HEAD OF ESG - Jobs in Head, ON

Job Description

This is a unique opportunity to build on ESG/sustainability experience whilst further developing knowledge of social, environmental and governance drivers that contribute to sustainable business innovation and economic growth, in a market leading private equity firm.About WaterlandWaterland is an independent private equity investment group that supports entrepreneurs in realizing their growth ambitions. With substantial financial resources and committed industry expertise, Waterland enables its portfolio companies to achieve accelerated growth both organically and through acquisitions. Waterland is an active investor in the financial, strategic and operational sense.In the current dynamic business environment with an increasing number of mergers and acquisitions, Waterland is a partner that provides entrepreneurs with a powerful position in the increasingly competitive international arena. Since the start in 1999, the firm has made investments more than 700 companies. Waterland currently manages more than €9 billion of investor commitments. In addition, Waterland has access to extensive leveraged finance funding.Investments are made in markets with attractive characteristics for a consolidation strategy: consistent growth, sufficient size, sustainable profitability, fragmentation and (indication of) consolidation. Waterland focusses on industries that are undergoing change as a consequence of one or more of the following trends: sustainability, outsourcing and digitalization, ageing population, and leisure and luxury.Waterland employs 125 professionals. Our teams are based in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, United Kingdom, Ireland, Poland, France, Switzerland and Denmark and operate across Europe.We are currently recruiting an Head of ESG (m/f/x) for the Central Services team who will be part of a team of professionals in a dynamic working environment. The Central Services team is located in the Netherlands, Belgium and the United Kingdom and consists of 15 specialists who are responsible for the reporting, accounting, legal, tax, investor relations, HR and IT functions of the Waterland group.About the roleContributing to the expansion of the established ESG programme going forward, responsibilities of the Head of ESG include:Contributing ideas to the ESG strategy at all stages of the investment processEngaging with investment colleagues to support pre-investment ESG due diligence, typically alongside external ESG consultantsEngaging with portfolio company management teams during the ownership period, to identify and support the implementation of ESG value creation initiatives and ESG policiesAnalyzing the ESG data of portfolio companies for performance enhancement and reportingRepresenting Waterland in ESG matters, including managing communications to investors and stakeholders with regard to Waterland’s ESG strategy and performanceEnhancing reporting and monitoring systemsDeveloping ESG training, guidance and toolkits to support investment teams with their ESG knowledge and responsibilitiesKeeping up-to-date with relevant regulatory and industry developments at fund and portfolio company levelGiving support to the Chief Investment Officer who chairs the ESG Committee at Waterland. The Head of ESG will be appointed as Secretary of the ESG Committee.Desired experience and competenciesExperience in sustainability/ESG gained either in consulting or in an in-house ESG position, within a private markets investor or investment bank (5+ years)Technical experience and/or an appreciation of conducting ESG reviews, due diligence assessments, monitoring and reporting in alignment with the IFC Performance StandardsA commercial approach to sustainability/ESG in a business contextTechnical understanding of climate change issues and transition to net zeroAffinity with cybersecurity in an ESG contextStrong analytical skills including use of Excel, plus monitoring, reporting, communication and presentation skillsRobust influencing and engagement ability; adept at building relationships and credibilityAbility to provide leadership and work competently across a wide range of areas with investment managers, senior management of portfolio companies and with technical staff.ReportingThe Head of ESG will report to the Chief Investment Officer who also chairs the ESG Committee at Waterland. On a monthly basis, status and progress reports will be discussed with the Principals Board.In matters relating to new and existing investments, the Head of ESG will work closely with the Group Head of Investor Relations and the respective investment teams.The role will be based in one of Waterland’s main offices in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany or the United Kingdom.