Head of Sustainable Business & Finance

Overview

Lead ZSL's sustainable finance strategy, driving nature‑focused partnerships and funding.

Key Responsibilities

• strategic direction
• corporate partnerships
• innovative finance
• biodiversity disclosure
• financial stewardship
• team leadership

Tasks

As a senior leader within the Conservation & Policy Directorate, you will already have an established network of contacts, shaping and delivering ZSL's markets-facing strategy, steward the Sustainable Business & Finance department, and oversee a diverse portfolio of institutional and philanthropic grants. You will grow ZSL's advisory services, expanding income and impact while ensuring all work aligns with ZSL's ethical standards and delivers measurable outcomes for wildlife. Key responsibilities include developing strategic direction, cultivating high-level corporate and financial sector partnerships, scaling innovative finance mechanisms, and strengthening ZSL's leadership role in biodiversity disclosure and standards such as TNFD. You will also support global corporate engagement through programmes including ZSL's SPOTT initiative and ForestIQ partnership. The Head of Sustainable Business & Finance leads ZSL's work to embed nature recovery at the heart of private sector markets. This influential role guides a high-performing team and works across the organisation to unlock over £100 million in finance for nature and engage 500 companies to improve transparency around environmental impacts by 2030. A central focus is forging transformational partnerships with major organisations, ensuring ZSL's scientific expertise shapes how businesses and investors address biodiversity. The role requires strong organisational leadership, with responsibility for mentoring and developing team members across the UK, Africa and Southeast Asia, as well as ensuring financial sustainability through effective budgeting and resource allocation. You will champion an inclusive, collaborative culture grounded in ZSL's values and contribute to the wider strategic leadership of the Directorate.

Requirements

• international travel
• cross-sector
• senior level
• ethical
• science-driven
• conservation

What You Bring

This position involves international travel, cross-sector engagement at senior levels, and a commitment to delivering impactful, ethical and science-driven conservation outcomes.

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Benefits

Salary: Competitive

About Allen & York

-Operates as a private partnership with consistent year-on-year revenue growth through repeat business with blue-chip clients. -Typically works on large-scale assignments, from offshore wind farms to city transportation hubs, offering recruitment solutions from skilled trades to senior technical leaders. -Deep sector focus spans energy (especially renewables), infrastructure development, transport systems, marine engineering, utilities, and water projects. -Known for flexible engagement models, often embedding recruitment teams onsite at client project offices to deliver tailored hires. -Maintains a flat structure with senior consultants personally involved in every placement, ensuring high accountability.

Sector Specialisms