Chief Sustainability Officer

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 3,500,000 - 6,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive pay

Stock options

Health benefits

Remote work

Home office

Professional development

Conferences

Coaching

Global team

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) to establish and lead a global sustainability strategy from anywhere in South Africa. This executive role focuses on embedding ESG across operations, driving climate action, circular economy, ethical sourcing, and community engagement, with strategic ties to Bloemfontein developments.

The CSO will lead a remote, distributed team, align with regulatory frameworks, and report to the Board.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Business Admin, or related field.
• 12+ years in sustainability/ESG with 5+ years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing corporate sustainability strategies.
• In-depth knowledge of global sustainability frameworks, reporting standards, and climate science.
• Ability to influence and engage C-suite and government stakeholders.
• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills.
• Experience leading remote or distributed global teams.
• Strong understanding of the renewable energy sector.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a global sustainability strategy aligned with mission and long-term goals.
• Oversee ESG initiatives including climate risk, emissions targets, and energy efficiency.
• Integrate sustainability into decision-making, operations, and product development.
• Engage with investors, regulators, employees, and communities on sustainability matters.
• Ensure compliance with environmental and social regulations and reporting standards (GRI, TCFD).
• Drive innovation in renewable energy, circular economy, and sustainable supply chains.
• Develop and manage the sustainability budget and secure funding.
• Build and lead a high-performing sustainability team.
• Prepare and present regular sustainability reports to the Board and executives.
• Represent the company in sustainability forums and industry initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Sustainability reporting

Change management

Education

Master's or PhD in Environmental Science or related field

Tools

Sustainability reporting software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in renewable energy solutions, is seeking an visionary Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) to establish and lead their sustainability strategy. This is a fully remote executive position, allowing the ideal candidate to operate from anywhere within South Africa, with strategic ties to the Bloemfontein region's development initiatives. The CSO will be responsible for embedding sustainability principles across all business operations, driving environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and robust governance (ESG). You will champion initiatives related to climate action, circular economy principles, ethical sourcing, and community engagement. This role requires a deep understanding of global sustainability trends, regulatory frameworks, and best practices, coupled with exceptional leadership and stakeholder management skills. As a remote executive, you will leverage advanced collaboration technologies to engage with international teams and drive impactful change. This is a critical opportunity to shape the sustainable future of a leading renewable energy company and contribute to a greener planet.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive global sustainability strategy aligned with the company's mission, values, and long-term business goals.
• Oversee all ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) initiatives, including climate risk assessment, emissions reduction targets, waste management, and energy efficiency.
• Lead the integration of sustainability principles into corporate decision-making, operational processes, and product development.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including investors, regulators, employees, and communities, on sustainability matters.
• Ensure compliance with relevant environmental and social regulations and reporting standards (e.g., GRI, TCFD).
• Drive innovation in sustainable practices, exploring opportunities in renewable energy, circular economy, and sustainable supply chains.
• Develop and manage the sustainability budget, securing funding for key initiatives.
• Build and lead a high-performing sustainability team, fostering a culture of environmental awareness and social responsibility.
• Prepare and present regular sustainability reports to the Board of Directors and executive leadership.
• Represent the company in relevant sustainability forums, conferences, and industry initiatives.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in sustainability, ESG, corporate social responsibility, or environmental management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing successful corporate sustainability strategies.
• In-depth knowledge of global sustainability frameworks, reporting standards, and climate science.
• Proven ability to influence and engage diverse stakeholders at all levels, including C-suite executives and government officials.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills.
• Experience working effectively in a remote or distributed global team environment.
• Strong understanding of the renewable energy sector is a significant advantage.
• Proficiency in data analysis and sustainability reporting tools.
• A passion for environmental protection and social equity.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package including a substantial base salary and annual bonus.
• Stock options and long-term incentive plans.
• Comprehensive health, wellness, and retirement benefits.
• Generous vacation policy and flexible remote working arrangements.
• Budget for professional development, conferences, and executive coaching.
• Opportunity to lead impactful initiatives at a global scale and shape the future of renewable energy.
• Allowance for home office setup and technology.
• Collaborative and mission-driven global team culture.