Sustainability Manager - Career Guide

As the name suggests, the responsibilities of a sustainability manager are closely tied to corporate social responsibility (CSR). Their main tasks include:

• Designing and implementing the company’s CSR strategy in collaboration with key stakeholders (managers, directors, etc.)
• Managing CSR projects aimed at achieving ethical and sustainable goals, including planning, team coordination, budget control, and performance monitoring
• Raising awareness and educating employees and partners about the company’s sustainability and ethical challenges
• Identifying the organization’s CSR issues and assessing its environmental impact
• Regularly analysing the outcomes of CSR strategies and evaluating the performance of implemented actions
• Writing CSR reports to be shared internally and externally to ensure transparent communication
• Keeping up to date with relevant regulations and legislation related to CSR

The sustainability manager typically works within a company and collaborates closely with senior management and the HR department. Together, they discuss strategies related to employee well-being, workplace safety, and overall quality of work life (QWL).

This professional also works with the marketing and communications teams to promote the company’s CSR strategy both internally and externally—to clients, prospects, and business partners. While much of the sustainability manager’s work takes place in an office setting, regular on-site visits are common. These include meeting with employees, leading workshops, and coordinating the implementation of CSR initiatives.

After completing a bachelor’s degree, it is possible to pursue a three- to five-year program to become a CSR Manager.

• Three-year degree

Students can enrol in a university, business school, or engineering school. Several specialised CSR degrees are available, as well as professional bachelor’s degrees, such as the Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources & CSR from ISC Paris.

• Five-year degree

Recruiters often favour candidates with a five-year degree. Many students therefore choose to continue their studies with a master’s degree, which allows them to specialise further in sustainable development issues, as well as economic, social and environmental responsibilities.

Among the most sought-after programmes are master’s degrees in environmental management and specialised Master of Science (MSc) degrees. The latter offer graduates dual skills and are recognised in France and internationally, such as the MSc in Human Resources Management and Organisational Transformation.

After a few years of experience in the field, it is possible to move into the role of CSR Consultant. CSR Consultants use their expertise to assist companies that need support with their ecological and sustainable transition. They may work as employees, independent experts or collaborators within a specialist firm.

The HSE Director is responsible for quality, health, safety and the environment within a company. They often lead a team of CSR specialists and coordinate with other departments (HR, Marketing, Product Development, etc.) to optimize and manage the organization’s QHSE policy.

In large organizations with a CSR department, this professional is at the head of the team. They are responsible for defining the company’s environmental and social policy, while respecting its economic objectives.

After several years of experience, some CSR managers choose to open their own sustainable development consulting firm. These experts then run their own companies with a client portfolio, partners, collaborators and employees.

Thanks to their expertise in the field of corporate environmental and social responsibility, CSR experts can choose to pursue a career within a non-governmental organization. Their management expertise enables them to attain senior positions in this type of organization.