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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sustainability strategy and engage with stakeholders on climate action.
- Company: Join National Grid, a leader in clean energy solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the transition to net zero energy.
- Qualifications: Proven sustainability leadership and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on environmental and social impact.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
About The Role
The Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) at National Grid is an important strategic position reporting directly to the Chief Strategy and Regulatory Officer and serving as a member of the senior leadership group (SLG).
The CSO will lead the sustainability strategy for National Grid, acting as a centre of excellence for the Business Units and Group Functions and an ambassador for sustainability both internally and externally. They will directly support stakeholder and investor engagement on all matters related to sustainability and climate change. The CSO will ensure the effective governance of environmental and social considerations within National Grid\’s operations and investments.
About Us
National Grid is committed to delivering a secure, affordable, and clean energy future. As a network company owning and operating networks in the UK and USNE and supplying energy to customers in the USNE we want to play our part to help deliver the networks and customer solutions needed to deliver net zero. We want to ensure operations are sustainable and responsible.
Demand and supply for clean, secure energy is accelerating. It\’s a big challenge that requires a big response. We are investing £60 billion over the next 5 years across the UK and Northeast US, to deliver the energy transition.
The energy landscape is evolving, and so is National Grid. For almost 10 years, we have been guided by our CEO, John Pettigrew. On 1 May 2025, it was announced that John will retire later this year after 35 years of service. As such, on 1 May, it was also announced that Zoë Yujnovich, a global executive at Shell plc, will assume the Chief Executive role at National Grid on 17 November 2025. She comes with a diverse background in energy and natural resources, along with a proven record in capital delivery.
The business areas play a vital role in connecting millions of people to the energy we use, while continually seeking ways to make the energy system cleaner. National Grid Ventures and National Grid Partners also enable innovations to help revolutionise and decarbonise the future of energy.
Role Accountabilities
- Sustainability Strategy Development: Design and oversee the development of National Grid\’s sustainability strategy, climate targets ensuring alignment with business goals, national, regional (State) and international climate policies and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Net Zero: Develop and review National Grid\’s Net Zero Transition Plan supporting the Group and Business Unit\’s contributions to helping their national and State level governments meet their sustainability goals (including the transition to net zero) while aligning with business objectives, driving action, monitoring progress, and disclosing performance. Drive thinking working with other functions and the Business Units to make sure the organisation is prepared and resilient in a climate-changed world.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with stakeholders and represent National Grid in national and international climate and sustainability forums, promoting the company\’s contributions to climate action and fostering a culture of listening and learning from stakeholders.
- Investor Relations: Collaborate with the Investor Relations Team to lead proactive and reactive shareholder Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) engagement based on National Grid\’s sustainability policies and performance.
- Sustainability Reporting: Lead the preparation of transparent sustainability reports aligned with national and international ESG frameworks, driving high performance against key targets and KPIs.
About You
- Proven track record in sustainability leadership, with experience in corporate sustainability strategies, knowledge of sustainability disclosures, and net zero transition planning.
- A solid knowledge of corporate sustainability principles, frameworks and best practice, especially in terms of delivery and implementation.
- Operated in a global or multi-site business and experience of working in a matrix structure.
- An international perspective – ideally some exposure to working across UK and US – will need to manage transatlantic relationship.
- Some exposure to the energy transition / built environment / industrial sector is a plus. Some experience working in the nature space / biodiversity would also be a plus.
- Stakeholder engagement and communication, to build strong relationships with stakeholders.
- Robust project management skills, including planning, resource allocation, implementation and evaluation.
- Drive and commitment to deliver organisation, environmental and social impact.
More Information
- Location: London based
- Competitive base salary dependent on experience
- Role closes: 29/09/2025
- Manager: Steve Smith – Chief Strategy and Regulation Officer (ExCo)
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Chief Sustainability Officer employer: National Grid
Contact Detail:
National Grid Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Sustainability Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the sustainability field. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meetups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Chief Sustainability Officer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Create a personal brand around sustainability on platforms like LinkedIn. Share articles, insights, and your thoughts on current trends. This will position you as a thought leader and attract attention from recruiters.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching National Grid's sustainability initiatives. Understand their goals and challenges, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission. Tailor your responses to show you're the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of the National Grid team and contributing to a sustainable future.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Sustainability Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in sustainability leadership. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at National Grid, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through! We’re looking for someone who’s not just qualified but genuinely cares about making a difference. Share any personal projects or initiatives that demonstrate your commitment to environmental and social impact.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while still conveying your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company there.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Grid
✨Know Your Sustainability Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in sustainability principles and frameworks. Brush up on National Grid's sustainability strategy and their Net Zero Transition Plan. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re genuinely interested and knowledgeable about the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to talk about your experience in stakeholder engagement. Think of examples where you've successfully built relationships or led discussions around sustainability. This is crucial for the CSO role, so having concrete examples ready will help you stand out.
✨Show Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to discuss your project management experience, especially in relation to sustainability initiatives. Highlight how you’ve planned, allocated resources, and evaluated projects. This will demonstrate your ability to drive action and monitor progress effectively.
✨Align with Company Values
Familiarise yourself with National Grid’s commitment to a clean energy future. Be prepared to articulate how your personal values align with theirs, particularly regarding environmental and social impact. This connection can make a big difference in how you’re perceived during the interview.