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ESG Manager

ILOS Germany Added on Jul 16, 2026
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As the ESG Manager at ILOS, you will take the lead on maturing the sustainability framework for a rapidly expanding solar energy developer. You will own the high-level strategy and its practical execution, moving beyond basic compliance to integrate environmental and social governance into the core of the business. Your work involves translating complex EU regulations and investor requirements into actionable roadmaps for carbon reduction and biodiversity protection.

This role is vital because renewable energy alone isn’t enough; the way we build it must be just as sustainable. You will ensure that large-scale PV projects are delivered with maximum positive impact, balancing technical efficiency with community programs and ecological preservation. By securing investor-grade ESG performance, you direct capital toward projects that truly respect planetary boundaries and social license.

This suits someone who possesses at least five years of experience in infrastructure ESG and is comfortable navigating the nuances of GRESB reporting and carbon accounting in a fast-paced environment.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary objective is to design and execute a comprehensive ESG strategy that aligns with both corporate goals and European regulatory frameworks. This includes presiding over the company's carbon accounting processes and developing a clear roadmap for decarbonization across its operations and supply chain. Beyond strategy, you will be responsible for the technical reporting cycle, including mandatory disclosures and voluntary benchmarks. You will ensure that biodiversity and community engagement programs are not just concepts but measurable elements of every photovoltaic project developed by the firm.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates will gain deep exposure to investor-led sustainability frameworks, particularly GRESB and EcoVadis, within the context of a high-growth infrastructure sector. This provides a rare chance to see how ESG metrics directly influence project financing and green bond structures. Furthermore, the role offers a front-row seat to the implementation of the EU Taxonomy and CSRD in a real-world renewable energy setting. You will likely develop specialized knowledge in habitat management and life-cycle assessments specific to solar technology.

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

The successful candidate should bring at least five years of professional experience specifically in ESG roles within the renewables or infrastructure sectors. A mastery of GRESB is considered essential, as the company relies on this benchmark to communicate value to its institutional investors. Technically, you should be well-versed in HSE fundamentals and carbon accounting metrics. While English is the primary working language, German skills are highly advantageous for managing local community stakeholders and navigating the regulatory landscape in one of the company's core markets.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, emphasize your experience with GRESB and Sustainable Finance. The backing by BNP Paribas IM Alts suggests that investor-grade data quality is a top priority; showing you can maintain high-integrity reporting will be a major advantage. If you have experience with biodiversity metrics or community-led solar initiatives, highlight these. ILOS wants to move beyond simple power generation toward holistic 'good' energy, so proving you understand the 'Social' and 'Governance' pillars as well as the 'Environmental' is key.

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

The focus is dual-faceted: minimizing the lifecycle environmental footprint of solar installations and maximizing the social acceptance of projects. This includes rigorous supply chain audits to ensure ethical sourcing of PV components and biodiversity management at project sites. There is also a significant emphasis on governance and transparency. You will likely work on aligning the company's growth with ISO 14001 standards and ensuring that sustainability performance is audited to the same level as financial data.

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

A primary challenge will be harmonizing ESG requirements across seven different European markets, each with its own niche local regulations and community expectations. Balancing the need for rapid deployment of solar assets with thorough environmental due diligence can create internal pressure. Additionally, moving a young, agile company toward structured reporting and ISO certifications requires a change-management mindset. You may need to persuade internal departments to adopt new data-collection habits that they might initially see as bureaucratic hurdles.

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

A typical day might begin with a meeting with developers to discuss biodiversity mitigation plans for a new solar park, followed by a data-review session for the upcoming GRESB submission. You could spend the afternoon drafting a briefing on new EU taxonomy requirements for the executive team. Interaction is highly varied; you might move from coordinating with external auditors to providing an internal training session for construction managers on HSE and social compliance. It is a mix of high-level strategy and granular project-level troubleshooting.

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

Given the 'fast-growing' nature of the firm, there is significant potential to build and lead a dedicated ESG team as the portfolio expands. Success in this role could lead to a Head of Sustainability position or a specialized role in Sustainable Finance. As ILOS is backed by a major investment manager, there is also the opportunity to represent the company at high-level industry panels and investor roundtables, significantly boosting your professional profile within the European energy transition space.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact frequently with institutional investors who require granular ESG data, as well as the HR and operations teams to embed sustainability into the company culture. External consultants and auditors will be key partners for certifications. On the project side, you will engage with local authorities and community associations to ensure social license to operate. Internally, you will be a strategic advisor to the project development and finance teams, ensuring ESG risks are mitigated early.

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