JOB TITLE: Head of Climate
LOCATION(S): Bristol, Edinburgh or Leeds
SALARY: £126,523 to £148,850
HOURS: Full time
WORKING PATTERN: Our work style is hybrid, which involves spending at least two days per week, or 40% of our time, at one of our office sites.
About this opportunity:
As the Group’s leading authority on climate related matters, this role draws on deep expertise to define and drive credible, commercially supportable transition pathways for carbon‑intensive and hard‑to‑abate sectors, supporting the bank to engage effectively with clients, allocate capital responsibly, and navigate complex transition risks.
The role requires an outstanding level of collaborator influence, commercial insights and in-depth understanding of market forces shaping transition strategy (e.g., energy transition). The role will include leading all aspects of the design and execution of the Group’s climate mitigation strategy and shaping the adaptation and resilience strategy across all facets of the Group activities.
The role is central to the Group’s engagement with regulators, industry bodies and external partners, helping to develop the evolving climate agenda for the financial services sector. By ensuring the Group’s approach is coherent, credible and aligned to regulatory expectations, the Head of Climate directly influences the institution’s long term resilience, reputation and contribution to the UK transition.
Leading a team of highly skilled climate specialists, the Head of Climate works closely with business units and functions to embed climate considerations into core decision-making and risk frameworks across the enterprise.
This role demands:`
Strategic Leadership: Define and deliver the Group’s climate strategy aligned to commercial priorities, net‑zero commitments and science‑based targets, embedding climate into business strategy, capital allocation and risk management, and representing the Group with credibility across regulatory and industry forums. This requires pragmatic, market-aware insights and industry networks.
Stakeholder Engagement: Develop and sustain strong, positive relationships with senior partners in the organisation. Serve as a recognised internal expert on climate change. Show clear knowledge of commercial outcomes, risk management, and sustainability ambitions. Communicate effectively with investors, regulators, and civil society regarding climate strategy, performance, and disclosures.
Team Management: Lead and develop a high performing team of climate strategy, policy and analytics professionals, providing clear strategic direction, focused delivery and strong motivation, while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous learning. Enabling rapid delivery through innovative use of digital tools and AI is a critical skill.
Project Oversight: Identify, lead and oversee priority climate initiatives across the Group, including transition planning, sector-specific strategies, system approach to environmental sustainability and decarbonisation pathways.
Governance & Reporting: Lead robust governance and controls over functional activities, ensure compliance with climate reporting frameworks such as TCFD, ISSB, CSRD, and provide clear, regular updates to Board and Executive Committee.
About us:
From building a truly sustainable business creating a place where people love to work, we need colleagues who are up for the challenge of our bold ambitions. Who are excited to push boundaries and make change happen. Together, we can grow with purpose.
What we are looking for:
- Min 15 - 20 years in sustainability, climate strategy, or ESG leadership roles within financial services or hard-to-abate industry sectors.
- Very strong commercial acumen, including sector specific insights and knowledge (e.g., energy transition)
- Deep understanding of transition planning, climate change measuring and reporting
- Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and delivering enterprise-wide transformation.
- Deep understanding of climate science, policy, and financial implications (e.g., transition and physical risks).
- Experienced in navigating multi-jurisdictional regulatory frameworks and voluntary standards (e.g., SBTi, TCFD, NGFS).
- Exceptionally strong stakeholder management and communication skills
- Externally recognised brand as a sustainability specialist and market leader with a global connected network
About working for us:
Our ambition is to be the leading UK business for diversity, equity and inclusion supporting our customers, colleagues and communities, and we’re committed to creating an environment in which everyone can thrive, learn and develop.
We were one of the first major organisations to set goals on diversity in senior roles, create a menopause health package, and a dedicated Working with Cancer Initiative.
We offer reasonable workplace adjustments for colleagues with disabilities, including flexibility in office attendance, location and working patterns. And, as a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee interviews for a fair and proportionate number of applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role with a disability, long-term health or neurodivergent condition through the Disability Confident Scheme.
We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to reduce or remove barriers. Just let us know what you need.
We also offer a wide-ranging benefits package, which includes:
A generous pension contribution of up to 15%
An annual performance-related bonus
Share schemes including free shares
Benefits you can adapt to your lifestyle, such as discounted shopping
30 days’ holiday, with bank holidays on top
A range of wellbeing initiatives and generous parental leave policies
Ready for a career where you can have a positive impact as you learn, grow and thrive? Apply today and find out more.
