Responsible Business

The role:

We have an exciting opportunity for someone to join the firm as a Responsible Business & ESG Manager. This is newly created position reporting into the Senior Pro Bono & Responsible Business Manager.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role by working closely with the Pro Bono, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and environmental sustainability teams to develop and enhance the firms ESG strategies. You will lead on the firm's compliance with regulatory frameworks and best practices within the legal sector and will promote a positive image of the firm to our clients, employees and the community.

What will you do:
Sustainability and Impact Report (S&IR): Oversee the utilisation and embedding of the report's content in client-facing interactions and internal communications. Lead the commissioning process for the 2024/25 report, including agreeing on a high-level narrative, commissioning content from across the firm, content development and writing, design, and publication.
United Nations Global Compact (UNGC): Coordinate and own the submission process for the UNGC questionnaire, ensuring timely responses from each team and looking for opportunities to improve the firm's overall rating.
Website and Intranet Content: Oversee the development and management of content related to the firm's ESG and sustainability initiatives.
Individual Office and Team Support: Provide support and responses to queries related to the firm's ESG internal operations, including office discussions and client RFPs.
Policy Development: Contribute to the ongoing review of best practice and policy development related to the firm's purpose-driven approach to business, including areas such as tobacco and defence.
Mission Lock: Oversee the implementation of the mission lock, coordinating with relevant stakeholders.
Charitable Foundation: Manage the foundation including overseeing the current donation process and the development of a matched funding policy.
ESG Credentials: Oversee the process of extending ISO 14001 to international offices, undertaking Ecovadis
CSR Awards: Arrange and run CSR Awards.
Prepare reports on the firm's CSR performance for senior management.
Supplier Due Diligence Process: Oversee the extension of the process to all offices and manage the escalation process for flagged issues.
Modern Slavery Statement: Co-ordinate the annual review of the statement.
Enterprise Risk Management: Lead discussions with relevant stakeholders on environmental disclosures and risk management processes.
Regulatory Oversight and Response: Co-ordinate the firm's response to regulatory requirements, including the UK version of TCFD, and provide training and upskilling for the senior team.
1.5 Charter and ESG Groups: Support the relevant partners with these.
ESG Training Provision: Work with the L&D team to select training providers and the agreement of budget for internal ESG training.
BAC Policy Framework and NRBC: Review the operation of the BAC and the associated policy framework.

What we are looking for:
Strong knowledge and experience of ESG management and sustainability issues
Strong understanding of ESG frameworks and other regulatory requirements
Excellent communication and coordination skills
Ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders
Strong writing and content development skills
Experience with policy development and review
Ability to work with a variety of teams and individuals across the firm
Experience with report writing and publication
Knowledge of ISO standards and other ESG credentials
Ability to work independently and make decisions in line with the firm's goals and values.

Here at Simmons & Simmons:

Simmons & Simmons is a place where dynamic minds thrive. Our culture is built on work that matters, you will work on inspirational and thought-provoking projects, using your influence to create positive impact for our clients, society and the planet. We also ensure that everyone's voice is heard from day one, irrespective of job title, qualification, or background. You'll be encouraged to have an enquiring mind and share ideas that can drive the firm forward. Through innovative learning and development opportunities, you will be provided with a platform to excel, enabling you to exceed your career ambitions and do things you never thought were possible.

Some key information:
We offer a competitive package including bonuses dependant on role/level, private medical insurance and pension contribution.
Our global skills academy provides our people, regardless of their role and location, with excellent learning opportunities (including live workshops, podcasts, short videos and practical learning experiences).
We have adopted a hybrid working approach with a requirement for a minimum of three days in the office with flexibility dependant on role/team/client demands.
We bring together the best legal advice from our established legal teams with non-traditional capabilities via Simmons & Simmons Solutions that enhance, expand and differentiate the Simmons offering.
We are proud to rank as a Stonewall Top Global Employer and a Top 75 Employer for Social Mobility.
We have a range of social and sports committees, summer and winter parties and monthly get togethers.
We have a range of diversity networks to connect people and celebrate our differences which is integral to our inclusive culture.
All UK offices have their own artwork collections - including Damien Hurst and Tracey Emin pieces in the London office. We have a long-standing history in supporting the art community especially up-and-coming artists.
We have recently introduced a Strategic Advisory Council which is a mix of associates and business services who will propose strategic initiatives that align with our firm's mission and support the delivery of our Business Plan, shaping the future of our next-generation law firm.

Equal opportunities:

We are committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion within our firm and to ensuring equal employment opportunities. We believe that this commitment creates a vibrant and rewarding work environment. We are therefore committed to:

Upholding equal opportunities, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity, marital status, or pregnancy, including maternity and paternity. This commitment extends to addressing any instances of perceived or associative discrimination and harassment. We also ensure fair treatment during recruitment and selection processes for those who are serving or have served in the armed forces, along with their families.
Accommodating requests for flexible working arrangements whenever possible. We encourage you to discuss your needs with us if this is something you require.
Making our roles accessible to individuals with diverse abilities. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know so we can meet your needs.
We offer a range of employee networks to support our colleagues. More information about these networks can be found in the D&I Information booklet that candidates are sent when invited to interview.

If you're interested in finding out more about this position, please contact the Recruitment Team . To apply for the role, click on the link at the bottom of the page or visit our career page for more details.

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