Group Director of Sustainability

Are you passionate about hospitality and sustainability? Are you looking for a role to truly make an impact? If the answer is YES, we'd like to hear from you

Our client is a multinational hospitality brand. Based in Singapore, Phuket, or Bangkok and reporting to the Deputy Managing Director, this pivotal role is designed to ensure that governance, operations, and communications align seamlessly with the strategic sustainability vision of the Group. It's an incredibly exciting opportunity, offering the chance to work at the Group level and directly with the Foundation.

Key competencies that are crucial for the role are as follows:
**1. Experience developing and implementing sustainability strategies in a matrixed organisation**

A track record of conceptualising, designing, and executing sustainability strategies within the context of a matrixed organisation. This involves understanding the complexities of organisational structures where multiple reporting lines exist and being adept at navigating and aligning diverse stakeholders towards common sustainability goals. It includes skills such as stakeholder engagement, project management, and the ability to integrate sustainability initiatives across different business functions.

**2. Strong project design and implementation experience in line with strategy**

The ability to design and scale up effective programmes and initiatives whilst reporting back to the organisation on progress. This involves strong skills in programme design and implementation, budgeting and resource allocation, project management and communications. Proven track record of project implementation with a direct impact to target beneficiaries, and with a clear outcome. Experience in managing and overseeing multiple assets or projects within the context of sustainability initiatives. It requires the ability to coordinate and synchronise efforts across different projects, ensuring alignment with overarching sustainability objectives. Key skills include strategic planning, resource allocation, risk management, and performance monitoring to deliver measurable outcomes across diverse portfolios.

**3. Direct experience with impact levers relating to the Group's context**

There are several levers relevant, namely:

- Associate/guest engagement
- Built environment and design
- Supply chain
- Operational impact areas of waste, water, biodiversity, DEI, climate action

**4. Ability to influence change through indirect reporting relationships**

Capacity to inspire and drive change within the organisation even without direct authority. Bringing strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively convey the importance of sustainability initiatives to various stakeholders, including executives, department heads, and team members. Building coalitions, fostering collaboration, and leveraging data and evidence to support arguments are crucial aspects of this competency. Relational capability to operations colleagues, and not only corporate.

**5. Financial governance and resource allocation within a foundation environment**

Experience in effectively managing budgets related to sustainability initiatives, including budget planning, allocation, monitoring, and optimisation to ensure resources are utilised 2 efficiently to achieve sustainability goals. It will likely also require the ability to justify budgetary needs, track expenditures, and demonstrate the return on investment (ROI) of sustainability projects. Practical experience of effective corporate foundation management or philanthropy programmes.

**6. Regulatory framework knowledge such as TCFD, GRI, UNGC, SASB, and stock exchange reporting requirements**

Demonstrate familiarity and expertise with key sustainability reporting frameworks and regulatory requirements. It involves staying updated on evolving standards and specific stock exchange reporting mandates. Understanding these frameworks enables accurate and comprehensive reporting on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance.

**7. Regional experience**

Practical knowledge and understanding of the Asia-Pacific (APAC) or Southeast Asia (SEA) region, including its cultural, economic, regulatory, and environmental dynamics. Familiarity with local market conditions, stakeholder expectations, and sustainability challenges specific to the region. Having regional experience enables the customisation of sustainability strategies to address local needs and opportunities effectively, ensuing a fit-for-purpose approach.