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Senior Expert Nachhaltigkeit / ESG

HDI Group • Germany • Added on Jul 10, 2026
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As a lead strategist and technical expert, you will take ownership of the regulatory steering for HDI Germany. This involves translating complex requirements like CSRD, EU Taxonomy, and SFDR into actionable business processes, while overseeing the collection and validation of essential ESG performance indicators across multiple risk carriers. You will be the central pivot point for ensuring the quality of non-financial reporting and aligning divisional sustainability targets with the broader group strategy.

This role is critical because the insurance sector acts as a massive lever for the green transition. By mastering the intricate data and regulatory framework of a major European insurer, you ensure that capital flows and risk assessments are genuinely aligned with social and environmental progress. Your work provides the transparency needed for the group to maintain its market trust and drive systemic change from the inside out.

This suits someone who possesses deep technical knowledge of the ESG regulatory landscape and thrives when navigating the intersection of data management, corporate strategy, and high-level stakeholder moderation.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission involves the strategic steering of all regulatory ESG requirements for HDI Germany's risk carriers. This includes navigating the intricacies of CSRD, ESRS, the EU Taxonomy, and SFDR to ensure the group remains compliant with evolving European frameworks. You will be responsible for the further development and implementation of the sustainability strategy within a decentralized corporate context. This encompasses the coordination of cross-functional working groups and providing a quality-assured plausibility check for ESG-related KPIs, ensuring that the data used for group reporting is robust and reliable.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates will gain deep expertise in regulatory frameworks specifically tailored to the financial services sector. You will likely become a subject matter expert on how the EU Taxonomy and SFDR apply to insurance portfolios, a highly sought-after specialization in the current market. Furthermore, the role offers exposure to top-management decision-making processes. By preparing briefing documents and presenting directly to boards and committees, you will sharpen your executive communication skills and gain a holistic view of how massive industrial insurance groups integrate ESG into their core business models.

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

The ideal candidate brings extensive experience in the ESG or sustainability field, preferably with a background in finance or insurance. A strong academic foundation in economics, law, or sustainability management is essential to handle the conceptual and analytical demands of the role. Technically, you should have a command of ESG data and KPIs, coupled with the ability to explain complex regulatory requirements to non-experts. Soft skills are equally vital; you need the sovereignty to manage high-level stakeholders and the resilience to balance competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, demonstrate your pragmatic approach to regulation. Don't just list the laws you know; explain how you have previously converted theoretical ESG requirements into practical business workflows or reporting structures. Since HDI values decentralization and entrepreneurship, emphasize your experience in moderating cross-functional teams. Showing that you can drive progress in a complex organization where you might not have direct authority over every department will be a significant advantage.

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

The focus is heavily weighted toward governance and transparency. You will be the architect of the reporting infrastructure that proves the company's sustainability claims, specifically regarding green investments and risk carrier performance. Additionally, there is a strong focus on anchoring ESG know-how across the organization. You will move beyond just reporting to internal education, ensuring that sustainability is not just a compliance checkbox but a foundational element of the group's corporate culture.

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

One of the chief challenges is the decentralized nature of the group. Coordinating ESG data and strategy across different risk carriers and industrial sectors requires significant diplomatic skill and a highly organized approach to version control and data validation. You will also face the challenge of regulatory volatility. Staying ahead of the shifting sands of European ESG legislation while maintaining a steady strategic course for the German division requires both foresight and the ability to pivot quickly when technical standards change.

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

A typical day might begin with a validation session of ESG KPIs from various departments to ensure consistency for upcoming group reports. This could be followed by a meeting with a cross-functional workgroup to discuss the implementation of the Supply Chain Act (LkSG). In the afternoon, you might shift to a more strategic focus, preparing a briefing for the board of directors regarding the implications of new ESRS updates. Your day likely concludes with responding to external ESG ratings queries or planning an internal training session to boost sustainability literacy among colleagues.

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

This role is a high-visibility position that serves as a platform for executive leadership within the sustainability space. Success here places you at the heart of the Talanx Group's strategic evolution, potentially leading to global leadership roles. There are also opportunities for horizontal development. Given the cross-functional nature of the work, you could transition into senior roles within risk management, corporate strategy, or investor relations, equipped with a rare and valuable 'ESG-first' perspective.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Your primary internal stakeholders will be Top Management and Board Committees, who rely on your expertise for strategic decision-making. You will also work closely with department heads across risk, legal, and finance. Externally, you will interact with rating agencies and auditors, managing the flow of non-financial information and ensuring the company's ESG performance is accurately reflected in public assessments. You may also engage with regulatory bodies or industry peers in working groups to shape the future of insurance sustainability.

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