ESG Manager

Our small Canadian-born business was founded in 1978 and has become a global organization that now spans 120 locations across 20 countries. Our expansion has been rapid, but what matters most is the common belief that drives all 5,000 of our people to be a different type of real estate organization. We believe that the places in which we live, work and play have the power to make us happier and healthier, and we are united by a shared sense of purpose, to have a positive impact on people’s lives. In short, we are a global commercial real estate advisory firm with a simple aim for real estate to play a leading role in creating vibrant buildings, cities and places that deliver long-lasting social value and economic impact.

Why Work for Us

We believe that our industry is changing, and we want our business to be a melting pot of curious minds, passionate hearts and strategic intelligence. Your gender, religion and race are all highly respected, but are less important to us than your ability to step up and change the game. We provide you with a place where you can do just that, with like-minded people. Collaboration is embedded in the way we work - our people have the autonomy to collaborate on client relationships, engage teams across the business, lead operations, work collectively on projects, participate in strategy and are ultimately responsible for our growth. Our distinctive Principal-led, privately-owned model puts us in the enviable position of being able to offer every employee the opportunity to own a share of our business and inspires and allows anyone to become a Principal. This role carries voting rights, so our people have a very real say in the future direction and operation of our business. This means that we are able to attract, engage and retain the best talent from the industry.

The overall purpose of the job:

• To lead and imbed ESG into our Real Estate and Facilities Management offering.
• To establish and implement a Green Charter for our Managed portfolio.
• Work with the FM team to ensure sustainable standards are established and implemented across the operation.
• To ensure 100% compliance in respect of Environmental Legislation.
• To drive continuous improvement in ESG service provision.
• To participate in all relevant operational initiatives being the ESG lead for REFIM.
• To drive fees through referring wider ESG team services.

Main duties, responsibilities and accountabilities:

• Implement ESG initiatives across the portfolio or for specific Client sites, and embed sustainability into new and existing operations.
• Work with the procurement team to ensure sustainability is sufficiently captured at the contract procurement level.
• Work with the FM team to ensure Sustainability delivered by the supply chain at the operational level of the contract.
• Inputting into SLA’s and KPI measurements.
• Reporting and analysing large sets of ESG data across a portfolio of assets e.g. annual sustainability reports. Environmental metrics include energy, water, waste, emissions and biodiversity.
• Streamline our energy consumption process for Scope 3 emissions and ensure data completeness for both Landlord and Occupier managed supplies.
• Work with the FM team and occupiers to drive improvements and share sustainability best practice.
• Develop sustainable fit-out standards for asset mobilisation phase (BREEAM/ NABERS aligned).
• Develop and Implement asset-level net zero carbon management plans across the portfolio and identify new technologies.
• ESG compliance and due diligence including ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 systems development for managed sites.
• Establish a Social Value tracker and reporting for REFIM.
• Work with our IT teams to produce dashboard reporting on all ESG aspects of our Managed portfolio.
• Champion the use of the RiskWise Environmental module / suggest better way alternative platforms to improve ESG data capture, governance and reporting to demonstrate our value and contribution across our managed portfolio.
• To undertake Sustainability related building / site inspections and promote sustainable ways of working.
• Work closely with the regional FM teams and deliver ESG training and development for all of the REM team.
• Participate in pitches, bids and attend Client meetings to access current Client’s ESG strategies.
• Identify and drive ESG projects that improve our Property Management service offering, determining the gaps in our offering, potential business growth areas and the opportunities for cross-selling within AY.
• Promote good relationships with client contacts and site personnel and project a professional image of Avison Young.
• Represent AY at the Better Buildings Partnership Managing Agents Forum.
• Advocate and Implement with the teams, tools such as the BBP Managing for Performance Tool kit.
• To ensure availability on an ad-hoc basis to attend meetings at the discretion of the Head of FM and Head of Sustainability and Decarbonization.
• Carry out any other duties as requested.

No job description can fully represent every issue which may arise within the post and the post holder is expected to carry out other duties from time to time that are broadly consistent with those in this job description.

Key Skill Requirements

• 3 years working experience in an Environmental role in Real estate.
• Full Driving License.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines.
• Problem solving abilities.
• Building Optimisation and net zero carbon.
• A working knowledge of Building Accreditations.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to build relationships.
• Working knowledge of Word and Excel and other data capture systems.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Good work ethic with an energetic approach.
• Ability to work as part of a team and contribute in a positive manner to the overall performance of the team.
• Flexibility and commitment to completing the task in hand.
• Enthusiasm for change.

Knowledge / Qualification Requirements

• Degree level education or equivalent.

At Avison Young, we’ve always put people at the heart of what we do. In the last few years, we’ve increased the diversity at our board, leadership and Principal levels. Avison Young stands out for our commitment to empowering women. In addition to increasing the number of women on our board and in our leadership ranks, our internal Women’s Network of more than 500 members come together for networking and learning, and advise the business on strategies for promoting access, opportunity and inclusion in our industry.

Our global DEI steering committee shapes our strategy to continue to increase industry access for underrepresented groups and accelerating initiatives led by our employee resource groups, including our Women’s Network, Black Professionals and LGBTQ+ groups. In addition to leading global initiatives, the steering committee’s work examines our policies and practices, creating accountability for results and communicating progress to our executive leadership, our clients and our communities.

Our culture is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion, and well-being. We are committed to building an inclusive culture that empowers all our employees to thrive, reflects all backgrounds and talents, allows individuals to be successful and feel a sense of belonging, and foster a workplace that is supported, inclusive and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.

Avison Young is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to treating all its employees and job applicants equitably. This includes implementing deliberate strategies that advance underrepresented communities in commercial real estate careers.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to removing any obstacles to inclusion. If you need any adjustments to support your application or any part of the recruitment process, such as information in alternative formats or special requirements to access our buildings, or you are eligible under the Disability Confident Scheme please contact us at careers.uk@avisonyoung.com and we will do everything we can to help.

We are committed to inclusion in our hiring processes, and we want to give everyone a chance to show what they can bring to our organisation. If you are not sure that you have all the skills in the person specification, please still apply. We value passion and potential in our employees, so it would be great to hear from you and why you would suit this position.

Some of our roles may be remote and some roles may be specific to our offices, but you will need to confirm you have the right to work in the UK.