The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Lead Resource Strategist (Internal Promotion)
3-5 years as an L4 Lead StrategistSkills to master
- Mastering programme architecture, leading complex cross-functional projects, informal team leadership/mentorship, and developing strong influencing skills with senior stakeholders.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully designed and launched 2-3 significant resource strategy programmes from scratch.
- Consistently received feedback on strong leadership potential and ability to manage ambiguity.
- Demonstrated ability to build compelling business cases that secure significant internal funding.
- Proven track record of mentoring and developing junior team members.
- 2
Senior Sustainability Consultant (External Hire)
8-12 years in a leading sustainability consulting firm, with a focus on corporate strategy.Skills to master
- Deep client management, project delivery across diverse industries, strategic problem-solving for complex environmental challenges, and developing implementation roadmaps.
You're ready to move on when
- Managed multiple large-scale sustainability strategy engagements for corporate clients.
- Proven ability to translate strategic recommendations into actionable implementation plans.
- Strong understanding of corporate operational realities and financial drivers.
- Experience leading project teams and managing client expectations.
- 3
Head of Environmental Affairs (from another large corporate)
10-15 years in a similar industry, leading environmental compliance and strategy.Skills to master
- Advanced regulatory knowledge, operational environmental management, risk assessment, and stakeholder engagement with government bodies.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully navigated complex environmental regulatory landscapes.
- Managed significant environmental risk portfolios and compliance programmes.
- Demonstrated ability to drive environmental performance improvements across operations.
- Experience managing a team and influencing at a senior level within a corporate structure.