The landscape of corporate sustainability has shifted dramatically in the past decade. Once a checkbox on the corporate to-do list, sustainability is now embedded in long-term growth plans. This change is fueling a growing demand for professionals across all levels within businesses. According to the UN, the green transition could create up to 24 million new jobs globally by 2030.

Whether you're just graduating or already leading from the top, sustainability offers a career path full of purpose and potential. But what does that journey look like in practice?

Starting strong: entry-level roles that lay the groundwork

Kicking off a career in sustainability often means stepping into roles that combine data, coordination, and compliance. Even at the entry level, you’re helping define how companies respond to climate and social challenges.

A strong academic foundation—typically in environmental science, business sustainability, or policy is essential. But beyond the degree, what really stands out is hands-on experience: internships, volunteering, or student-led initiatives. Common entry roles include:

• Sustainability Analyst: Tracks performance metrics, evaluates data, and helps guide greener business decisions.

• Environmental Coordinator: Supports internal sustainability projects and ensures compliance with environmental standards.

• CSR Assistant: Engages with communities and stakeholders to implement socially responsible initiatives.

Progressing with purpose: mid-level careers

By the time professionals reach mid-level, they’re expected to blend strategic thinking with operational execution. This is where leadership potential starts to show, and specialisation becomes crucial. Roles at this stage include:

• Sustainability Manager: Leads initiatives, ensures reporting alignment with frameworks like GRI or CSRD, and works across departments to embed sustainability.

• CSR Manager: Translates social impact goals into tangible programs that align with the business mission.

• Supply Chain Sustainability Manager: Navigates complex sourcing systems to ensure ethical and low-impact supply chains.

Mid-career sustainability professionals often hold certifications and are involved in cross-functional projects. They’re seen not only as subject matter experts but also as internal change agents. Developing advanced skills in data interpretation, policy engagement, and project management is key to advancing further.

Leading from the top: senior and executive roles

Senior sustainability leaders are tasked with integrating ESG at the highest levels of business strategy. These are the roles where sustainability intersects with corporate governance, risk, and brand identity. Key titles include:

• Director of Sustainability: Oversees company-wide sustainability vision and alignment with business goals.

• Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO): Sits at the executive table to shape how sustainability informs product design, investments, and stakeholder relations.

• VP of Environmental Affairs: Manages regulatory compliance, climate risk strategy, and public disclosures.

These leaders often bring decades of experience, typically supported by postgraduate qualifications—MBAs with sustainability concentrations or even PhDs. But beyond credentials, what sets them apart is the ability to influence culture, guide investment decisions, and communicate across diverse audiences, from investors to local communities.

What it takes to thrive in a sustainability career

Regardless of where you start or where you want to go, certain attributes are consistent across all sustainability roles:

• Systems Thinking: Understanding how social, environmental, and economic systems interconnect.

• Stakeholder Engagement: From campaigns to boardroom discussions, communication is key.

• Project Leadership: Implementing change takes planning, budgeting, and execution under pressure.

• Resilience and Curiosity: This is a fast-evolving space. Staying informed and adaptable is essential.

A Career with meaning and momentum

Choosing a career in sustainability is a commitment to shaping a future where businesses can thrive without costing the planet or society. Whether you’re crunching carbon data or steering C-suite strategy, the opportunities are real and the challenges are urgent.

For those ready to align purpose with performance, sustainability is a calling.

Resources

• https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/blog/2019/04/green-economy-could-create-24-million-new-jobs/

• https://eures.europa.eu/demand-green-jobs-2023-2023-06-06_en

• https://greenly.earth/en-gb/blog/company-guide/5-sustainability-jobs-you-could-like

• https://pg-online.leeds.ac.uk/blogs/top-5-management-careers-sustainability/