Sustainability Assurance Partner
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Employment Type: Full-time
Industry: ESG / Sustainability Assurance / Professional Services
Our Client
Our client is a leading professional services organisation with a strong national presence and a growing sustainability and ESG advisory practice. The firm partners with major corporations, government entities, and industry leaders to deliver high‑quality sustainability assurance, reporting, and strategic ESG solutions. With increasing regulatory focus on climate reporting and sustainability disclosures, the organisation is expanding its senior leadership team to support continued growth.
Role Overview
We are seeking an accomplished Sustainability Assurance Partner / Director to lead and expand the firm's national sustainability assurance offerings from its Melbourne office. This role will be instrumental in shaping market strategy, overseeing technical delivery, and serving as a trusted advisor to senior executives navigating evolving sustainability disclosure requirements-including IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards and related global frameworks.
The successful candidate will drive portfolio growth, provide strong technical leadership, mentor multidisciplinary teams, and uphold the organisation's standards of excellence in sustainability assurance.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and expand the sustainability assurance practice, driving strategic planning, market growth, and quality standards across Australia.
- Oversee and sign off on complex ESG and sustainability assurance engagements, ensuring alignment with global frameworks such as IFRS S1/S2, GRI, SASB, TCFD, and the GHG Protocol.
- Act as a senior advisor to C‑suite and board-level stakeholders on ESG governance, climate‑related disclosures, and sustainability reporting obligations.
- Drive business development initiatives, identifying new client opportunities, leading proposals, and strengthening long‑term commercial relationships.
- Provide technical leadership in sustainability reporting, evidence gathering, data verification, and assurance methodologies.
- Mentor and develop high‑performing teams, building technical capability and fostering an inclusive, collaborative culture.
- Represent the organisation in external forums, industry discussions, and sustainability networks to elevate market presence and thought leadership.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Engineering, Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- 10+ years of experience in sustainability assurance, ESG advisory, audit, or related professional services roles, including substantial senior leadership experience.
- Deep technical understanding of IFRS S1/S2, GRI, SASB, TCFD, Integrated Reporting, and the GHG Protocol.
- Proven experience leading large, complex sustainability assurance engagements and advising executive‑level stakeholders.
- Demonstrated success in driving market growth, building client portfolios, and leading high‑performing teams.
- Exceptional communication, strategic thinking, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑evolving regulatory environment.
Why Should You Apply?
- Lead a nationally significant sustainability assurance function in a rapidly expanding practice area.
- Shape the direction of ESG reporting and assurance for major Australian organisations.
- Collaborate with diverse, multidisciplinary teams across complex and high‑impact engagements.
- Access to continuous learning, innovation pathways, and long‑term career progression within a dynamic organisation.
- Competitive executive‑level compensation and partnership‑track opportunities for the right candidate.
FAQs
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