At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sustainability strategies and advise clients on ESG and climate themes.
- 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: Deep understanding of sustainability trends 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:
- 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.
- 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 employer: Lloyds Banking
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 every colleague 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 sector. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meetups. 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 can make a real impact.
✨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 noticed by the right people. Let’s get you on board!
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 to highlight your experience in sustainability and ESG. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through! We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference, so share any personal projects or initiatives you've been involved in that demonstrate your commitment.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to explore more about us and our values.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lloyds Banking
✨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 various sectors, especially Higher Education and Charities, as this will show your deep understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples of how you've developed and implemented sustainability strategies in the past. Think about specific projects where you partnered with clients to embed sustainability into their business models, as this will highlight your strategic sector leadership skills.
✨Build Relationships Like a Pro
Demonstrate your relationship-building skills by sharing stories of how you've engaged with clients and stakeholders. Highlight instances where you've influenced decision-making at senior levels, as this is crucial for the Director role.
✨Stay Current on Regulations
Familiarise yourself with relevant sustainability frameworks and regulations like the Green & Sustainability Linked Loan Principles and TCFD. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also proactive in staying updated.
