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- Tasks: Lead impactful sustainability projects and develop strategies for clients.
- Company: Luminous is a strategic advisory agency focused on sustainability and impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative culture, mentorship opportunities, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Join a growing team dedicated to sustainability and work with prestigious clients worldwide.
- Qualifications: 8-10 years in sustainability, with strong knowledge of ESG frameworks and project management skills.
- Other info: Be part of a values-driven company that prioritises impact and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Sustainability & Impact Principal
About Sustainability & Impact at Luminous
Luminous is a strategic advisory and communications agency based in London and working with clients around the world. We have been building the Sustainability & Impact (S&I) offer in recent years, moving from a solid base of award-winning reporting to a diversified suite of services, including materiality assessments, strategy development, implementation and internal engagement. We are now an established team of four with a growing pipeline and an enviable client list and expect to double revenue over the next couple of years. To support this growth, we are seeking a strategic senior hire, in the role of Sustainability & Impact Principal.
Role Summary
As Sustainability & Impact Principal, you will play a pivotal role within our strategy team, working closely with the Director of Sustainability & Impact to shape and deliver impactful sustainability projects and relationships. You will lead the development and execution of our Sustainability & Impact offer – from conducting materiality assessments and crafting sustainability strategies to delivering high-quality reports and supporting internal transformation projects.
This is a client-facing, hands-on role where your deep technical expertise in ESG reporting, issue management, materiality, and transition planning will be critical. You combine strategic thinking with an eye for detail and the ability to communicate and influence effectively at all levels of an organisation.
Key Responsibilities
Consultancy and Subject Matter Expertise
You are an experienced sustainability advisor, confident leading our most complex and strategic projects. You thrive in client settings—guiding conversations, shaping outcomes, and building trust. You demonstrate resilience and professionalism, even in challenging scenarios.
- Advise clients on alignment with leading sustainability and ESG frameworks (GRI, ISSB, SASB, TCFD, CSRD), offering tailored, actionable guidance.
- Lead the development of high-quality sustainability reports, transition plans, materiality assessments, and ESG strategies.
- Deliver internal transformation projects that embed sustainability into the core of business operations and culture.
- Track and interpret emerging sustainability trends, offering strategic insights to clients and internal teams on issues such as climate change, regulation, and stakeholder expectations.
Team development and Practice Growth
You bring a commercial and collaborative mindset, helping strengthen our Sustainability & Impact offer and supporting the professional development of others.
- Partner with the Director of Sustainability & Impact to shape the strategic direction and growth of the practice.
- Provide day-to-day support and mentorship to team members, ensuring delivery against project scope, budget, and timelines.
- Act as a knowledge leader, sharing insights and best practices across the wider business.
New Business and Marketing
You are a confident communicator, skilled in identifying opportunities and positioning Luminous as a leader in the sustainability space.
- Lead client pitches and presentations to win new business.
- Contribute to the development of thought leadership—blogs, podcasts, and research—enhancing the visibility of our expertise.
- Identify opportunities to cross-sell the broader Luminous offer, helping to build integrated client relationships.
Skills, experience, attributes
- 8-10 years’ experience in sustainability, with either recent experience in a senior-level role or ready to take that next step
- Team or programme management experience
- In-depth knowledge of industry standards and frameworks such as the CSRD, GRI Standards, ISSB, TCFD, UNGC, and UN SDGs
- Experience delivering materiality assessments, sustainability strategies, and transition plans
- Proactive with meeting your targets, tracking budgets against project progress and delivery where required
- You are passionate about the work you do, taking immense pride in delivering work to a high standard and strive to give the best customer service
- You are positive, friendly and a team player who can help motivate colleagues and inspire others around you
- You have a can-do attitude with the ability to multi-task across different projects
- You can work both autonomously and as part of a team, being organised and possessing great attention to detail, to deliver the highest standards of output while working across multiple projects
- You are attentive and committed to clients’ needs, can be flexible in approach and always offer solutions to problems
Living our Values
At Luminous, the work we do matters. It has meaning, impact and builds belief. Our people are united by our common purpose and want to make a difference in business and society. They aspire to do their best work and be proud of what they achieve.
Our culture is a conscious choice and built around shared values and behaviours. We celebrate individual strengths and perspectives but together we are connected by a shared ambition, mutual respect, and kindness. We know what we stand for and what we want to be known for.
The whole company works to a clear set of values and behaviours that determine the way we do things. You can find these here
Sustainability & Impact Principal employer: Luminous
Contact Detail:
Luminous Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sustainability & Impact Principal
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest sustainability frameworks like GRI, TCFD, and ISSB. Being well-versed in these standards will not only boost your confidence during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the sustainability sector. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues or clients. Building relationships can often lead to job opportunities that aren't publicly advertised.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects you've led or contributed to in the past. Highlight your experience with materiality assessments and sustainability strategies, as these are key responsibilities for the role at Luminous.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to communicate complex sustainability concepts clearly. Practice explaining your ideas succinctly, as effective communication is crucial for client-facing roles like the one at Luminous.
We think you need these skills to ace Sustainability & Impact Principal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Sustainability & Impact Principal position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in sustainability, ESG reporting, and project management.
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV should clearly showcase your 8-10 years of experience in sustainability, including specific projects you've led or contributed to. Emphasise your knowledge of industry standards like GRI, TCFD, and CSRD, and include quantifiable achievements where possible.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for sustainability and how it aligns with Luminous's values. Discuss your strategic thinking abilities and provide examples of how you've successfully managed complex projects and built client relationships.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves client-facing responsibilities, demonstrate your communication skills in your application. Use clear, concise language and ensure your writing is professional yet engaging. Consider including examples of successful presentations or pitches you've delivered.
How to prepare for a job interview at Luminous
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Make sure to highlight your experience in sustainability and ESG frameworks during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've led, particularly those involving materiality assessments and sustainability strategies, as this role requires deep technical knowledge.
✨Demonstrate Client Engagement Skills
Since this is a client-facing role, share examples of how you've successfully built trust and guided conversations with clients. Emphasise your ability to influence outcomes and manage complex projects, showcasing your resilience in challenging situations.
✨Align with Company Values
Familiarise yourself with Luminous's values and culture. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs, and provide examples of how you've contributed to a positive team environment in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Thought Leadership Discussion
Be ready to discuss your ideas for contributing to thought leadership initiatives, such as blogs or podcasts. This role involves enhancing the visibility of the company's expertise, so showcasing your creativity and insights will be beneficial.
