At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive global environmental initiatives and shape sustainability strategies at a leading law firm.
- Company: Join Freshfields, a top international law firm committed to responsible business practices.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on innovation and environmental stewardship.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global sustainability efforts and influence change in the legal sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in ESG or environmental management and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join Freshfields as Global Environment Manager: Shape a Sustainable Future. Are you an accomplished ESG or environmental professional with a passion for driving meaningful change on a global scale? Freshfields, a premier international law firm, invites you to seize a pivotal opportunity to forge our ambitious environmental agenda. As our Global Environment Manager, you will be instrumental in delivering our environmental goals, embedding sustainability across our worldwide operations, and enhancing our reputation as a leader in responsible business. This is more than a role; it’s a chance to make a significant strategic impact, influence colleagues globally, and help define the future of environmental stewardship within the legal sector.
What You Will Do:
- Shape our Global Environmental Ambition: Collaborate closely with the Head of Client Sustainability and Environment to develop, implement, and maintain Freshfields' global environmental policy and delivery plan, including our science-based carbon reduction targets.
- Lead Data & Reporting Excellence: Oversee our comprehensive environmental data collection, processing, and quality assurance. You will be responsible for driving critical environmental reporting, including regulated disclosures (e.g., SECR, ESOS, TCFD), CDP, EcoVadis, and internal reports, ensuring transparency and accuracy.
- Influence & Engage Stakeholders: Cultivate influential relationships across our global network from regional COOs to function leads, and the global leadership team to champion environmental progress. You will also chair our impactful Global Green Group, fostering a vibrant community of colleague-led environmental champions.
- Elevate Our Brand & Communications: Shape the narrative of our environmental commitment by curating engaging content for internal and external platforms, including our intranet, website, case studies, and presentations.
- Strategic Project & Partnership Management: Drive impactful local and global projects and campaigns that deliver tangible environmental improvements across our offices. Oversee strategic partnerships with leading environmental platforms, software providers, and advisory services.
- Client & Industry Engagement: Serve as a key point of contact for clients, providing expert insights and data on our environmental and climate performance. Represent Freshfields in prestigious legal industry alliances (e.g., LSA) and engage with wider environmental initiatives (e.g., RE100, Greener Litigation Pledge).
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner seamlessly with teams such as Workplace Portfolio, Travel, Finance, and Procurement to embed environmental best practices in new offices, business travel, carbon accounting, and supplier engagement strategies.
Who You Are:
To succeed in this impactful role, you will bring a blend of strategic vision, technical expertise, and exceptional organisational qualities:
Essential Qualifications:
- Experience: Proven expertise in an ESG / environmental management / corporate sustainability role within a complex, multi-site, or global organisation. Demonstrated success in supporting ESG strategies, net-zero pathways (including SBTi), and sustainability-related certifications. Hands-on mastery of environmental data, reporting platforms, and assurance processes (e.g., TCFD, CDP, EcoVadis). A track record of fostering environmental leadership and collaborating with diverse teams.
- Competencies: A strong understanding of regulatory requirements and best practices in operational sustainability. Exceptional analytical skills, capable of interpreting complex environmental data, identifying trends, and providing insights to drive decision-making. Superior project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams and stakeholders in a dynamic professional environment. Adept at producing well-structured reports, dashboards, and executive-ready materials. Proficient with data systems, spreadsheets, and environmental reporting tools.
- Behaviours: Proactive and confident, ready to lead activities and influence colleagues across all functions and seniority levels. Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities, capable of translating technical environmental concepts into clear, business-friendly language. A highly collaborative and team-oriented approach, fostering strong relationships internally and with external partners. An unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility, driven by a "can-do" improvement mindset. Resilient and adaptable, comfortable navigating ambiguity in a complex global environment.
Highly Desirable Attributes:
- Experience: Experience within a leading professional services culture (e.g., law firms, consulting, financial services), with an understanding of operational constraints and client expectations. Familiarity with global regulatory trends, market frameworks, and geo-political influences on sustainability strategy.
- Competencies: Knowledge of environmental technology solutions, such as smart building systems or advanced analytical tools. An understanding of responsible procurement and supply-chain sustainability. The ability to support and drive behavioural-based sustainability initiatives.
