Head of Sustainability & ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) DACH

Job Title

Head of Sustainability & ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) DACH

Job Description Summary

The Head of ESG for Germany Cushman & Wakefield will play a pivotal role in leading and implementing Sustainability & Environmental, Social, and Governance strategies across the C&W’s Germany business. The Head of Sustainability & ESG will have two core responsibilities:

1. Embedding Sustainability & ESG in Service Line and Sector: Ensuring that all employees have ESG principles at the forefront of their operations and decision-making processes across all key service lines and sectors in Germany. This will focus on positioning C&W Germany as a leader in Sustainability & ESG within the industry.
2. Sustainability Services: Accountability for the management, growth and development of the Germany Sustainability Service Line for both advisory & technical services, with an EBITDA target of 15%.

Key Responsibilities:

1. ESG Strategy Development and Execution: Develop and execute the business plan for embedding Sustainability & ESG principles in each of the service lines, and for growth of Sustainability Services in Germany, in conjunction and alignment with the EMEA Sustainability & ESG strategy.
2. The development and execution of the Germany Sustainability Services business will be to achieve target of 15% EBITDA.
3. Develop and evolve the business case for team growth based on secured client mandates.

Embedding Sustainability & ESG In Service Line & Sector:

1. Collaborate cross-functionally with service line and sectors to integrate ESG practices into their workflows, service proposition, and client cross-sell opportunities.
2. Monitor, evaluate, and adapt strategies to ensure alignment with EMEA and global ESG standards, policies and best practices.
3. Develop and deliver internal educational programs to ensure all employees are well-versed in ESG principles and their application within their respective roles and client service delivery.
4. Effectively utilize client and industry insights to educate and inform the Sustainability Service line and Germany wider business.

Team Growth:

1. Support cultivate a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning within the sustainability service line.
2. Ensure service excellence in the delivery of client Sustainability & ESG services and have overall client accountability for quality and output.
3. Target client growth in order to organically grow a team in Germany, while leveraging and supporting growth of the EMEA platform, and where required build supplier relationships for execution and delivery of client projects.

Client Management & Solutioning:

1. Develop and execute growth strategies with key clients and target market.
2. Lead key local client pursuits and ESG positioning.
3. Build and maintain strong relationships with clients at a c-suite and leadership level, understanding their ESG needs and providing tailored solutions.
4. Lead coordination and oversight of client pursuit plans as the Germany Sustainability Services leader and collaborating as required with the EMEA Sustainability & ESG Team in cross-border pursuits and EMEA key clients.

Product Development:

1. Identify new ESG service offerings based on market demand and emerging trends, innovating to articulate differentiated value propositions.
2. Collaborate with cross-functional teams in Germany and with EMEA Sustainability & ESG teams to develop and launch new (ESG) solutions.

Performance Reporting:

1. Produce regular reports to country and EMEA leadership on the progress, impact, financials regarding initiative and P&L performance.

Stakeholder Relationships and Industry Leadership:

1. Represent Cushman Germany in industry forums, conferences, and stakeholder engagements on ESG matters.
2. Build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, regulators, and relevant organizations to ensure alignment and compliance with evolving ESG standards.
3. Establish personal & company brand in the industry.

Integration with EMEA:

1. Act as Primary point of contact for EMEA ESG teams in EMEA and Germany, ensuring alignment and collaboration with EMEA’s strategies and initiatives.
2. Facilitate the exchange of best practices and ensure consistency in the implementation of Sustainability & ESG programs.

Key Performance Indicators:

1. Team financial target of 15% EBITDA.
2. Service & Team development.
3. Client satisfaction.
4. Achievement of personal annual objectives agreed with the Line Manager.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

1. Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and drive change across diverse teams.
2. Strong understanding of Sustainability & ESG performance within a real-estate context and understanding of EMEA ESG principles, frameworks, and regulations.
3. Strong understanding of the mechanics within the real estate industry and of real estate consultancy across asset classes and services.
4. Fluent German and English is a must.
5. Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities to navigate complex challenges and drive innovative ESG solutions.
6. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels internally and externally.
7. Good written communication skills & attention to detail.
8. Cost control and forecasting reporting.
9. Passionate about sustainability & ESG.

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