SVP Environment, Social and Governance (ESG)

The Environment, Social and Governance function (ESG) which sits within the Corporate Affairs team, is critical to the execution of SMBC Aviation Capital’s sustainability strategy and is pivotal to how that strategy is framed, supported, and delivered. 
SMBC Aviation Capital is determined to maintain its leadership position on sustainability within the lessor and wider aviation communities and to continue to be proactive in meeting the decarbonisation challenge. The SVP ESG, who will report to the Head of Corporate Affairs, will lead the environmental, social and governance agendas within the business and oversee the delivery of a holistic, effective and impactful strategies and supporting activities
 

The role requires deep expertise on all aspects of the ESG agenda and extensive experience working in the area. The successful candidate will have excellent communication skills with the ability to frame complex issues in a comprehensible and convincing manner to all audiences including the leadership of the business.

This role will have exposure to the world’s largest and most innovative commercial aircraft manufacturers, law firms, policy setters and influencers and a global airline customer base, providing opportunities to engage with executive, management, and innovation colleagues across the business. Working as an influencer and leader, on projects and initiatives inside and outside the business, the SVP ESG will, through the implementation and communication of compelling strategies and initiatives, help to position SMBC Aviation Capital at the forefront of the ESG conversation.

As mentioned above, The ESG function sits within Corporate Affairs, which along with our innovation Hub The Nest, the Strategic and Market Analysis and Business Support teams, forms Team COSO (Chief Operations and Sustainability Office).
 

The opportunity What you need Join our team

Core Responsibilities

  • Lead on the initiation and delivery of all ESG strategies and activities within SMBC Aviation Capital.
  • Collaborate with leadership within COSO and Corporate Affairs in framing the strategic direction of the ESG agenda.
  • Work closely with colleagues across the business, lead in the delivery of key ESG outputs including Corporate Sustainability CSRD and TCFD reports.
  • Lead on the creation of a compelling sustainability narrative that effectively captures the business ESG strategy, for delivery to internal and external audiences.
  • Generate Thought Leadership content on relevant ESG and sustainability topics for communication internally and externally through the social channels of the business.
  • Represent the business externally in communicating the SMBC Aviation Capital ESG narrative on panel discussions and at conferences, where appropriate.
  • Provide leadership and oversight of the ESG Governance structures within SMBC Aviation Capital.
  • Maintain excellent relationships with all key external stakeholders, representative and advocacy bodies within the aviation, lessor and ESG communities.
  • Brief the leadership and executive teams of the business on relevant matters as required.
  • Other responsibilities may arise from time to time, including working on internal and external ad hoc special or corporate projects.
  • Develop and participate in training and mentoring plans for less experienced colleagues.
  • Flexibility and willingness to travel on assignment, from time to time, where required.
     

Qualifications & Experience:

  • Experience: 7+ years’ experience in a senior ESG role in an aviation or financial setting, ideally leading and managing cross-functional teams or projects.
  • ESG and Sustainability Expertise: Strong understanding of ESG and sustainability principles, frameworks and aviation and lessor industry best practices, including key areas such as the development of sustainable aviation fuel.
  • Policy Awareness: A deep and wide knowledge of all relevant EU and global policy directives, legislation and mandates including the EU Taxonomy Directive as it applies to aviation. 
  • ESG Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of ESG metrics and reporting requirements including CSRD and TCFD.
  • Data Analysis: Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and interpretation to measure ESG performance and identify improvement areas.
  • Project Management: Ability to lead and manage sustainability projects, set objectives, allocate resources, and monitor progress.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Maintain a strong network within the wider Aviation and ESG communities, including representative bodies, academia and policy influencers.
  • Communication Skills: Strong communication and interpersonal skills to support effective collaboration with diverse stakeholders and build partnerships.
  • Strategic Thinking: Capacity to develop long-term sustainability strategies aligned with business objectives.
  • Aviation knowledge: good understanding of aviation and the sustainability dynamic within the sector.
  • Problem Solving: Clear track record of critical thinking and an ability to clearly understand and articulate issues and risks while delivering creative solutions. 
  • Management skills: Proven project management skills with an ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic team environment.
  • Flexibility: Experience of or an openness to occasionally working hours to accommodate demands of different time zones.
  • Strong, proven MS skills essential (particularly, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).

 

Critical Competencies

  • Communicate Openly: strong communication skills (written and oral) with a capability to influence others. 
  • Have a can–do attitude: proven project management skills with the ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic team environment with multiple priorities and deadlines and with the ability to deliver on several major time critical projects simultaneously. Also, self-starter, ability to work independently using own initiative.  
  • Do the right thing: highly organised with strong attention to detail. Ownership of decision making. 
  • Lead by example: high level of energy, drive, enthusiasm, initiative, and commitment. Proven ability to lead, mentor and develop both junior and highly experienced team members.
  • Work together: Strong team leader with excellent interpersonal skills and a team-player with an ability to motivate. 

Take your career to new heights – come join us at SMBC Aviation Capital 

At SMBC Aviation Capital we look after one another. Through the SMBC Aviation Capital People Commitment we offer a comprehensive suite of benefits, aligned to your needs as you move through different career and life stages. The SMBC AC People Commitment also includes our people-led culture; reward & recognition; along with our learning, wellbeing, inclusion, engagement, and CSR initiatives.  In return, we ask you to bring your ambition and commitment to your work here at SMBC AC to mutually create an exceptional employee experience. 

A world of opportunity awaits you at SMBC Aviation Capital. Our workplace is one where diversity is welcome, and people of all backgrounds are supported to be at their best. We are an equal opportunities employer and strive to build an ever-inclusive work environment.  We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees. Should you have a reasonable accommodation request please reach out to us at Careers@smbc.aero

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