At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sustainability strategies and advise clients on ESG and climate solutions.
- 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 growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability in key UK sectors.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in sustainability and excellent relationship-building skills.
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 keep your data safe. So, we’ll only ever ask you to provide confidential or sensitive information once you have formally been invited along to an interview or accepted a verbal offer to join us which is when we run our background checks. We'll always explain what we need and why, with any request coming from a trusted Lloyds Banking Group person. 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 - S&PS (12-month fixed term contract) 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, you'll find meaningful opportunities to advance your career while making a positive impact on society. Join us to be part of a values-driven team dedicated to helping Britain prosper and fostering a culture of collaboration and high ethical standards.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Sustainability Advisory - S&PS (12-month fixed term contract) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the sustainability sector. 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 experience aligns 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! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team. So, hit that apply button and let’s get started!
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Sustainability Advisory - S&PS (12-month fixed term contract) 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 and ESG, and how it aligns with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t hold back on showcasing your knowledge of sustainability frameworks and regulations. We want to see how you can bring that expertise to the table and help our clients navigate their sustainability journeys.
Be Authentic:Let your passion for sustainability shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who not only has the skills but also a genuine interest in making a difference in this field.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lloyds Banking Group
✨Know Your Sustainability Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in sustainability, ESG, and climate change. Familiarise yourself with relevant frameworks like TCFD and EU Taxonomy, as you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in these areas during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss how you've developed and implemented sustainability strategies in previous roles. Think of specific examples where you've partnered with clients to embed sustainability into their business models, as this will highlight your ability to drive commercial opportunities.
✨Build Relationships Like a Pro
Since relationship building is key for this role, come ready to share how you've successfully engaged with clients and stakeholders in the past. Be prepared to talk about how you can represent the company credibly at industry forums and events.
✨Demonstrate Your Growth Mindset
This role requires a passion for sustainability and a commitment to continual improvement. Be ready to discuss how you've mentored others or fostered collaboration in your previous positions, showcasing your leadership skills and ethical standards.