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:

ESG Strategy Development and Execution:

• The Head of Sustainability & ESG will 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. This is to be in conjunction and alignment with the EMEA Sustainability & ESG strategy.
• The development and execution of the Germany Sustainability Services business will be to achieve the target of 15% EBITDA.
• Develop and evolve the business case for team growth based on secured client mandates.

Embedding Sustainability & ESG In Service Line & Sector:

• Collaborate cross-functionally with service line and sectors to integrate ESG practices into their workflows, service proposition, and client cross-sell opportunities.
• Monitor, evaluate, and adapt strategies to ensure alignment with EMEA and global ESG standards, policies, and best practices.
• 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.
• Effectively utilize client and industry insights to educate and inform the Sustainability Service line and Germany-wide business.

Team Growth:

• Support cultivating a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning within the sustainability service line.
• Ensure service excellence in the delivery of client Sustainability & ESG services and have overall client accountability for quality and output.
• 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:

• Develop and execute growth strategies with key clients and target markets.
• Lead key local client pursuits and ESG positioning.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients at a c-suite and leadership level, understanding their ESG needs and providing tailored solutions.
• Lead co-ordination 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:

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

Performance Reporting:

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

Stakeholder Relationships and Industry Leadership:

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

Integration with EMEA:

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

Key Performance Indicators:

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

Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

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