About the Role
This role sits within the first line of defence and supports business ownership of sustainability-related risks and opportunities across the Group. The position focuses on establishing frameworks, policies, governance and implementation activities that support effective management of sustainability-related risks while partnering closely with the Risk function to maintain robust oversight and governance.
Responsibilities
- Act as the first line sustainability risk specialist within the Central Sustainability Office.
- Support the business in identifying, assessing and managing sustainability-related risks and opportunities.
- Develop and maintain sustainability risk frameworks, methodologies, guidance and tools to support effective risk management.
- Coordinate sustainability risk assessments, materiality reviews and horizon-scanning activities.
- Monitor emerging sustainability risks and provide analysis of potential impacts on the business, clients and stakeholders.
- Support the development of sustainability-related risk appetite measures, metrics, indicators and management information.
- Work with risk owners to ensure sustainability risks are appropriately documented, monitored and managed.
- Provide subject matter expertise and constructive challenge to business teams on sustainability risk matters.
- Partner with the second line Risk function to support the continued evolution of sustainability risk governance and reporting.
- Prepare papers, recommendations and management information for senior management committees and governance forums.
- Lead the development, review and maintenance of sustainability-related policies, standards and governance frameworks.
- Ensure policies remain aligned with regulatory requirements, industry best practice and the Group's sustainability strategy.
- Oversee policy implementation and support business functions in embedding policy requirements into operational processes.
- Coordinate policy reviews, governance approvals and periodic effectiveness assessments.
- Support the development of sustainability-related governance processes and decision-making frameworks.
- Maintain clear documentation and accountability for sustainability policy ownership across the Group.
- Monitor developments across UK, EU and international sustainability regulation, public policy and market practice.
- Assess the implications of emerging regulations, standards and guidance for the Group.
- Lead internal analysis of policy developments and prepare recommendations for senior stakeholders.
- Coordinate cross-functional responses to regulatory consultations, industry initiatives and policy developments where appropriate.
- Represent the Group in industry working groups, trade associations and external stakeholder forums.
- Maintain awareness of evolving expectations from regulators, investors, clients, ratings agencies, policymakers and civil society organisations.
- Work closely with business units and corporate functions to support the effective management of sustainability risks and opportunities.
- Provide expert advice on sustainability-related issues to senior stakeholders across the organisation.
- Support strategic projects, including sustainability strategy development, transition planning, nature-related initiatives, human rights programmes and responsible business activities.
- Facilitate collaboration across Risk, Compliance, Legal, Investments, Procurement, HR, Corporate Affairs and other key functions.
- Promote understanding of sustainability-related risks and opportunities through training, guidance and stakeholder engagement.
- Support sustainability reporting and disclosures, ensuring consistency with internal policies and external requirements.
- Contribute to responses for ESG ratings, benchmarks, investor requests and stakeholder questionnaires.
- Develop management information, dashboards and reporting materials for executive and board-level audiences.
- Support assurance processes relating to sustainability data, controls and disclosures.
- Monitor emerging reporting requirements and support implementation of new disclosure obligations.
Requirements
- Significant experience in sustainability, ESG, public policy, regulatory affairs, risk management or a related discipline.
- Strong understanding of sustainability-related risks and opportunities, including climate, nature, human rights and broader social issues.
- Experience developing policies, governance frameworks, standards or risk management approaches.
- Knowledge of UK and international sustainability regulations, reporting frameworks and market developments.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with experience engaging senior leaders.
- Ability to translate complex sustainability and regulatory matters into practical business actions.
- Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience preparing high-quality papers and presentations for senior management, executive committees or boards.
- Strong project management skills and the ability to operate effectively across a complex stakeholder environment.
- Experience within asset management, insurance, banking or wider financial services.
- Familiarity with sustainability-related frameworks and standards, including: ISSB, TCFD, TNFD, CSRD, UK Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR), Transition Planning guidance, UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.
- Experience engaging with regulators, policymakers, industry bodies or standard setters.
- Professional qualifications in sustainability, risk management, public policy, governance or a related field.
- Strategic thinker with strong commercial awareness and business judgement.
- Pragmatic and solutions-oriented, with the ability to balance ambition and practical implementation.
- Collaborative and relationship-focused, able to build credibility across a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Strong judgement and confidence in navigating complex and evolving topics.
- Excellent communicator, capable of engaging effectively with senior executives, regulators and external stakeholders.
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment with multiple competing priorities.
- Demonstrates the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and personal accountability.
- Self-motivated and resilient, with a commitment to continuous improvement and learning.
Skills
- Sustainability risk management
- Policy development
- Governance frameworks
- Regulatory analysis
- Stakeholder engagement
- ESG reporting
- Risk assessment
- Project management
- Communication
- Analytical skills
Location
- UK
Work Type
- Flexible working arrangements
Experience Level
- Significant experience
Education Level
- Professional qualifications in sustainability, risk management, public policy, governance or a related field.
Benefits
- Valuable pension scheme of up to 18% (13% employer contributions, 5% employee contributions).
- Access to Share Save and Share Incentive Plan.
- Financial wellbeing and support services.
- 38 days annual leave (including bank holidays).
- Opportunity to purchase up to five extra days of annual leave.
- Time Off When You Need It policy.
- Market-leading Inspiring Families policy including comprehensive support and paid parental leave (maternity, adoption, surrogacy, paternity).
- Private Healthcare.
- Critical Illness cover.
- Life Assurance.
- Additional family options for Health & Protection cover.
About the Company
- M&G's purpose is to give everyone real confidence to put their money to work.
- Heritage dating back more than 175 years with a long history of innovation in savings and investments.
- Combines asset management and insurance expertise to offer a wide range of solutions.
- Two distinct operating segments: Asset Management and Life.
- Focuses on creating an exceptional place to work for exceptional talent through integrity and care.
Equal Opportunity
- Strive to have a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture.
- Welcome applications from people of all backgrounds – across gender, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation and more – including neurodivergent individuals, career returners and those with military service experience.
- Proud to be Level 3: Disability Confident Leader under the UK Government Disability Confident employer scheme.
- Welcome applications from candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions.
- Committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process.
- All candidates have the opportunity to request reasonable adjustments when applying.
- Contact careers@mandg.com for additional support at any stage.