- Behaviours: Comfortable and compelling when presenting to senior stakeholders, committees, and external audiences. A creative and innovative mindset, always seeking new approaches to improve environmental performance through operational excellence.
Inclusion: Freshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the firm will be considered by the firm on the basis of their merit alone and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background. All offers of employment will be conditional on the candidate having/securing the right to work in the UK and providing the firm with evidence of that right (as required by the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) prior to employment commencing. Freshfields is a Ban the Box employer. We ask applicants to disclose criminal convictions only when a conditional job offer is made. A conviction does not automatically lead to withdrawal of the offer: we make decisions on a case-by-case basis and take a number of factors into account (e.g. the role you are applying for and the circumstances of the offence). You would have the opportunity to discuss the matter with us before we make a decision.
Global Environment Manager in Sunderland employer: Freshfields
At Freshfields, we pride ourselves on being a leading international law firm that champions sustainability and environmental stewardship. As a Global Environment Manager, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that values collaboration, innovation, and professional growth, while enjoying the unique advantage of influencing global environmental strategies within a prestigious legal framework. Our commitment to employee development and a supportive environment ensures that you can make a meaningful impact on both our firm and the planet.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Environment Manager in Sunderland
✨Dive into Environmental Networks
Get involved with sustainability-focused organisations and attend their events. Look for local meetups or conferences in environmental management where you can connect with professionals in the field. This can lead to insider info on job openings at companies like Freshfields that might not be advertised widely.
✨Show Your Passion with Projects
Consider undertaking personal or community projects that highlight your dedication to sustainability. Whether it's a local clean-up or a carbon footprint assessment, document your findings and results. This not only boosts your portfolio but also shows potential employers like Freshfields that you're proactive and serious about the field.
✨Seek Out Green Job Boards
Don’t just rely on general job boards. Explore specific platforms that focus on sustainability and environmental management roles. Websites like EnvironmentJobs and Sustainable Business can be goldmines for full-time positions at companies like Freshfields. Keep an eye out for their aggregation of listings!
✨Let Your Online Presence Shine
Make sure your social media and professional profiles reflect your passion for sustainability. Share articles, engage in discussions, and connect with leaders in the field. Your active presence can make a lasting impression on hiring managers at companies like Freshfields when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Environment Manager in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sustainability:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through. Share any relevant experiences, like projects, volunteer work, or events you've participated in that align with Freshfields's values. This position isn't just about meeting qualifications; it's about genuinely caring for the environment and showing us why you're the right fit for Global Environment Manager.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Experience:Make sure to showcase any specific qualifications, such as degrees in environmental science or certifications in sustainability practices in your CV. We want to see how your academic background and practical experiences align with the job you're applying for, so don’t hold back on anything that demonstrates your expertise in environmental management.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:As we're looking for someone to jump into a full-time role, be specific about previous roles or projects that demonstrate your capabilities in sustainability. Use bullet points to make accomplishments clear, and don’t forget to quantify your achievements wherever possible – it’s all about showing us the impact of your work!
Research Freshfields and Reflect It In Your Application:We love candidates who take the time to understand what we're about. Mention specific initiatives or projects that Freshfields is known for in your cover letter. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about the chance to contribute to our mission in the role of Global Environment Manager.
How to prepare for a job interview at Freshfields
✨Brush Up on Environmental Legislation
Given that we're diving into sustainability and environmental management, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of current environmental laws and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios, as you might face some technical questions about compliance and best practices during your chat with Freshfields.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Sustainability Projects
When you're discussing your background, highlight specific sustainability initiatives you've been involved in. Whether it’s a project at university or work experience, sharing measurable outcomes and your role will demonstrate your hands-on skills, which is super important for this full-time role at Freshfields.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Software
Make sure you're familiar with any relevant tools or software commonly used in environmental management, like GIS for mapping or data analysis tools. Bring this up in your interview as it shows you’re not only passionate but also prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
✨Connect Your Values with the Company's Mission
Full-time roles are all about team fit, so it’s important to align your personal values with those of Freshfields. Be ready to discuss why you're passionate about sustainability and how you can contribute to their mission, as this will really resonate with the interviewers and show that you’re genuinely invested in their goals.
