Associate Manager / Manager - Climate Change & Sustainability Services (CCaSS)

About the Role

Join EY's Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) team based in Riyadh, where you will play a crucial role in expanding our sustainability practice, particularly focusing on Energy and Industrials sectors. This position is ideal for a commercially oriented sustainability expert who combines technical expertise with strategic consulting, excellent communication, and entrepreneurial zeal to foster client relationships and generate new business opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Utilize structured problem-solving techniques to identify client challenges, formulate hypotheses, analyze data, and craft effective, value-driven solutions.
• Oversee workstreams across various client projects ensuring timely delivery, superior quality, and smooth coordination with senior team members.
• Establish and nurture trusted relationships with client stakeholders, contributing to executive-level discussions within Energy and Industrials domains.
• Develop compelling presentations, proposals, reports, executive summaries, and other client-facing documents.
• Identify business development prospects by proposing innovative ideas, understanding client needs, and facilitating successful project conversions.
• Participate in proposals, pitches, account planning, market research, thought leadership, and go-to-market strategies.
• Advise on a wide range of sustainability themes including climate strategy, ESG, decarbonisation, circular economy, waste management, water stewardship, sustainable supply chains, and sustainability reporting.
• Engage in climate risk and disclosure projects, especially related to IFRS S1 and S2 standards where applicable.
• Contribute to developing EY’s sustainability methodologies, tools, know-how, and external propositions.
• Foster a high-performing team environment through coaching, knowledge exchange, collaboration, and promoting a positive team culture.

Desired Skills and Attributes

• Strong strategic consulting capabilities with structured thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including proficiency in preparing polished presentations and slides.
• Commercial savvy with a business development mindset capable of initiating dialogue, developing concepts, and driving opportunity conversion.
• Confident stakeholder engagement with the ability to communicate complex topics clearly and build long-term relationships.
• Comprehensive sustainability expertise across Energy and Industrials sectors, linking technical issues with business priorities.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, accountability, and drive to contribute to business growth and team success.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and deliver top-notch work in dynamic and collaborative settings.
• Strong analytical, quantitative, research, and report-writing prowess.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as engineering, environmental science, sustainability, economics, business, or public policy; advanced degrees (MSc, MBA) are advantageous.
• At least 5 years of pertinent professional experience within sustainability, climate change, ESG, strategy, consulting, or similar domains.
• Proven expertise across various sustainability topics within the Energy and Industrials industries.
• Experience creating client deliverables, presentations, proposals, and executive communications.
• Demonstrated involvement in business development, client relationship management, or converting opportunities to engagements.
• Based in Riyadh or willing and able to relocate there.

Preferred Additional Qualifications

• Experience operating in the GCC region with a strong grasp of local sustainability and commercial dynamics.
• Practical knowledge of circular economy principles, circularity, and waste management.
• Expertise in water-related issues including strategy, stewardship, efficiency, or risk assessment.
• Familiarity with IFRS S1 and S2, climate risk evaluation, and related disclosure requirements.
• Background in a top-tier consulting or professional services environment.
• Relevant certifications or further education in sustainability, climate change, ESG, risk management, or related fields.

Why Join Us

• Long-term career prospects within a globally connected professional services firm.
• Ongoing professional development to enhance your skills and prepare for future challenges.
• Opportunity to address complex sustainability challenges for prominent clients, mainly in Energy and Industrials.
• Supportive coaching, collaborative culture, and a chance to contribute to the growth of the CCaSS practice.
• A diverse and inclusive environment valuing diverse viewpoints and empowering employees.