Sustainability Lead – Business Operations

Location – London or Guildford (Hybrid)

Salary – dep on exp + benefits

Allianz is a global insurance company serving across 70 different countries, but from the very first day you join our team you’ll know that your contributions are valued. We offer world class learning and career development opportunities, while we celebrate an inclusive culture.

Role Description

AZ UK is strengthening its focus on driving Sustainability initiatives and activity across the business and therefore is establishing a strong central team of subject matter experts. A Sustainability Lead is needed to specifically focus on driving Sustainability initiatives, ambitions and targets in respect of AZ UK’s Business Operations. The role holder will report into the Head of Sustainability, within the CFO Finance Function, and will be the key responsible person for driving Sustainability in AZ UK’s Business Operations.

The Lead will contribute to developing and delivering the AZ UK Sustainability Strategy for Business Operations, in alignment with the Global Sustainability Strategy and local laws and regulations. The role holder will be the go-to person for all Business Operations topics and will proactive implement and drive Operations Sustainability initiatives into business processes, governance structures and functions. To achieve the ambitions and targets the role holder will be required to manage internal and external stakeholders and to collaborate closely with different business functions.

Key Responsibilities

Contribute to developing and delivering Sustainability strategy, ambitions and targets for AZUK’s Business Operations that aligns with the Global strategy, enables business growth and meets customers’ needs.
Take ownership of delivering and managing Sustainable Operations initiatives that contribute to the net-zero ambition in partnership with business functions, including Property, Procurement, Waste, Paper Management, Energy Management, Travel & Mobility incl. EV100, GHG Targets (RE100). Support the business in identifying initiative value, impact, area for improvement and drive and track progress in Sustainable Operations initiatives.
Establish relevant monitoring and controls of policies, activities and targets for Sustainable Operations. Ensure quality of reporting is in place for appropriate steering and monitoring of KPIs and targets, including providing transparent and regular updates to key stakeholders.
Participate in the AZ-UK Sustainability Forum (prev. ESG Steering Group) and Sustainability Working Group to drive and measure progress and embed Sustainability into the business.
Act as the central point of focus and provider of subject-matter expertise for Sustainable Operations matters. Monitor and provide insight on future trends, competitor activity and industry developments to maximise Sustainable Operations opportunities.
Collaborate and build relationships with internal stakeholders including senior leaders, ExCo Members, function leads and subject matter experts. Work with the business functions to achieve the initiatives and targets.
Lead interaction and engagement for AZUK with H4 on Sustainable Operations matters and strategy.
Contribute to meeting external reporting requirements including TCFD reporting, NFSI reporting, CSRD, ClimateWise and other regulatory reporting requirements for Sustainable Operations initiatives.
Manage and run the Sustainability Champions network to engage employees and increase employee awareness and engagement in Sustainability issues. Work with the Communications colleagues to build awareness, run campaigns and drive engagement.

Skills & Experience

Data Management and Impact Measurement – experience in non-financial business monitoring and reporting
Planning and Reporting
Creative and Innovative Thinking – Proven track record in change management, transformation and strategy development
Sustainability Technical Knowledge– especially in Operational topics such as Property, Travel, Energy, Waste etc.
At least 5-7 years’ experience in the UK General Insurance market, including Operational experience in facilities management, Real Estate, IT or Procurement.
Qualified to 2.1 degree level or equivalent in any discipline OR significant and relevant business experience.
ACII or equivalent qualified, or making progress towards professional development
A self-starter who is proactive and can manage their own priorities.
Goal-oriented with the ability to successfully manage multiple initiatives simultaneously and to meet all deadlines.
Demonstrable knowledge of ESG frameworks, standards, and trends.
A passion for teamwork and collaboration
Has previous experience in project management and delivery, including tracking initiatives and reporting / monitoring progress. A strategic mindset, with the ability to understand the detail but also how this feeds into the bigger picture.
Excellent communication, presentations and influencing and relationship management skills, with a high appreciation, and experience of managing stakeholder expectations and motivations.
Knowledge, passion and expertise across all aspects of Sustainability.
Experience and proven track-record in reporting to and working with Boards, ExCo and senior internal and external stakeholders.
Able to navigate within a complex structure and work closely with internal teams.
A driven, can-do attitude, with a positive mindset and entrepreneurial spirit

What We Will Offer You

Recognised and rewarded for a job well done, we have a range of flexible benefits for you to choose from- so you can pick a package that’s perfect for you. We also offer flexible working options, global career opportunities across the wider Allianz Group, and fantastic career development and training. That’s on top of enjoying all the benefits you’d expect from the world’s number one insurance brand, including:

Flexible buy/sell holiday options
Hybrid working.
Annual performance related bonus
Contributory pension scheme
Development days
A discount up to 50% on a range of insurance products including car, home and pet
Retail discounts

Our Ways of Working

Do you need some flexibility with the hours you work? Let us know as part of your application and if it’s right for our customers, our business and for you, then we’ll do everything we can to make it happen.

Here at Allianz, we are signatories of the ABIs flexible working charter. We believe in supporting hybrid work patterns, which balance the needs of our customers, with your personal circumstances and our business requirements. Our aim with this is to help innovation, creativity, and you to thrive – Your work life balance is important to us.

Our Purpose and Values

We secure your future

Be Brave | With Heart | Everyone Counts | Inspiring Trust

Our purpose and values are more than just words on a website – they are the why and how of Allianz. They influence everything we do and guide us how to do it. Created by our people, for our people, they shape our culture, bring us together, and inspire us to be the best. Building an inclusive culture for us all to succeed.

Diversity & Inclusion

At Allianz, we value diversity and inclusion and back this up with our accreditations. Allianz is EDGE certified for gender inclusion, members of the Women in Finance Charter, a Disability Confident employer, Stonewall Diversity Champion members, signatories of Business in the Community’s Race at Work Charter, and an Armed Forces Covenant gold standard employer.

We recognise the strength of neurodiversity in the workplace, and the far-reaching benefits of embracing a spectrum of thinking styles and innovative capabilities. We proudly welcome applications from neurodivergent and disabled candidates, and can offer tailored adjustments to remove barriers and set you up for success in your career.

At Allianz, we encourage our people to advocate for what they need, we listen, and we act – this could include providing assistive technology, ergonomic specialist equipment, mentoring and coaching, or flexibility in the way you work, among a wide range other adjustments.