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Corporate ESG Reporting Manager

Knight Frank • United Kingdom • Added on Sep 8, 2026
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As the Corporate ESG Reporting Manager, you will take full ownership of the end-to-end disclosure process for a global real estate consultancy. This involves translating complex environmental and social data into transparent, high-quality reports while overseeing the implementation of scalable data management systems across international jurisdictions. You will be the primary architect of the firm’s reporting narrative, ensuring that global performance is captured accurately and efficiently.

This role is critical because it bridges the gap between high-level net-zero ambitions and technical regulatory compliance in the built environment. By leading on frameworks like TCFD and CSRD, you will directly influence how Knight Frank navigates the decarbonization of the property sector, providing the analytical backbone needed to drive meaningful science-based targets. Your work ensures that sustainability isn’t just a promise, but a measurable and audited reality.

This suits someone who possesses a rigorous analytical mindset and has extensive experience managing diverse sustainability frameworks within professional services or real estate. You should be a collaborative leader capable of guiding both technical IT teams and junior staff to deliver excellence.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission is to lead the delivery of high-quality corporate ESG disclosures across both voluntary and mandatory frameworks such as GRI, TCFD, and CSRD. You will own the reporting lifecycle, ensuring that data from over 600 offices is collected, validated, and presented with absolute transparency and accuracy. Beyond technical reporting, you will manage the ESG data infrastructure, collaborating with IT to implement scalable software solutions. You will also take a lead role in integrating climate strategy into internal disclosures, ensuring that the firm's carbon reduction targets are reflected in every stakeholder communication. Leadership is a key component, as you will line manage a team member to support day-to-day workstreams. You will act as the central point of contact for external ESG raters and assurance providers, maintaining the firm's reputation in the global marketplace.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates will gain deep expertise in the evolution of ESG regulations, specifically regarding the practical application of CSRD and ISSB standards within a complex, global professional services environment. You will lead the transition from manual data collection to sophisticated digital reporting platforms. There is a significant opportunity to develop skills in carbon accounting and net-zero strategy execution. By working closely with the global network, you will learn how to align local property market realities with international science-based targets and GHG Protocol requirements. Additionally, the role offers exposure to third-party assurance processes and external rating management. You will learn how to navigate the requirements of agencies like EcoVadis and Sustainalytics, building a robust profile in corporate governance and investor-grade sustainability reporting.

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

The ideal candidate brings 5 to 7 years of professional experience in ESG reporting, specifically within the built environment or a global consultancy. You must have a proven track record of managing complex disclosures and a deep understanding of the current regulatory landscape, including SECR and TCFD. Technical proficiency in ESG data platforms such as Sphera or Microsoft Sustainability Manager is highly valued. You should be comfortable manipulating data in Excel and Power BI to provide insights that drive executive decision-making, rather than just producing static reports. Soft skills are equally important; you need the interpersonal gravitas to engage with senior stakeholders across different cultures and regions. A background in environmental science or business, complemented by certifications like GRI or CFA ESG, would set you apart.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, demonstrate your ability to simplify complexity. In your application, provide specific examples of how you have streamlined data collection processes or managed the transition to new reporting standards in previous roles. Knight Frank values clear, considered advice, so your communication style should reflect this. Research their 'Desired Future' pillars and Net Zero strategy. Showing that you understand the specific challenges of decarbonizing a global real estate portfolio—such as Scope 3 emissions and landlord-tenant data gaps—will prove you are ready for the unique demands of the property sector. Highlight your mentorship or management experience. As this role involves direct line management, showing that you can develop junior talent while maintaining high operational standards will be a significant advantage during the interview process.

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

The role focuses heavily on the environmental transparency of the built environment. You will be at the forefront of tracking progress against science-based targets, focusing on energy efficiency and carbon management across a vast global office network. Governance is another major focus area. You will ensure that the firm's responsible business practices are accurately reflected in disclosures, covering topics such as biodiversity, social impact, and diversity and inclusion (D&I) initiatives that are central to Knight Frank’s corporate identity. Finally, there is a strong emphasis on climate risk reporting. You will likely work on quantifying the financial implications of climate change on the real estate sector, helping the firm and its clients understand the long-term impact of the transition to a low-carbon economy.

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

One of the primary challenges will be global data consistency. Coordinating inputs from over 50 different markets requires high levels of persistence and the ability to implement standardized governance across varied local reporting cultures and data maturities. Navigating the rapidly changing regulatory environment is another hurdle. You must stay ahead of shifting requirements in the UK and internationally, ensuring the business is prepared for new mandatory disclosures before they become law, which requires constant scanning of the ESG landscape. Finally, balancing tactical reporting with strategic insight can be difficult. You will need to ensure that the heavy administrative burden of annual reporting does not prevent you from providing the analytical foresight needed to drive the firm's broader sustainability goals.

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

A typical day might begin with a global coordination meeting to track data collection progress for the annual report, followed by a technical session with the IT team to troubleshoot or optimize the ESG data management system. You might spend the afternoon analyzing carbon emission trends to prepare a briefing for senior leadership or reviewing a draft disclosure to ensure it aligns with the latest GRI standards. This requires deep focus and attention to detail to ensure every metric is audit-ready. The day often concludes with stakeholder engagement, perhaps responding to a query from an external rating agency or mentoring your direct report on their current projects. The role is a mix of high-level project management and hands-on data verification.

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

This role offers a clear path toward senior sustainability leadership. Given the global nature of Knight Frank, success here could lead to roles with broader strategic oversight or specialized leadership in climate risk and corporate governance. You will have the opportunity to lead high-visibility projects that impact the firm’s global reputation. Being the person who successfully navigates the firm through CSRD or TCFD compliance provides a strong platform for career advancement into executive-level sustainability roles. Furthermore, the exposure to international real estate markets and senior partners provides a unique network. You can evolve into a subject matter expert who advises not just the firm, but its wide array of prestigious clients on ESG best practices.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact daily with the Corporate ESG team and your direct report, fostering a collaborative environment to meet reporting deadlines. You will also work closely with IT and digital partners to maintain the integrity of sustainability data systems. External interactions are frequent, particularly with ESG rating agencies, third-party assurance providers, and sustainability consultants. You act as the face of the firm’s data, defending and explaining Knight Frank’s ESG performance to the outside world. Internal senior leadership and partners across the UK and global offices are critical stakeholders. You will need to translate complex ESG metrics into clear business insights for them, ensuring that sustainability remains a core component of the firm's global strategy.

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