Head of Climate

Overview

JOB TITLE: Head of Climate

LOCATION(S): Bristol, Edinburgh or Leeds

SALARY
: £126,523 to £148,850

HOURS: Full time

WORKING PATTERN: Our work style is hybrid, which involves spending at least two days per week, or 40% of our time, at one of our office sites.

We support flexible working –  for more information on flexible working options

About this opportunity:

As the Group’s leading authority on climate related matters, this role defines and drives credible, commercially supportable transition pathways for carbon‑intensive and hard‑to‑abate sectors, supporting the bank to engage effectively with clients, allocate capital responsibly, and navigate complex transition risks. The role requires collaboration, commercial insights and deep understanding of market forces shaping transition strategy (e.g., energy transition). It includes leading all aspects of the design and execution of the Group’s climate mitigation strategy and shaping the adaptation and resilience strategy across all facets of the Group activities.

The role is central to the Group’s engagement with regulators, industry bodies and external partners, helping to develop the evolving climate agenda for the financial services sector. By ensuring the Group’s approach is coherent, credible and aligned to regulatory expectations, the Head of Climate directly influences the institution’s long term resilience, reputation and contribution to the UK transition. Leading a team of climate specialists, the Head of Climate works closely with business units and functions to embed climate considerations into core decision-making and risk frameworks across the enterprise.

Role demands:

• Strategic Leadership: Define and deliver the Group’s climate strategy aligned to commercial priorities, net‑zero commitments and science‑based targets, embedding climate into business strategy, capital allocation and risk management, and representing the Group with credibility across regulatory and industry forums. This requires pragmatic, market-aware insights and industry networks.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Develop and sustain strong relationships with senior partners in the organisation. Serve as a recognised internal expert on climate change. Show clear knowledge of commercial outcomes, risk management, and sustainability ambitions. Communicate effectively with investors, regulators, and civil society regarding climate strategy, performance, and disclosures.
• Team Management: Lead and develop a high performing team of climate strategy, policy and analytics professionals, providing clear strategic direction, focused delivery and strong motivation, while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous learning. Enabling rapid delivery through innovative use of digital tools and AI is a critical skill.
• Project Oversight: Identify, lead and oversee priority climate initiatives across the Group, including transition planning, sector-specific strategies, system approach to environmental sustainability and decarbonisation pathways.
• Governance & Reporting: Lead robust governance and controls over functional activities, ensure compliance with climate reporting frameworks such as TCFD, ISSB, CSRD, and provide clear, regular updates to Board and Executive Committee.

About us: From building a truly sustainable business creating a place where people love to work, we need colleagues who are up for the challenge of our bold ambitions. Who are excited to push boundaries and make change happen. Together, we can grow with purpose.

What we are looking for:

• Min 15 - 20 years in sustainability, climate strategy, or ESG leadership roles within financial services or hard-to-abate industry sectors.
• Very strong commercial acumen, including sector specific insights and knowledge (e.g., energy transition)
• Deep understanding of transition planning, climate change measuring and reporting
• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and delivering enterprise-wide transformation.
• Deep understanding of climate science, policy, and financial implications (e.g., transition and physical risks).
• Experienced in navigating multi-jurisdictional regulatory…