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Head of Sustainability Management – Delivery

Walmart • United Kingdom • Added on Sep 29, 2026
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This senior leadership role acts as the operational engine for a global law firm’s environmental commitments. You will oversee the daily execution of sustainability workstreams, turning high-level strategy into measurable action. From managing emissions accounting and supplier engagement to directing office transition plans, your focus is on the rigorous delivery of the firm’s green objectives. You will lead a dedicated team to ensure data integrity and operational excellence across a complex, multi-jurisdictional landscape.

The role is critical because it bridges the gap between policy and practice in a high-stakes professional services environment. By managing climate-related data collection and transition planning, you directly influence the firm’s ability to achieve real-world decarbonization and meet evolving global standards. This isn’t just about oversight; it is about building the infrastructure that allows a global legal giant to operate within planetary boundaries.

This suits someone who is a pragmatic leader with deep experience in programme management and climate disclosures. You should thrive on translating complex data into executive-level insights while keeping cross-functional teams aligned in a fast-paced environment.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The core mission involves the operational leadership of the firm's global sustainability programme. You will be responsible for the day-to-day management of delivery workstreams, including emissions accounting, mitigation strategies, and climate scenario analysis. Your focus is to ensure that sustainability goals are translated into actionable plans across the firm's international offices. Beyond data, you will oversee the audit and assurance activities to guarantee the integrity of climate-related disclosures. This includes managing direct reports, allocating resources, and establishing annual work plans that align with the broader corporate strategy. You will also act as a primary escalation point for risks and dependencies within the sustainability function. Effective stakeholder engagement is a key responsibility, as you will collaborate with departments like Finance, Procurement, and Real Estate to integrate sustainable practices. You are also tasked with developing high-level leadership briefings and governance materials to facilitate executive decision-making.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates will gain significant exposure to advanced climate disclosures and the nuances of sustainability audit processes within a highly regulated professional services context. Working at a global law firm provides a unique lens into how complex legal and financial frameworks intersect with environmental imperatives. There are opportunities to master AI-driven scenario analysis and data governance tools, which are increasingly vital for modern ESG leadership. The role also offers a deep dive into global supply chain engagement and international office transition planning, providing a broad perspective on operational sustainability. You will also sharpen your skills in strategic change management by navigating a partnership-led organizational structure. Mentoring a team of specialists and interacting with top-tier external auditors and consultants will further enhance your leadership profile in the corporate sustainability space.

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

The ideal candidate brings a robust background in professional services, understanding the pace and stakeholder dynamics of a global firm. You should have a proven track record of managing complex, multi-year programmes that involve detailed carbon accounting and climate-related financial disclosures. Technical proficiency in sustainability data governance is essential, paired with the ability to manage and develop a team of high-performing professionals. Excellent communication skills are a must, as you need to translate technical ESG metrics into compelling narratives for executive-level audiences. A pragmatic, solutions-oriented mindset is highly valued. The firm seeks a leader who can maintain a strategic perspective while ensuring meticulous attention to detail in reporting and compliance activities. Experience with CDP reporting and sustainability assurance frameworks is strongly preferred.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Focus your application on concrete examples of where you have scaled sustainability operations in a global environment. Highlight your experience in bridging the gap between strategy and execution, specifically within a partnership or professional services model where influence is as important as authority. When preparing for interviews, demonstrate your familiarity with climate-related risks and opportunities specific to the legal or financial sectors. Show how you handle data complexity and audit readiness, as these are critical pain points for a firm of this scale. Evidence of your ability to manage cross-functional projects with Finance and Procurement teams will set you apart. Be prepared to discuss your leadership philosophy. The firm values a collaborative and inclusive style, so highlighting how you coach team members and foster a culture of continuous learning will resonate with their organizational values.

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

This role is heavily focused on the environmental and operational aspects of the firm's sustainability strategy. You will likely lead the charge on achieving net-zero targets by overseeing emissions mitigation and office transition plans across various global locations. Supplier engagement is another major pillar, as the role involves integrating sustainability criteria into procurement processes to address Scope 3 emissions. You will also focus on the governance of sustainability data, ensuring it is robust enough to withstand third-party audit and assurance. Finally, the role supports the firm's Responsible Business ambitions by ensuring that sustainability is not a siloed activity but is integrated into the firm's core operational decision-making, from real estate choices to internal policy development.

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

One of the primary challenges is managing stakeholder complexity. In a global law firm, you must align diverse interests across multiple jurisdictions, each with different regulatory requirements and cultural approaches to sustainability. Data fragmentation can also be a hurdle. Collecting consistent climate data from various international offices and suppliers requires rigorous processes and persistent follow-up to ensure the accuracy needed for audit and CDP reporting. Balancing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment is another likely difficulty. You will need to maintain momentum on long-term transition plans while simultaneously managing immediate reporting deadlines and operational escalations.

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

A typical day might begin with a team briefing to review progress on carbon footprinting and data collection for upcoming climate disclosures. You might then meet with the Head of Procurement to discuss enhancing the sustainability criteria for global vendors. Mid-day could involve reviewing a transition plan for a specific regional office or drafting a briefing paper for the Global Head of Sustainability to present at a leadership committee. You will likely spend time coordinating with external auditors to ensure current assurance programmes are on track. Your afternoon might be spent in cross-functional meetings with Legal or Risk departments to address emerging ESG regulations. The day often concludes with 1-on-1 coaching sessions with your direct reports to support their professional development and resolve any delivery bottlenecks.

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

This role offers a clear pathway to executive sustainability leadership. By owning the delivery of a global programme, you position yourself as a candidate for Chief Sustainability Officer or global strategy roles within the firm or the wider legal sector. There is also the potential for lateral growth into strategic risk management or operational excellence functions, given the heavy emphasis on data governance and programme management. The visibility of this role to firm leadership provides a platform for high-impact contributions. The firm’s commitment to professional growth means you will have the chance to lead high-profile transformation projects, such as implementing new AI tools for scenario analysis, which are cutting-edge in the sustainability field.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will report directly to the Global Head of Sustainability, Policy and Strategy and work closely with the Head of Sustainability Management for Reporting and Strategic Projects. These relationships are vital for ensuring alignment between strategy and execution. Internally, you will interact with Legal, Finance, Procurement, and Real Estate teams to drive operational change. You will also engage with regional sustainability stewards and office managers worldwide to implement local initiatives. Externally, your main stakeholders include auditors, consultants, and service providers who assist with data assurance and climate reporting. You may also collaborate with clients and industry groups to share best practices and align on collective sustainability commitments.

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