle Group; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 105,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The Carlyle Group is seeking a highly commercial, execution-oriented Sustainability US Value Creation Lead to drive tangible business outcomes across its US Private Equity, Real Assets, and Infrastructure portfolio.

This role designs and delivers value creation initiatives that enhance portfolio company performance through sustainability-driven levers, including cost optimization, risk mitigation, and revenue growth.

Qualifications

• 5–8+ years in management consulting, private equity value creation, or similar strategy/ops.
• Proven track record delivering measurable cost savings, revenue growth, or efficiency gains.
• Experience advising portfolio companies and familiarity with ESG as business levers.

Responsibilities

• Lead engagements with portfolio company management to identify and execute value creation opportunities.
• Translate ESG topics into commercial strategies driving EBITDA impact.
• Design scalable value creation programs and roadmaps with clear KPIs.
• Partner with C-suite and cross-functional teams to drive execution.

Skills

Management consulting

Private equity value creation

Strategy execution

ESG as business lever

C-suite engagement

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Finance/Economics/ESG discipline

Job description

The Carlyle Group is seeking a highly commercial, execution-oriented Sustainability US Value Creation Lead to drive tangible business outcomes across its US Private Equity, Real Assets, and Infrastructure portfolio.

This role is focused on designing and delivering value creation initiatives that enhance portfolio company performance through sustainability-driven levers, including cost optimization, risk mitigation, and revenue growth. The position operates as an in-house strategy and operations consultant, working directly with portfolio company management teams to build and implement high-impact programs.

The ideal candidate will be able to independently lead engagements with senior executives, translate ESG insights into business strategy, and operationalize initiatives that drive measurable financial value.

The ideal candidate will be passionate about business innovation and demonstrate leadership in using AI to advance sustainability outcomes and improve team operations. A strong track record of driving innovation and adopting emerging technologies is desired.

Responsibilities

• Independently lead engagements with portfolio company management teams to identify, prioritize, and execute value creation opportunities
• Translate ESG topics (e.g., energy, supply chain, workforce, product positioning) into clear commercial strategies that drive EBITDA impact
• Design and implement initiatives that deliver cost savings, operational efficiencies, risk reduction, and revenue enhancement
• Act as a trusted advisor to C-suite and senior operators, with limited oversight

Program Design & Execution

• Build and operationalize scalable and bespoke value creation programs across asset classes
• Develop clear roadmaps, KPIs, and implementation plans, and drive accountability through execution
• Ensure initiatives are embedded into core business operations, not treated as standalone ESG efforts
• Lead cross-functional collaboration within portfolio companies to execute programs effectively

Investment Lifecycle Integration (Selective, High-Impact)

• Support ESG diligence for new investments with a focus on value creation opportunities and commercial upside, not just risk identification
• Translate diligence findings into actionable 100-day plans and ownership-ready value creation strategies

Thought Leadership & Platform Building

• Develop practical playbooks and toolkits that enable repeatable value creation across the portfolio
• Identify emerging trends and innovative approaches to sustainability-driven value creation
• Support internal knowledge sharing and capability building across deal and operating teams

Qualifications

Education & Certificates

• Concentration in finance, accounting, economics, or other business- or ESG-related discipline, strongly preferred

Professional Experience

• 5-8+ years of experience in management consulting, private equity value creation, or a similar strategy/operations role
• Demonstrated experience leading workstreams or projects independently, ideally with direct exposure to senior client stakeholders
• Proven track record of driving measurable business outcomes (cost savings, revenue growth, operational improvements)
• Experience working with or advising portfolio companies or operating businesses strongly preferred
• Familiarity with sustainability/ESG topics as business levers (not just reporting frameworks)
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to connect ESG initiatives to financial performance
• Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills; able to structure ambiguous problems and drive to execution
• Outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills, with confidence engaging senior executives
• Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced, unstructured environment with high expectations
• Demonstrated ability to move from strategy to execution and deliver results
• Mindset & Attributes
• Highly proactive, ownership-driven, and execution-focused
• Naturally curious and innovative, with a passion for building and scaling programs
• Comfortable challenging management teams and influencing without authority
• Strong judgment on when to elevate vs. operate independently
• Strong team player mentality and able to operate in a global environment

The compensation range for this role is specific to Washington, DC and takes into account a wide range of factors including but not limited to the skill sets required/preferred; prior experience and training; licenses and/or certifications.

The anticipated base salary range for this role is $105,000 to $115,000.

In addition to the base salary, the hired professional will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package spanning retirement benefits, health insurance, life insurance and disability, paid time off, paid holidays, family planning benefits and various wellness programs. Additionally, the hired professional may also be eligible to participate in an annual discretionary incentive program, the award of which will be dependent on various factors, including, without limitation, individual and organizational performance.

Due to the high volume of candidates, please be advised that only candidates selected to interview will be contacted by Carlyle.