At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sustainability strategy development and manage impactful projects.
- Company: Join Standard Life, a leader in retirement savings and sustainability.
- Benefits: Up to £61,000 salary, 38 days leave, private medical cover, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in sustainability while shaping the future of finance.
- Qualifications: Experience in sustainability strategies and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 61000 - 61000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a Sustainability Strategy Manager to join our Sustainability Strategy and Engagement team. If you’re looking for a new challenge with an organisation committed to putting customers first, aiming high and working together, you’ll thrive here.
Job Type: Permanent
Location: This role could be based in either our Edinburgh or London offices with time spent working in the office and at home. Flexible working options are available, including part-time, job-share and other types of flexibility.
Closing Date: 28/09/2026
Salary and benefits: Up to £61,000 DOE plus an indicative bonus range of 16-32%, private medical cover, 38 days annual leave, excellent pension, 12x salary life assurance, career breaks, income protection, 3x volunteering days and much more.
Who are we? We’re Standard Life, a retirement specialist focused entirely on retirement savings and income. We champion the belief that everyone’s journey to and through retirement can be better, and for more than 200 years, we’ve been helping our customers plan and prepare for their financial futures.
The role will focus on shaping and developing a leading sustainability strategy, delivering strategic projects and engaging with external and internal stakeholders to communicate progress and influence change. This role offers exposure to the full breadth of our sustainability strategy and an opportunity to lead and contribute to high-priority projects that support the Group’s long-term success.
What you will do:
- Sustainability strategy development: Monitor emerging sustainability trends, market developments, regulatory changes and stakeholder expectations. Translate external trends and business priorities into supporting the development, implementation and periodic refresh of the sustainability strategy. Benchmark organisational performance against peers and industry best practice.
- Strategic project management: Lead and coordinate a variety of defined cross-functional sustainability projects and workstreams. Work collaboratively with teams across the business to drive execution and manage dependencies. Prepare papers, briefings and updates for internal committees and stakeholders.
- Sustainability risk and governance: Drive the integration of sustainability considerations into business decision making and risk management processes. Promote a positive sustainability risk culture across the organisation.
- Stakeholder engagement: Engage with external stakeholders, including ESG surveys and analysts, to communicate progress, identify best practice, and protect and enhance Standard Life’s reputation. Engage with internal colleagues at all levels, from senior leaders to broader colleague groups to embed sustainability and drive change.
What are we looking for?
- Experience developing or supporting sustainability, ESG or responsible business strategies.
- Strong understanding of sustainability trends, stakeholder expectations and the evolving ESG landscape.
- Ability to analyse complex and evolving sustainability information, draw out implications, and translate insight into clear recommendations, briefings and actions.
- Experience delivering complex, cross-functional projects.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outputs at pace.
- Experience engaging with and influencing senior and cross-functional stakeholders, building alignment and using insight to shape decision-making.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex issues and tailor messages for different audiences.
We want to hire the whole version of you. We are committed to ensuring that everyone feels accepted and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If your experience looks different from what we’ve advertised and you believe that you can bring value to the role, we’d love to hear from you. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please let us know so we can help you to be at your best.
Sustainability Strategy Manager employer: Standard Life plc
Standard Life plc is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation within the Cash Management & Oversight team. With flexible hybrid working arrangements between Telford and Birmingham, employees enjoy a strong benefits package, including a discretionary bonus and opportunities for professional growth, making it a rewarding place to build a career in cash management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sustainability Strategy Manager
✨Dive into Environmental Networks
Get involved with sustainability-focused organisations and attend their events. Look for local meetups or conferences in environmental management where you can connect with professionals in the field. This can lead to insider info on job openings at companies like Standard Life plc that might not be advertised widely.
✨Show Your Passion with Projects
Consider undertaking personal or community projects that highlight your dedication to sustainability. Whether it's a local clean-up or a carbon footprint assessment, document your findings and results. This not only boosts your portfolio but also shows potential employers like Standard Life plc that you're proactive and serious about the field.
✨Seek Out Green Job Boards
Don’t just rely on general job boards. Explore specific platforms that focus on sustainability and environmental management roles. Websites like EnvironmentJobs and Sustainable Business can be goldmines for full-time positions at companies like Standard Life plc. Keep an eye out for their aggregation of listings!
✨Let Your Online Presence Shine
Make sure your social media and professional profiles reflect your passion for sustainability. Share articles, engage in discussions, and connect with leaders in the field. Your active presence can make a lasting impression on hiring managers at companies like Standard Life plc when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Sustainability Strategy Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sustainability:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through. Share any relevant experiences, like projects, volunteer work, or events you've participated in that align with Standard Life plc's values. This position isn't just about meeting qualifications; it's about genuinely caring for the environment and showing us why you're the right fit for Sustainability Strategy Manager.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Experience:Make sure to showcase any specific qualifications, such as degrees in environmental science or certifications in sustainability practices in your CV. We want to see how your academic background and practical experiences align with the job you're applying for, so don’t hold back on anything that demonstrates your expertise in environmental management.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:As we're looking for someone to jump into a full-time role, be specific about previous roles or projects that demonstrate your capabilities in sustainability. Use bullet points to make accomplishments clear, and don’t forget to quantify your achievements wherever possible – it’s all about showing us the impact of your work!
Research Standard Life plc and Reflect It In Your Application:We love candidates who take the time to understand what we're about. Mention specific initiatives or projects that Standard Life plc is known for in your cover letter. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about the chance to contribute to our mission in the role of Sustainability Strategy Manager.
How to prepare for a job interview at Standard Life plc
✨Brush Up on Environmental Legislation
Given that we're diving into sustainability and environmental management, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of current environmental laws and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios, as you might face some technical questions about compliance and best practices during your chat with Standard Life plc.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Sustainability Projects
When you're discussing your background, highlight specific sustainability initiatives you've been involved in. Whether it’s a project at university or work experience, sharing measurable outcomes and your role will demonstrate your hands-on skills, which is super important for this full-time role at Standard Life plc.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Software
Make sure you're familiar with any relevant tools or software commonly used in environmental management, like GIS for mapping or data analysis tools. Bring this up in your interview as it shows you’re not only passionate but also prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
✨Connect Your Values with the Company's Mission
Full-time roles are all about team fit, so it’s important to align your personal values with those of Standard Life plc. Be ready to discuss why you're passionate about sustainability and how you can contribute to their mission, as this will really resonate with the interviewers and show that you’re genuinely invested in their goals.
