ESG / CSR Lead – USA

Job description

Working closely with Global, regional and local stakeholders, this role is responsible for driving our Corporate Responsibility and ESG agenda across the USA. It is the key ESG leadership position within the region , supporting the business to drive a culture of responsible, ethical, and sustainable delivery to protect people, assets, reputation, and brand. This role is accountable for compliance with the governance, management, and reporting of CR and ESG performance across people, offices, supply chain, as well as CR and ESG compliance within delivery of programs and projects, including compliance, risk management, and the mitigation and control of ESG‑related impacts. Reporting Line: Reports into the Director of Economic and Social Impact/ Operations Lead, with a dotted line into the Americas CR Board Sponsor, Regional Executive Leadership and Global CR, ESG & Sustainability Leads. Roles & Responsibilities Drive a culture of CR and ESG accountability, and visible leadership commitment, by continually assessing organizational CR and ESG maturity, establishing performance baselines and creating action plans, in partnership with key business stakeholders. Act as the key in-region CR/ESG lead , developing and executing regional implementation strategies to support global CR/ESG initiatives and business expectations. Implement, embed, and maintain compliance with our Global CR Framework , standards, and regional business practices, to ensure alignment with global commitments, quality management systems (ISO) and the effective management of ESG‑related risks. Ensure regional CR and ESG practices, reporting, and performance remain fully compliant with applicable country, state, and local legal and regulatory requirements, supporting the identification, mitigation, and management of legal, reputational, and commercial risk. Lead CR and ESG performance and KPI measurement, data, governance, and reporting across the region, ensuring accuracy, consistency, traceability, and audit‑readiness. Coordinate regional inputs into global CR and ESG disclosures and reporting requirements, including reporting against CR Framework KPIs and Sustainability/ ESG Reports. Continually assess CR and ESG risks and opportunities impacting regional operations and project delivery, including environmental impacts, social value, DEI, ethical conduct, and responsible supply chain practices. Provide direct and timely counsel to regional leadership on CR and ESG performance, trends, emerging risks, regulatory developments, and client expectations. Support bid teams and account leadership by providing CR and ESG inputs into RFPs, proposals, frameworks, and client due‑diligence responses. Lead and govern regional CR programs, including community engagement, volunteering, and charitable initiatives and Making the Difference Fund applications - ensuring social impact is measured, controlled, and reported. Provide strategic leadership and governance for regional environmental and social/community networks, ensuring accurate and timely data reporting to the Global Corporate Responsibility team Assess and update relevant trackers and enhance standard processes to ensure appropriate and timely data submissions. Engage with ESG ratings agencies, assessors, industry initiatives, and client benchmarking exercises where required. Support ESG audits, internal reviews, and external assurance activities and drive continuous improvement across ESG systems, tools, and practices. Lead CR/ESG champions to drive global and regional CR strategy. Report progress against CR framework to executives. Report monthly country / regional CR data into regional leadership and global CR team. Liaise with local supplier diversity lead to drive partnerships and business opportunities Coordinate with the Health and Safety lead to align related policies and procedures. Facilitate and manage relationships with external partners and organizations. Align strategic efforts with Vision 2030 and Global Corporate Responsibility Framework. Coordinate with internal stakeholders to maximize fundraising activities and the impact of philanthropic funding sources. University degree in Sustainability, Environmental Management, Business, Engineering, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Relevant ESG / sustainability professional certification (desirable). Auditor or practitioner training aligned to sustainability and ESG standards (e.g. GRI, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISSB or equivalent). Skills & Attitudes: Outstanding interpersonal skills, communication skills (oral & written) with a strong client-centric and commercially aware approach. Proficient in English; additional languages may be beneficial depending on regional and country requirements. Experience using ESG data platforms, reporting tools, and management systems. Ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive change within a matrixed professional services environment. Strategic mindset, with ability to deliver against strategic framework. Prior Experience: Minimum 5+ years’ experience in ESG, sustainability, CSR, or responsible business roles, ideally within professional services, construction, infrastructure, real estate, or advisory environments . Working knowledge of regional ESG regulations, client requirements, and industry standards. Clear understanding and application of ESG management systems , governance models, and reporting frameworks. Demonstrated experience in ESG performance management, reporting, audits, and assurance. Experience supporting ESG considerations across corporate operations and project delivery, including principal / PMC roles. *On site requirements might change based on client needs* SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable. Our inspired people share our vision and mission. We provide a great place to work, where each person has the opportunity and voice to affect change. We want our people to succeed both in work and life. To support this we promote a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance. Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community. Turner & Townsend does not accept any speculative or unsolicited CV’s that have been sent to our internal recruitment team or hiring managers from agencies outside of our preferred supplier list. Any speculative or unsolicited CV’s will be treated as a direct application. It is strictly against Turner & Townsend policy for candidates to pay any fee in relation to our recruitment process. No recruitment agency working with Turner & Townsend will ask candidates to pay a fee at any time. Join our social media conversations for more information about Turner & Townsend and our exciting future projects: Twitter Instagram LinkedIn It is strictly against Turner & Townsend policy for candidates to pay any fee in relation to our recruitment process. No recruitment agency working with Turner & Townsend will ask candidates to pay a fee at any time. Any unsolicited resumes/CVs submitted through our website or to Turner & Townsend personal e-mail accounts, are considered property of Turner & Townsend and are not subject to payment of agency fees. In order to be an authorised Recruitment Agency/Search Firm for Turner & Townsend, there must be a formal written agreement in place and the agency must be invited, by the Recruitment Team, to submit candidates for review. Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries. Working with our clients across real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources, we transform together delivering outcomes that improve people’s lives. Working in partnership makes it possible to deliver the world’s most impactful projects and programs as we turn challenge into opportunity and complexity into success. Our capabilities include program, project, cost, asset and commercial management, controls and performance, procurement and supply chain, net zero and digital solutions. We are majority-owned by CBRE Group, Inc., the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, with our partners holding a significant minority interest. Turner & Townsend and CBRE work together to provide clients with the premier program, project and cost management offering in markets around the world.