Hammerson ESG Client Lead in London

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Position Overview

The ESG Client Lead is responsible for the strategic implementation and operational delivery of the Client's ESG programme across a portfolio of Hammerson Destinations (Bullring, Grand Central, Cabot Circus, West Quay, Brent Cross and Dundrum). This role serves as the primary point of contact for all ESG-related matters, ensuring the successful execution of the client's sustainability strategy through robust data management, performance monitoring, and stakeholder engagement. The ESG Client Lead combines strategic oversight with hands-on delivery to drive continuous improvement, meet client KPIs, and identify innovative solutions that accelerate progress toward sustainability objectives. This role will be responsible for the line management of three people: Portfolio Sustainability Manager and 2 Destination Sustainability Coordinators.

Core Responsibilities

• Strategic Programme Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the main point of contact for portfolio-level sustainability programmes, offering expert advice and strategic solutions tailored to Hammerson's objectives and regulatory requirements. Build and maintain strong relationships with Hammerson leadership, Destination teams, occupiers, service partners, contractors, and supply chain partners to maximize engagement and programme impact. Collaborate with JLL service lines (Projects, FM, Procurement) and cross-functional teams to deliver integrated sustainability strategies across the portfolio. Champion the integration of sustainability throughout the real estate lifecycle, leveraging JLL tools, cross-functional expertise, and emerging technologies.
• Client KPI Delivery and Performance Management: Deliver comprehensive ESG performance reporting to the client on a quarterly and annual basis, and ad hoc as required by the client. Track property performance against portfolio-wide targets and benchmarks, identifying trends, outliers, and areas requiring intervention. Develop clear, concise, and actionable reports and presentations that communicate performance, insights, and recommendations to client stakeholders. Monitor progress against client KPIs and sustainability commitments, providing regular updates and performance dashboards. Facilitate client review meetings and presentations, clearly articulating ESG performance, challenges, and opportunities.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management: Serve as the primary ESG point of contact for the client, building and maintaining strong, trusted relationships with client stakeholders at all levels. Engage with Destination Teams, property management teams, contractors, service partners, and occupiers to drive ESG performance improvements. Collaborate with cross-functional JLL teams (Projects, FM, Procurement) to ensure integrated delivery of sustainability solutions. Facilitate regular ESG steering committee meetings, working groups, and stakeholder forums to drive alignment and engagement. Provide expert advice, guidance, and thought leadership on ESG matters to client and internal stakeholders.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure all ESG activities comply with client requirements, industry standards, and applicable regulatory and legislative requirements. Monitor and manage ESG-related risks across the portfolio, implementing appropriate mitigation strategies. Support internal and external audit processes (e.g. ISO14001, ISO 50001 etc.), ensuring audit readiness and timely resolution of any non-conformances. Ensure delivery of ISO 50001 certification across the applicable properties on an annual basis. Maintain awareness of evolving ESG regulations and disclosure requirements, advising the client on implications and necessary actions.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, manage, and develop the JLL sustainability team that is supporting Hammerson, ensuring appropriate resource allocation, clear accountability, and effective performance management. Line manage the following roles: Portfolio Sustainability Manager and two Destination Sustainability Coordinators. Support team onboarding, knowledge transfer, professional development, and career progression. Facilitate regular ESG meetings with site teams and coordinate cross-portfolio collaboration and best practice sharing. Set objectives, provide coaching, and conduct performance reviews for direct reports. Work collaboratively within the Property Management Sustainable Operations Team to share best practice and progress the advancement of the wider team. Assist with Property Management Sustainable Operations team tenders for wider client work.

Requirements / Desired Skills

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Engineering, Business, or related discipline, or proven substantial experience in a similar senior role.
• Essential Experience: Substantial experience in ESG programme delivery, sustainability strategy implementation, and performance management within the real estate or facilities management sector. Proven track record of managing client relationships and delivering against contractual KPIs and service level agreements. Strong analytical and data management skills with advanced proficiency in data analysis tools and ESG reporting platforms (e.g. Excel, analytics platforms such as Deepki, GridEdge, MeterXpert). Demonstrable expertise in energy, water, waste, and carbon data collection, validation, and reporting. Understanding of ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 standards and environmental management systems. Strong project management capabilities with the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously. Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail. Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and take ownership of deliverables. Strong presentation and written communication skills with the ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences. Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus across diverse audiences.
• Desirable Experience/Skills: Experience in managing ESG programmes for commercial properties. Knowledge of ESG reporting frameworks and standards (e.g., GRI, TCFD, GRESB, CRREM, CDP). Knowledge of environmental compliance, legislation, and risk management frameworks. Professional certifications in sustainability, environmental management, or related fields (e.g., IEMA, CEM, LEED AP, BREEAM Assessor). Experience in developing business cases and investment proposals for sustainability initiatives. Proven ability to identify and implement innovative solutions that deliver measurable ESG improvements.

Location: Hybrid, with regular travel across multiple Hammerson Destinations

Reporting to: Sustainability Director, Sustainable Operations Property Management

Contract type: Full time contract

If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all of the requirements. We’re interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!