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A sustainability role up close

ESG Manager

ESG managers embed environmental, social and governance criteria firmly in the company. They steer ESG data, meet reporting obligations and advise management on risks and opportunities. It's one of the most in-demand roles in the field — here's what's behind it.

Key takeaways

  • ESG managers make sure ESG criteria are implemented and comply with regulatory requirements.
  • The role combines strategy, data management and reporting at the interface of environment, society and governance.
  • ESG managers are sought across all industries and are typically paid competitively.

What does an ESG manager do?

ESG managers steer a company's sustainability strategy along the three dimensions of environment, social and governance. They identify ESG risks and opportunities, gather the necessary data and ensure the company meets its reporting obligations.

The role is closely tied to ESG regulation: the CSRD, the EU taxonomy and supply-chain due-diligence law set the frame. ESG managers translate these requirements into processes, metrics and concrete measures — and advise management on them.

Typical tasks

  • Develop the ESG strategy and embed it in the company
  • Capture, monitor and report ESG data and metrics
  • Meet reporting obligations (CSRD / ESRS, EU taxonomy)
  • Identify and assess ESG risks and opportunities
  • Advise management on ESG questions
  • Coordinate stakeholder engagement and ratings

What you'll need

Typical is a degree in economics, environmental or sustainability sciences, often paired with an ESG course or certification. Career changers from controlling, audit, law or communications bring valuable prior knowledge. A confident grasp of regulation and data matters.

  • A solid grasp of ESG criteria and regulation (CSRD, EU taxonomy)
  • Confident handling of data, metrics and reporting
  • Analytical, structured working
  • Strong communication with management and stakeholders
  • Accuracy and a feel for audit-ready processes

Outlook

With every expansion of reporting obligations, demand for ESG specialists rises. ESG managers are among the most sought-after and — especially in larger companies and finance — best-paid profiles in sustainability.

Career paths lead into specialised roles (e.g. ESG reporting, climate, sustainable finance), into leading an ESG team or up to Chief Sustainability Officer.

For organizations

Building out your sustainability team?

Then baito is where you'll find people who don't just want sustainability but can deliver it — from ESG analysis and reporting to leadership. Post your role and reach them directly.

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Frequently asked questions

Q1What is an ESG manager?+
ESG managers ensure that ESG criteria (environmental, social, governance) are implemented in the company and comply with legal requirements. They develop the ESG strategy, steer data and metrics, meet reporting obligations and advise management.
Q2What does ESG stand for?+
ESG stands for environmental, social and governance. It refers to the three dimensions used to assess an organization's sustainability in measurable terms — the basis for ratings, investment decisions and reporting obligations such as the CSRD.
Q3What are an ESG manager's tasks?+
Tasks include developing and implementing the ESG strategy, capturing and reporting ESG data, meeting reporting obligations (CSRD, EU taxonomy), assessing ESG risks and opportunities, and advising management plus coordinating stakeholders and ratings.
Q4What do ESG managers earn?+
ESG managers are usually paid well. Depending on experience, industry and company size, salaries often sit between roughly €48,000 and €85,000 gross per year; in senior roles at large companies and in finance, considerably more is possible. You can see current ranges directly in the open positions on baito.

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