At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sustainability strategies and support clients in their transition to net zero.
- Company: Join Lloyds Banking Group, a leader in sustainability and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous pension contributions, and 30 days holiday.
- Other info: Be part of a values-led culture focused on diversity and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability in key sectors while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in sustainability and strong relationship-building skills required.
We support flexible working – click here for more information on flexible working options.
Flexible Working Options: Hybrid Working, Job Share
Job Description Summary:
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 offer reasonable workplace adjustments for colleagues with disabilities, including flexibility in office attendance, location and working patterns.
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. 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 in London 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, we empower our team to thrive while making a meaningful impact on clients' sustainable journeys.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Sustainability Advisory — ESG Strategy in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the sustainability 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 a personal brand on platforms like LinkedIn. Share insights on sustainability trends, comment on relevant articles, and showcase your knowledge. This will help you stand out to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s sustainability initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their goals. Tailoring your responses shows you’re genuinely interested and invested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Sustainability Advisory — ESG Strategy in London
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. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission!
Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t hold back on demonstrating your knowledge of sustainability frameworks and regulations. Mention specific projects or initiatives where you've made an impact. This will help us see your potential to drive our sustainability agenda forward.
Be Authentic:Let your passion for sustainability shine through in your application. Share your personal journey and what motivates you in this field. We value authenticity and want to know what makes you tick!
Apply Through Our Website:For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quicker. We’re excited to hear from you!
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, ESG, and climate change. Be ready to discuss how these themes impact the sectors you'll be working with, especially Higher Education and Charities. Showing that you’re well-informed will impress your interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples of how you've developed and implemented sustainability strategies in the past. Think about specific projects where you’ve partnered with clients to embed sustainability into their business models. This will demonstrate your ability to drive commercial opportunities while aligning with sustainability goals.
✨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 what they value most in a candidate.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ethical standards. Think about how you would handle challenges related to governance and risk management in sustainability initiatives. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
