S

Head of Sustainability

Scentre Group (Owner of Westfield destinations in Aus and NZ) • Australia • Added on Sep 9, 2026
Apply →

As the primary subject matter expert, you will guide the integration of environmental priorities into the core business operations of a major retail property platform. You will be responsible for defining the long-term roadmap and providing technical insight that balances commercial success with climate resilience. This is a leadership position that involves translating complex environmental issues into actionable initiatives across diverse departments.

This role is critical because you are shaping the future of physical retail destinations that serve millions of people. By driving operational excellence and emissions reduction across a massive real estate portfolio, you directly influence how local communities interact with sustainable spaces. Your work ensures that large-scale commercial assets remain viable and responsible in a rapidly changing climate landscape.

This suits someone who is a pragmatic strategist with the gravitas to influence executive leaders and the technical depth to navigate evolving regulations. You should be comfortable leading through influence in a vertically integrated environment.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission is to act as the environmental subject matter expert, shaping the Group's sustainability roadmap and ensuring its alignment with overall business objectives. You will own the development of the environmental strategy, focusing on emissions reduction, resource efficiency, and climate-related risk management. Day-to-day, you will partner with operational and business leaders to turn high-level strategy into measurable environmental outcomes. This includes providing practical advice on site-specific initiatives and ensuring that sustainability is a key factor in major commercial decision-making processes.

Key learning opportunities for this job

In this role, you will gain deep exposure to the intersection of real estate, retail, and climate finance. You will likely develop sophisticated skills in climate risk modeling and reporting within a highly regulated market, specifically focusing on how large-scale infrastructure projects can adapt to sustainability standards. Furthermore, you will have the chance to mentor leaders across a vertically integrated business model, gaining insight into every stage of the asset lifecycle from design and construction to marketing and management. This offers a rare 360-degree view of corporate sustainability in action.

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

The ideal candidate brings significant experience in environmental sustainability and climate risk, preferably within the property or retail sectors. You must possess a proven ability to simplify technical jargon for executive audiences, making complex environmental topics accessible and actionable for commercial stakeholders. Beyond technical expertise, the role requires a strategic influencer who can navigate a complex corporate structure. High-level communication skills and a track record of driving change through collaboration rather than direct authority are essential traits for success in this position.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Focus your application on your ability to deliver commercial value through sustainability. Highlight specific instances where you have influenced senior leadership to adopt green initiatives that also supported business growth or operational resilience. Since Scentre Group emphasizes its shared accountability model, demonstrate your experience working across diverse functions like Finance, Risk, and Operations. Showing that you understand the specific challenges of the Australian and New Zealand retail property markets will also differentiate your profile.

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

This role centers on the environmental pillar of the Group's framework, specifically targeting the 2030 strategy goals. You will focus heavily on decarbonization efforts across the 42 Westfield destinations and strengthening the business's resilience against physical and transitional climate risks. You will also spend significant time on circularity and resource efficiency, looking for ways to improve waste management and energy usage within large-scale shopping centers. Ensuring that these environmental goals align with the needs of the 20 million people living near Westfield centers is a key social-environmental crossover.

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

A primary challenge will be balancing long-term environmental goals with immediate commercial and operational priorities. In a fast-paced retail environment, securing investment for sustainability projects requires a very strong, data-backed business case. Additionally, navigating the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape regarding climate disclosures in Australia and New Zealand will require constant vigilance. You must ensure the organization remains compliant while simultaneously pushing for industry-leading innovation that goes beyond basic legal requirements.

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

Your morning might involve a briefing with executive leaders to discuss the sustainability implications of a new development project. By midday, you could be facilitating a workshop with operational managers to troubleshoot the implementation of an emissions-reduction initiative at a specific Westfield destination. Afternoons are often dedicated to external engagement, such as representing the company at industry forums or meeting with sustainability consultants. You will also spend time reviewing data and preparing strategic communications that translate technical performance into executive-level updates.

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

As a 'Head of' position, this role offers significant executive visibility and the potential to move into broader C-suite or global sustainability leadership roles. You will be recognized as a top-tier expert in the property industry, opening doors to high-level advisory boards. The role also provides a platform for thought leadership, allowing you to influence industry-wide standards for sustainable retail. Success here positions you as a leader capable of managing multi-billion dollar asset portfolios through the lens of ESG.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact extensively with the Executive Leadership Team, providing them with the insights needed to make informed strategic choices. You will also work closely with teams in Operations, Development, and Finance to ensure sustainability initiatives are practical and funded. External stakeholders include industry forums, regulatory bodies, and sustainability partners. You will also play a role in how the company communicates its environmental progress to the broader community and the retail brands that occupy Westfield destinations.

CSR Jobs newsletter

Never miss the next opportunity

Get a curated selection of new CSR, ESG, and sustainability roles in your inbox. No daily noise, just useful opportunities.

Free to join. Unsubscribe anytime.