Net Zero Strategy Lead (Global Climate Initiatives)

Trellis Group; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 159,000; Full time

Job summary

Cushman & Wakefield is seeking a Senior Manager, Climate Strategy to lead the strategy, execution, and governance of the firm’s global net zero commitments. The role sits within the Corporate Sustainability team and will drive enterprise-wide decarbonization across operations and the value chain.

You will own the development and implementation of net zero strategy and environmental performance tracking, and partner with stakeholders across the business to deliver measurable emissions reductions.

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).
• 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 Science Based Target (SBT) 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 to ensure the integrity, consistency, and auditability of performance tracking and reporting against environmental sustainability goals
• Partner cross-functionally with Real Estate, Procurement, Finance, HR, and business lines to embed sustainability into operations and relevant services
• Oversight responsibility across Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions accounting process, ensuring alignment with GHG Protocol standards
• Operational and strategic oversight responsibility for climate-related technology stack including GHG accounting tools, related APIs tool and building energy tools, as applicable
• Oversee data analytics, modeling, and scenario analysis to inform decision-making and emissions reduction strategies
• 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 and develop Net Zero Analyst
• Set priorities, provide coaching, and ensure high-quality analytical outputs
• Build scalable processes, tools, and playbooks for sustainability program delivery
• Work with relevant business and operational leaders and stakeholders to drive partnership and collaboration for climate transition actions

Skills

Sustainability strategy

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Data-driven decision making

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree or certifications

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Job description

Cushman & Wakefield is seeking a Senior Manager, Climate Strategy to lead the strategy, execution, and governance of the firm’s global net zero commitments. The role sits within the Corporate Sustainability team and will drive enterprise-wide decarbonization across operations and the value chain.

You will own the development and implementation of net zero strategy and environmental performance tracking, and partner with stakeholders across the business to deliver measurable emissions reductions.