Chief Sustainability Officer - Sports Facilities

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 2,000,000 - 4,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation package

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a major sports facilities developer and operator in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, to appoint a Chief Sustainability Officer. This executive role leads the ESG strategy across the organization, ensuring environmental responsibility and positive community impact while aligning with regulatory expectations.

The CSO will drive governance, monitor metrics, oversee environmental programs, manage budgets, and engage with investors, government bodies, NGOs and staff.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in sustainability/ESG with leadership.
• Proven ability to develop and implement large-scale sustainability strategies.
• Deep knowledge of ESG frameworks (GRI, SASB) and climate risk.
• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and stakeholder management.
• Experience budgeting and leading cross-functional teams.
• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Engineering, or related field; Master's preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and drive the company-wide sustainability strategy and initiatives.
• Oversee environmental programs: energy, waste, water.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and ESG reporting.
• Lead community engagement and ethical labor practices.
• Establish governance structures and reporting for ESG performance.
• Engage with investors, government bodies, NGOs, and communities.
• Identify and implement innovative sustainable technologies.
• Lead sustainability training across staff.
• Represent the company on ESG forums.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Communication

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science

Master's degree preferred

Tools

GRI framework

SASB framework

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major developer and operator of sports facilities across Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape and beyond, is seeking a strategic and experienced Chief Sustainability Officer. This senior leadership position will be responsible for developing and implementing the company's comprehensive sustainability strategy, focusing on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. You will play a key role in ensuring our sports facilities operate in an environmentally responsible manner, engage positively with local communities, and meet evolving regulatory and stakeholder expectations. This hybrid role requires a blend of in-office presence for strategic planning and team collaboration, along with remote flexibility. If you are a passionate advocate for sustainability with a proven track record in developing and executing successful ESG initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage the company's overarching sustainability strategy and initiatives.
• Oversee environmental impact assessments, energy efficiency programs, waste reduction efforts, and water conservation strategies for all sports facilities.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental regulations and standards.
• Develop and promote social responsibility programs, including community engagement and ethical labor practices.
• Establish robust governance structures and reporting mechanisms for ESG performance.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including investors, government bodies, NGOs, and local communities, on sustainability matters.
• Identify opportunities for innovation in sustainable practices and technologies within the sports facility sector.
• Develop and deliver sustainability training programs for staff across all levels.
• Monitor and report on key sustainability metrics and performance indicators.
• Represent the company on sustainability-related forums and initiatives.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in sustainability, ESG, environmental management, or corporate social responsibility, with a significant portion in a leadership capacity.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing successful sustainability strategies within a large organization, ideally with exposure to real estate or facility management.
• Deep understanding of environmental regulations, ESG frameworks (e.g., GRI, SASB), and climate-related risk assessment.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Strong leadership, influencing, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and reporting skills, with the ability to articulate complex issues clearly.
• Experience in managing budgets and leading cross-functional teams.
• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Passion for sports and commitment to driving positive environmental and social change.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package, including bonuses and long-term incentives.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering a flexible work-life balance.
• Opportunity to lead sustainability efforts for a prominent sports organization.
• Direct impact on environmental and social responsibility initiatives.
• Comprehensive executive health benefits.
• Professional development and conference attendance opportunities.