At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sustainability strategies for high-profile clients and drive impactful reporting.
- Company: Join Burson Buchannan, part of WPP, a leader in capital markets communications.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, mentorship, and an inclusive culture.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration across global networks.
- Why this job: Transform ESG compliance into a competitive advantage and shape the future of sustainability.
- Qualifications: 5-10 years in consultancy, strong understanding of ESG frameworks, and data analysis skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Who We Are
Burson Buchannan, part of WPP, is a team of experienced capital markets communications advisers with deep expertise across diverse sectors. We provide integrated communication solutions that support businesses throughout their corporate lifecycle—whether navigating challenges, managing growth, or amplifying success. As strategic partners, we work with clients ranging from SMEs to FTSE 350 companies, delivering tailored strategies that drive impact. Our long‑standing client relationships reflect the strength of our partnerships, and we have a proven track record of guiding small‑ and mid‑cap companies to large‑cap status across international exchanges. WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP) is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands.
More About The Role
We are looking for a Director to join our team as a strategic architect of client success. In this role, you will lead some of our significant sustainability mandates, primarily within the Energy, Natural Resources, and Leisure sectors. As the market enters a new era of reporting integration, you will be the lead consultant guiding clients through the pivot toward CSRD (ESRS) and ISSB (IFRS S1 & S2) compliance. This is not just about document production; it is about leading the quantitative leap—ensuring sustainability data is as robust, audit‑ready, and strategically aligned as financial reporting. You will provide the high‑level counsel that helps clients transform ESG from a compliance burden into a competitive advantage in the capital markets.
What You’ll Do
- Lead strategic mandates: Serve as the primary strategic lead for high‑profile international accounts and oversee the end‑to‑end delivery of complex sustainability and integrated reports.
- Lead (double) materiality assessments: Identify the ESG issues driving long‑term value and weave these insights into core business strategy.
- Master the regulatory frontier: Advise clients on navigating the shift to mandatory disclosures (UK SRS, IFRS S1 & S2, CSRD) and ensure reporting frameworks are resilient and future‑proof.
- Facilitate the quantitative leap: Bridge the gap between narrative qualitative and data‑led quantitative disclosure; refine KPIs, improve data governance, and strengthen non‑financial metrics.
- Nurture junior consultants: Provide consistent mentorship and delegate with purpose to ensure high‑quality delivery.
- Drive agency innovation: Contribute to the evolution of proprietary tools and platforms such as Workiva and Ctrl Print to build a finance‑grade delivery model that sets the industry standard.
- Network ambassador: Collaborate across the global network and leverage EMEA and US platforms to cross‑sell sustainability expertise to influential brands.
- Commercial leadership: Identify opportunities to extend existing mandates and lead high‑stakes pitches to secure and grow a multi‑million‑pound reporting pipeline.
Experience That Contributes to Success
- Mindset: Openness, curiosity, continuous learning, and courageous tenacity to challenge the status quo.
- Technical fluency: Deep hands‑on experience with TCFD, SASB, GRI, and a clear roadmap for adoption of ISSB and CSRD.
- Capital markets insight: Understanding of investor lens and how ESG performance impacts valuation and access to capital.
- Quantitative edge: Ability to perform data‑led analysis; preference for candidates with financial modelling experience or CFA/Chartered background.
- Experience: 5 to 10 years in consultancy or corporate communications, with a proven track record managing reporting projects.
You Belong at Burson Buchannan
Our vision is for Burson Buchannan to be the leading academy company for creative communications professionals and emerging leaders. We provide a dynamic environment where ambitious colleagues can elevate skills, expand networks, and produce the best solutions for today’s leading brands. We commit to growth through professional development, mentorship, an inclusive culture, and competitive benefits. We value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic. We invest in our people because their success is our success.
Director, Sustainability - Burson Buchanan employer: Burson Buchanan
Burson Buchannan, part of WPP, is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, prioritising professional development and mentorship for its employees. As a Director in Sustainability, you will have the opportunity to lead significant international projects while collaborating with a diverse team of experts, all within a supportive environment that values innovation and growth. With competitive benefits and a commitment to employee success, Burson Buchannan is dedicated to transforming the landscape of corporate communications and sustainability.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Sustainability - Burson Buchanan
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at Burson Buchanan or similar firms. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your experience with sustainability mandates and ESG reporting. This will demonstrate your hands-on knowledge and make you memorable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on industry trends! Familiarise yourself with the latest regulations like CSRD and ISSB. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just a candidate, but a thought leader in the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Burson Buchanan team. Let’s get you in the door!
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Sustainability - Burson Buchanan
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director, Sustainability role. Highlight your experience in sustainability and capital markets, and show how your skills align with what we’re looking for at Burson Buchanan.
Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate your deep understanding of ESG frameworks like TCFD and SASB. We want to see how you can bridge the gap between qualitative insights and quantitative data in your application.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through! We value openness and curiosity, so share your passion for sustainability and how you’ve challenged the status quo in your previous roles. This is your chance to stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Burson Buchanan.
How to prepare for a job interview at Burson Buchanan
✨Know Your Sustainability Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and regulations in sustainability, especially around CSRD and ISSB compliance. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the jargon but can also apply it strategically.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples of how you've led strategic initiatives in the past, particularly in sustainability or capital markets. Highlight your ability to turn complex data into actionable insights, as this role requires a strong focus on integrating ESG into core business strategies.
✨Demonstrate Your Mentorship Skills
Since you'll be nurturing junior consultants, think of ways you've mentored others before. Share specific instances where your guidance led to successful outcomes, showcasing your leadership style and commitment to team development.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies or hypothetical scenarios during the interview. Prepare by thinking through how you would approach a double materiality assessment or advise a client on navigating regulatory changes. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and practical knowledge.
