Manager - Climate Change and Sustainability

Ernst & Young Advisory Services Sdn Bhd; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 850 000; Full time

Job summary

A global advisory firm is looking for a Manager in Climate Change and Sustainability based in Johannesburg. This role involves managing sustainability assurance and reporting engagements, developing client relationships, and leading a multidisciplinary team. Applicants should possess a degree in commerce or a related field, have substantial experience in sustainability reporting, and be skilled in project management. Strong communication skills and proficiency in MS Office are also required. Join us in building a better working world.

Qualifications

• 1+ years project management experience in sustainability.
• Minimum of 6 years of work experience including sustainability reporting and assurance.
• Technical knowledge in specific ESG and sustainability areas.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Partner in managing sustainability assurance engagements.
• Develop strategies for clients in reporting sustainability and climate-related impacts.
• Manage client relationships and lead project delivery.

Skills

Project management expertise

Strong understanding of ESG and sustainability

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Education

Degree in commerce or related field

Postgraduate qualification relevant to service area

Tools

MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Job description

Manager - Climate Change and Sustainability

Location: Johannesburg

Other locations: Primary Location Only

Date: Jan 23, 2026

Requisition ID: 1677624

At EY, we are fully committed to empowering you to shape your future with confidence. We will support your success within a globally connected network of diverse teams, enabling you to take your career in any direction you choose. Join EY and help to build a better working world.

Manager-Climate Change and Sustainability

The opportunity

Assist the Partner in the successful delivery and management of external sustainability assurance and reporting engagements, on-site and at client premises, while ensuring adherence to the firm\'s established methodologies and practices. This position requires the development of strong client relationships and effective team management. Support the business area leadership in implementing the sustainability assurance and reporting strategy by identifying prospective business leads, crafting and presenting persuasive proposals, and participating in various business development initiatives to foster growth and strengthen client relationships.

Key responsibilities

• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team to assist organisations in managing and reporting on sustainability and climate-related risks and impacts. Deliver assurance on non-financial reporting, including sustainability metrics, emissions, and energy reporting across various sectors.
• Develop strategies, solutions, methodologies, and analytical frameworks to help clients navigate regulatory environments and manage stakeholder expectations.
• Support clients in formulating and implementing sustainability strategies, setting targets, and enhancing sustainability value in areas such as diversity, waste management, modern slavery, and environmental impacts.
• Manage client relationships and lead engagement/project delivery from planning through to completion.
• Oversee team and project management, including coaching and training team members.
• Write reports, respond promptly to client and team requests, and communicate regularly with partners on deliverable statuses.
• Prepare and participate in client presentations and ESG reporting and assurance proposals.
• Drive business development by identifying leads and opportunities and assisting in their conversion.
• Create thought leadership pieces and manage project finance, including work in progress (WIP), invoicing, and cash collections.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Degree in commerce (accounting/ finance/economics- CA/IA), chemical engineering, social sciences, sciences, geography, geology (or similar)

Desired Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification relevant to the service area
• Courses or electives that explore technical knowledge and the fundamentals of sustainability, including related reporting frameworks.
• 1+ years project management experience Minimum of 6 years work experience, including sustainability reporting and assurance Technical competencies
• Project management expertise with proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Strong understanding of ESG and sustainability integration into business operations, along with familiarity with ESG reporting frameworks.
• Experience in conducting ESG assurance engagements, demonstrating attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with technical knowledge in specific ESG and sustainability areas