At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sustainability strategies and advise clients on ESG insights for impactful growth.
- Company: Join Lloyds Banking Group, a leader in sustainability and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and a strong pension contribution.
- Other info: Be part of a values-led culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of sustainability in key UK sectors and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Deep knowledge of sustainability trends and excellent relationship-building skills required.
We support flexible working – click here for more information on flexible working options.
Flexible Working Options: Hybrid Working, Job Share
About This Opportunity:
The Director, Sustainability Advisory, will play a pivotal role in deepening client relationships and providing strategic sustainability insight to accelerate the transition journeys of Higher Education, Charities, and Professional & Business Services clients. Working within the Services & Public Sector (S&PS) team, the role employs Lloyds Banking Group’s (LBG) market‑leading ESG capabilities and regional presence to unlock commercial opportunities and support clients’ progress towards sustainable growth. It also champions our own sustainability performance, ensuring our commitments and actions resonate with clients who value both our advisory expertise and our organisational journey. This is a 12-month fixed term contract opportunity.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Sector Leadership & Client Partnership: Develop and deliver sector-specific sustainability strategies for Higher Education, Charities, Professional & Business Services and other relevant sectors. Advise clients with leading insight on sustainability, ESG and climate themes, supporting credible pathways to net zero. Partner with clients and sector leaders to embed sustainability into business models, addressing themes such as biodiversity, resilience and social impact while shaping new product and proposition opportunities. Co‑design impactful sustainability initiatives and programmes with clients, employing Lloyds’ expertise to improve outcomes and strengthen commercial relationships. Represent Lloyds at industry forums and cross‑sector initiatives, promoting best practice and positioning the bank as a thought leader.
- Origination & Execution: Work closely with Coverage to understand client needs, market dynamics and support delivery of BAU financing targets. Originate and deliver sustainability‑linked transactions and ESG financing opportunities, collaborating with product partners to develop tailored solutions. Play a key role in sustainability‑focused pitches and RFP responses, where ESG performance is a critical differentiator. Drive commercial opportunity generation across sustainability‑linked lending, green bonds and ESG advisory services. Be responsible for high‑quality marketing materials and thought leadership that elevate LBG’s sustainability positioning.
- Customer & Collaborator Engagement: Build strong and positive relationships with clients, internal & external partners and sector bodies, representing LBG with credibility at internal and external events. Mentor and support colleagues, fostering a culture of collaboration and high ethical standards.
- Governance & Risk: Ensure strong governance and risk management across all activities, proactively identifying and mitigating conduct and compliance risks. Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of sustainability‑related regulations, frameworks and standards.
- Regional Impact: Utilise Lloyds’ UK regional footprint to tailor sustainability solutions and partnership opportunities to local market needs.
What You’ll Need:
- Deep understanding of sustainability, ESG, and climate change trends across sectors, with a proven track record in sustainable finance or technical sustainability roles.
- Experience in developing and implementing sector strategies, ideally within Higher Education, Charities, or Professional & Business Services.
- Strong commercial foresight, with the ability to identify and deliver new business opportunities that align sustainability with growth.
- Excellent relationship building and communication skills, able to influence at senior levels and represent the bank externally.
- Knowledge of relevant sustainability frameworks and regulations (e.g., Green & Sustainability Linked Loan Principles, TCFD, EU Taxonomy, ISSB, CSRD).
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, mentor others, and drive continual improvement.
- A growth mindset, high ethical standards, and a passion for sustainability.
Why Join Us?
Shape the sustainability agenda for some of the UK's most influential sectors, contributing directly to helping Britain prosper. Work in a values‑led, inclusive environment with opportunities for growth and development. Play a central role in advancing Lloyds Banking Group’s sustainability ambitions while enabling clients on their journey to a more sustainable future.
About Working For Us:
Our ambition is to be the leading UK business for diversity, equity and inclusion supporting our customers, colleagues and communities and we’re committed to creating an environment in which everyone can thrive, learn and develop. We were one of the first major organisations to set goals on diversity in senior roles, create a menopause health package, and a dedicated Working with Cancer Initiative. We offer reasonable workplace adjustments for colleagues with disabilities, including flexibility in office attendance, location and working patterns. And, as a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee interviews for a fair and proportionate number of applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role with a disability, long‑term health or neurodivergent condition through the Disability Confident Scheme. We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to reduce or remove barriers. Just let us know what you need. We also offer a wide‑ranging benefits package, which includes:
- A generous pension contribution of up to 15%
- An annual performance‑related bonus
- Share schemes including free shares
- Benefits you can adapt to your lifestyle, such as discounted shopping
- 30 days’ holiday, with bank holidays on top
- A range of wellbeing initiatives and generous parental leave policies
If you’re excited by the thought of becoming part of our team, get in touch. We’d love to hear from you. At Lloyds Banking Group, we're driven by a clear purpose; to help Britain prosper. Across the Group, our colleagues are focused on making a difference to customers, businesses and communities. With us you'll have a key role to play in shaping the financial services of the future, whilst the scale and reach of our Group means you'll have many opportunities to learn, grow and develop.
We're focused on creating a values‑led culture and are committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the customers and communities we serve. Together we’re building a truly inclusive workplace where all of our colleagues have the opportunity to make a real difference.
Director, Sustainability Advisory — ESG Strategy employer: Lloyds Banking Group
Lloyds Banking Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment in London where you can shape the sustainability agenda for key sectors. With a strong commitment to employee growth, flexible working options, and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous pension contributions and wellbeing initiatives, you'll find meaningful opportunities to advance your career while making a positive impact on society. Join us to be part of a values-led organisation that prioritises diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring everyone can thrive and contribute to a sustainable future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Sustainability Advisory — ESG Strategy
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the sustainability and ESG space. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meet-ups. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Create content around sustainability topics on LinkedIn or other platforms. Share insights, write articles, or even post videos. This not only showcases your knowledge but also positions you as a thought leader in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s sustainability initiatives. Understand their values and how they align with your own. When you can speak their language and show genuine interest, you’ll stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference. Keep an eye on our job listings and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about the roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Sustainability Advisory — ESG Strategy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director, Sustainability Advisory role. Highlight your experience in sustainability, ESG, and client partnerships, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t hold back on demonstrating your knowledge of sustainability frameworks and regulations. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission to help clients transition towards sustainable growth.
Be Authentic:Let your passion for sustainability shine through in your application. We value a growth mindset and high ethical standards, so share your personal journey and what drives you in this field.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quicker!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lloyds Banking Group
✨Know Your ESG Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in sustainability and ESG. Be ready to discuss specific frameworks like TCFD or the EU Taxonomy, and how they relate to the sectors you'll be working with. This shows you're not just knowledgeable but also genuinely passionate about the field.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples of how you've developed and implemented sustainability strategies in the past. Think about how you can align sustainability with business growth, especially in sectors like Higher Education or Charities. This will demonstrate your ability to think strategically and drive commercial opportunities.
✨Build Relationships Before You Walk In
Networking is key! If possible, connect with current employees or industry professionals before your interview. This can give you insights into the company culture and help you tailor your responses to show how you can fit in and contribute to their goals.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Governance and Risk
Understand the importance of governance and risk management in sustainability initiatives. Be prepared to talk about how you've identified and mitigated risks in previous roles. This will highlight your comprehensive understanding of the responsibilities that come with the Director role.
