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Sustainability Vice President

Bruin • Belgium • Added on Jul 28, 2026
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This senior leadership position focuses on navigating the complex landscape of European sustainability regulations for a global financial institution. You will own the strategic execution of ESG disclosure frameworks across the EMEA region, ensuring that the firm not only meets but leads in its reporting obligations. By bridging the gap between technical regulatory requirements and operational reality, you will build robust governance structures that translate data into actionable insights for executive decision-makers.

The role is pivotal because it secures the institutional integrity of a major financial player during a period of unprecedented regulatory upheaval. By mastering the EU Taxonomy and Pillar 3 requirements, you ensure that capital flows are accurately measured against green standards, directly influencing how the financial sector supports the transition to a low-carbon economy. Your work provides the transparency and trust necessary for stakeholders to value the firm’s long-term sustainability performance.

This suits someone who possesses deep technical knowledge of financial ESG frameworks and thrives in a high-stakes, matrixed environment. You should be a master communicator capable of influencing senior executives while maintaining a meticulous eye for data governance.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission is to lead the regulatory strategy and execution for sustainability across the EMEA region. This involves translating complex directives like the EU Taxonomy into practical business processes. You will be responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle of reporting, from the initial impact assessment of new laws to the final delivery of assurance-ready disclosures. Beyond technical compliance, you will design the governance and control frameworks that ensure data integrity. A significant portion of the role involves partnering with Risk and Finance departments to embed sustainability metrics into the core DNA of the firm's reporting cycle, ensuring alignment with international standards such as IFRS and TCFD.

Key learning opportunities for this job

This role offers an unparalleled deep dive into the cutting edge of ESG regulation. Operating at the VP level in Brussels, you will gain firsthand experience with the evolution of the EU's Sustainable Finance framework, arguably the most advanced regulatory environment globally. This provides a rare chance to become a market-leading expert in CRR3 and Pillar 3 disclosures. You will also develop high-level strategic leadership skills within a matrixed financial environment. Navigating the intersection of finance, data automation, and environmental impact will sharpen your ability to lead digital transformation projects focused on sustainability data governance.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate brings significant experience in sustainability reporting or climate risk specifically within the financial services sector. You must have a granular understanding of EMEA-specific regulations and the technical capability to oversee complex data workstreams. An academic background in Finance, Law, or Environmental Science is typically expected for this level of seniority. Soft skills are just as critical; you need the executive presence to influence C-suite stakeholders and the change management skills to drive new processes across disparate departments. Familiarity with reporting automation and IT systems for ESG data will set you apart from other applicants.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, your application should demonstrate a successful track record of implementing large-scale regulatory projects. Don't just list your knowledge of the EU Taxonomy; explain how you operationalized it in a previous role. Highlighting experience with 'assurance-ready' reporting is vital, as the industry moves toward audited ESG data. Research the company’s recent public disclosures and ESG reports. Mentioning specific challenges they face in Pillar 3 or TCFD alignment in your cover letter will show you have the proactive, analytical mindset required for a Vice President position.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The focus is heavily weighted toward regulatory compliance and governance. Rather than focusing on internal office recycling or employee volunteering, this role looks at the 'heavy lifting' of ESG: how the firm’s financial products and balance sheets align with green definitions and climate risk management. You will likely spend significant time on transparency and disclosure, ensuring the company’s sustainability claims are backed by rigorous data. This serves the broader goal of preventing greenwashing and ensuring the firm remains a trusted entity in the global investment landscape.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the steepest challenges will be the rapidly shifting regulatory goalposts in the EU. Keeping internal teams aligned as new standards emerge requires constant vigilance and agility. You may also face the challenge of data quality; gathering granular ESG data from various business lines to meet assurance standards is notoriously difficult. Furthermore, breaking down silos between traditionally separate functions like Finance, Risk, and Sustainability can be a cultural hurdle. You will need to convince different departments that sustainability reporting is a shared strategic priority rather than just a compliance box-ticking exercise.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might involve a series of stakeholder briefings where you interpret the impact of new CRD VI requirements for the Risk and Finance heads. You might then shift to a project management role, overseeing a team working on the automation of data collection for the annual ESG report. Afternoons could be spent reviewing draft disclosures or working with Legal and Compliance teams to ensure the firm's public statements are robust. The role is highly collaborative, so expect a significant portion of your time to be spent in meetings or workshops aimed at embedding sustainability controls into existing business units.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

In a global financial services context, a VP role is a springboard to Director or Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) positions. As ESG becomes more integrated into financial performance, your expertise will place you at the core of the firm’s strategic future. There are also opportunities for lateral moves into Risk Management or Investor Relations, given the high degree of cross-functional exposure. The specialized knowledge of EU regulations you gain here is globally portable and in extremely high demand across the investment management industry.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will regularly interact with senior leadership in Risk, Finance, and Legal, who rely on your expertise to mitigate regulatory risk. You will also work closely with Investor Relations to ensure that the sustainability narrative presented to shareholders is accurate and compelling. Externally, you may engage with regulators and industry bodies in Brussels or London to stay ahead of policy trends. Depending on the firm’s structure, you might also interface with external auditors and consultants who provide assurance on the sustainability disclosures you oversee.

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