Principal Consultant – Sustainability Strategy, Implementation & Disclosure in Melbourne

We are seeking a motivated and experienced individual to join our corporate sustainability and climate change (CS&CC) team as a Principal Consultant, focusing on mandatory and voluntary sustainability strategy, implementation and disclosures.

From climate change to nature and human rights, there is increasing urgency in company boardrooms to address the complex sustainability challenges facing the world. Executives are under pressure from investors, customers and even employees to increase the pace, scale and transparency of their sustainability-related actions. This is where ERM drives value. Our CS&CC team works with leading organisations to address complex sustainability challenges and create long-term value by clarifying strategic direction, driving organisational change, and enhancing transparency and the robustness of public sustainability-related disclosures.

Our Principal Consultants provide leadership in consulting projects, helping to ensure quality delivery of service. They manage complex large projects or a portfolio of smaller projects and are accountable for the project budget, performance and results, risk management and governance. They also support revenue generation through identification and conversion of new client opportunities in line with evolving services and client needs.

Key Responsibilities

The role is varied and dynamic and the successful candidate will have a proven track record across all of the following:

• Providing deep expertise in mandatory and voluntary sustainability strategy and reporting.
• Expertise across materiality & strategy setting, transition planning and systems implementation and disclosure preparation.
• Practical understanding of climate risk and opportunity identification, assessment and resilience strategy.
• Deep experience guiding organisations through AASB S2, and ideally have worked with voluntary sustainability strategy setting and reporting frameworks (ISSB S1, GRI, SASB).

Client and Project Management

Works comfortably within a diverse range of multi-discipline programmatic project structures, collaborating with our internal SMEs across all the disciplines required by our clients as they navigate the complexity of sustainability strategies and mandatory climate reporting. Demonstrates strong client relationship building and quickly builds trust with a range of internal and external stakeholders. Leads effectively through the project lifecycle, including scoping, budget and delivery including all project accounting fundamentals. Thinks strategically in order to influence decision-makers and outcomes. Demonstrates strong analytical skills, excellent writing and presentation skills, extensive stakeholder engagement (e.g., workshop facilitation/delivery) and a mastery of impactful board level communication.

Teamwork and Organisation

Structured and effective communicator that can shape and deliver messages to executive level and facilitate effective client engagements. Demonstrates strong people management skills; particularly the ability to support, coach and celebrate others in order to advance employee engagement and achieve results. Mentors junior staff in the planning and execution of projects, and in directing or conducting independent technical reviews of deliverable work products. Skilled in breaking down complex problems into discrete tasks and communicating them effectively to a diverse range of technical specialists including climate scientists, engineers, and ecologists. Manages a team of junior project managers and consultants. Identifies, evaluates, cultivates and manages partnerships and relationships with senior clients, external stakeholders and key opinion leaders. Effectively collaborates internally to bring our services to existing clients.

Business Development Activities

Enhances ERM’s capability to sell and deliver Corporate Sustainability & Climate Change services. Proven ability to seek out and win new client opportunities. Demonstrated experience in leading complex bids. Drives the preparation of winning proposals and pitch documents with a strong track record of interpreting requests for proposals and developing project methodologies. Supports new business development campaigns and thought leadership initiatives.

Requirements

In addition to a track record of delivering all the responsibilities outlined above, successful candidates will have:

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• 10+ years of experience in sustainability or a directly related field (most recently at Project Director level) with the ability to provide case studies as evidence.
• Strong track record of preparing bids/developing business cases and winning competitive projects.
• Proven people leadership and management skills including experience of line management and/or contributing to the professional development of others.
• Enthusiasm, initiative, flexibility, and a desire to work in a growing team.
• An ability to work in an entrepreneurial environment.

At ERM, your work creates impact that matters, helping global organizations tackle the most pressing sustainability challenges while shaping a better future for communities and the environment. Our vision is to empower you to grow, lead, and innovate alongside world-class clients on transformative projects. We prioritise wellbeing, continuous learning, and an inclusive culture where collaboration, expertise, and purpose drive meaningful impact. At ERM, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and innovation thrives. If you’re ready to make sustainability your mission and build a career that creates lasting change, your journey starts here.