The concept of sustainability has undergone a significant transformation over the years. Once considered a peripheral concern, it has now become central to corporate strategy and governance. Companies are increasingly recognising the value of integrating sustainability into their business models, not just for ethical reasons but also for long-term profitability and resilience. This shift has led to a surge in demand for professionals specialising in corporate sustainability careers. Whether you’re a recent graduate looking for entry-level sustainability jobs or a seasoned executive contemplating C-suite sustainability roles, the field offers a wide array of opportunities.
Entry-Level Roles in Corporate Sustainability
Sustainability Analyst: Sustainability Analysts assess and report on an organisation’s environmental impact, analyse sustainability data, and advise on improving sustainable practices and performance.
Environmental Coordinator: They manage a company’s environmental programmes, ensure compliance with environmental laws, coordinate sustainability projects, and promote eco-friendly practices in the workplace.
Corporate Social Responsibility Assistant: They support CSR initiatives, assist in project management, coordinate with stakeholders, and help in reporting and communications.
For an entry-level corporate sustainability role, the average salary ranges from £25,000 – £35,000 per annum. Most entry-level positions in sustainability require at least a bachelor’s degree or a Diploma. Relevant fields of study include environmental science, sustainability, environmental engineering, business sustainability, or related disciplines. For some roles, degrees in business, business management, or public policy with a focus on sustainability are also relevant.
Gaining practical experience through internships or volunteer work related to sustainability is crucial. This experience can provide valuable insights into the field, enhance your resume, and help you build a network within the sustainability sector.
For those embarking on their corporate sustainability careers, these entry-level sustainability jobs serve as the foundation. They offer a chance to gain practical experience, understand the corporate landscape, and make valuable connections in the industry.Â
Mid-Level Roles in Corporate Sustainability
Sustainability Manager: A sustainability manager develops and implements strategies to improve an organisation’s environmental impact, manages sustainability programmes, and ensures compliance with environmental regulations.
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager: They oversee company initiatives to benefit society while ensuring alignment with business goals, managing stakeholder relations, and reporting on CSR activities.
Supply Chain Sustainability Manager: They develop and implement eco-friendly practices in supply chains, ensuring ethical sourcing, reducing environmental impact, and managing supplier relations.
For a mid-level corporate sustainability role, the average salary ranges from £45,000 – £65,000 per annum, and professionals typically need to have built upon their foundational knowledge and skills gained in entry-level positions. This advancement involves:
Enhanced Experience: Gaining practical experience in sustainability-related work, either through initial roles in the field or relevant projects. This could include experience in areas like environmental management, corporate social responsibility, or specific sustainability initiatives within an organisation.
Sector and Role Specialisation: Developing a deeper understanding of specific sectors (like private, public, or nonprofit) and roles within sustainability. Professionals should aim to specialise in areas that align with their career goals and interests.
Advanced Skills Development: Building on core sustainability skills such as communication, data analysis, policy analysis, and project management. Mid-level professionals are often expected to have more refined skills in these areas, allowing them to take on more complex tasks and responsibilities.
Networking and Continuous Learning: Continuously expanding their professional network and staying informed about the latest trends and developments in sustainability. Networking can also provide opportunities for career advancement and learning.
Professional Certifications: Obtaining relevant professional certifications can be beneficial. These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and a deeper understanding of specific sustainability topics or practices.
In essence, mid-level roles in sustainability require a combination of practical experience, specialised knowledge, advanced skills, and ongoing professional development​. They provide greater responsibility and a chance to make a more significant impact on an organisation’s sustainability efforts.
Senior-Level Roles in Corporate Sustainability
Director of Sustainability: They are responsible for creating and overseeing the implementation of comprehensive sustainability strategies that align with the company’s goals and values.
Director of Philosophy (Patagonia, Inc.): This unique position involves educating employees about the company’s history and values, focusing on using business to protect nature and minimising unnecessary harm. It’s central to a company like Patagonia, where the brand is deeply connected to environmental stewardship.
Head of Tea (Tata Consumer Products): This position includes responsibilities like product sourcing, overseeing the buying and blending of tea, and managing the company’s sustainable sourcing strategy, emphasising a 100 percent Rainforest Alliance-certified supply chain.
For a senior-level corporate sustainability role, the average salary ranges from £90,000 – £110,000 per annum. These roles are multifaceted and involve strategic planning, project management, compliance, stakeholder engagement, and leadership in advancing an organisation’s sustainability agenda. For those aiming for the pinnacle of corporate sustainability careers, senior-level, and C-suite sustainability roles offer the opportunity to influence company-wide strategy and make a lasting impact.
C-Suite Corporate Sustainability Roles
Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO): This role has become increasingly popular in Fortune 500 companies. The CSO is responsible for overseeing the company’s sustainability strategies and ensuring that environmental considerations are integrated into the company’s products, projects, and overall operations.
Vice President of Environmental Affairs: The role of a Vice President of Environmental Affairs typically involves overseeing and managing a company’s environmental strategies and initiatives. This senior position is responsible for ensuring compliance with environmental laws and regulations, developing policies to reduce the company’s environmental impact, and leading sustainability projects.
Chief Environmental Officer (Microsoft): As the first person to hold this position at Microsoft, the Chief Environmental Officer leads the company’s sustainability strategies and assesses how its products and projects intersect with environmental issues.
Chief Enabling Officer (GPEKS): Leading the company in early-stage cleantech project development, this role involves financial engineering, and business planning in clean energy, green buildings, and electric vehicles.
For a C-suite level corporate sustainability role, the average salary ranges from £100,000 – £130,000 per annum and these roles typically require a combination of advanced educational qualifications and significant work experience in sustainability or related fields.Â
Educational qualifications often include a Bachelor’s Degree in fields such as environmental science, business, engineering, or related disciplines. Many hold master’s degrees or MBAs, often with a focus on sustainability, environmental management, or related areas. In some cases, doctoral degrees may be preferred. Relevant Certifications related to sustainability, corporate social responsibility (CSR), or environmental management can be advantageous.
Work experience requirements usually include extensive experience in sustainability; environmental management, CSR, or related areas. Leadership skills with experience in managing teams, departments, or large projects focused on sustainability are essential.
Demonstrated ability in developing and executing sustainability strategies within organisations and knowledge and experience in adhering to environmental laws and sustainability reporting standards are also prerequisites.Â
These roles also often require strong skills in communication, stakeholder engagement, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of sustainability issues and best practices.
Next Steps
The journey through corporate sustainability careers is both challenging and rewarding. Whether you’re starting with entry-level sustainability jobs or aiming for C-suite sustainability roles, each stage offers unique opportunities for personal and professional growth. Continuous learning, networking, and mentorship are key elements for success in this ever-evolving field.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of key sustainability topics and acquire essential sustainability skills to confidently lead sustainability projects at your organisation or advance your sustainability career, consider enrolling in the Diploma in Business Sustainability. This globally recognised, university credit-rated, fully online business sustainability course will provide you with practical tools and templates to develop and implement forward-looking sustainability plans and put sustainability best practices into action.
Please note: Salary ranges stated in this article are based on data from PayScale and are subject to change based on experience, location, and company.
