Head of Sustainability

Full-time
- Department: Health Safety and Environment

**Company Description**:
**About your new working environment**

Warakirri Asset Management Pty Ltd is a leading Australian fund manager, and offers specialist investment vehicles and services to retail and wholesale investors with a focus on ethical investment, actively managed funds and agriculture. We are a private company, 100% owned by our directors and employees, and we have a Board of Directors with a majority of independent directors.

Our Agriculture operating entities utilise local expertise to operate our assets and improve the sustainable productivity of its farms by employing and developing great people, investing in technology, farm development strategies, and supporting infrastructure. Our agriculture operating culture prioritises the safety and wellbeing of its employees - inclusive of a positive work-life balance, providing best care to our animals and the environment, and seeking to positively contribute to the communities in which we operate.

**About your new job**

To continue our sustainability journey within Warakirri, **we have created a new position**:Head of Sustainability**. This role will collaborate closely with and report to the Managing Director and will be part of the Senior Leadership team.

You will pioneer the development and implementation of the Warakirri Group's Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Sustainability Framework and Strategy and Initiatives. Utilise your strong communication and project management skills to shape and grow this space in our expanding organisation. Sustainability is a core business value which has supported and directed our investment and operational decision making. You will now lead us to new sustainability levels with the vision of being industry leaders in practice that positively impact the health of our planet.

As the functional lead, you will collaborate with the respective CEO’s and Senior Leadership Team, your key responsibilities will be:

- Lead the development and implementation of ESG and Sustainability Strategy for Warakirri Group and agriculture platforms, aligned with investment trends, climate change, and regenerative farming.
- Lead the research, implementation and compliance with relevant ESG and Sustainability Accreditation Programs
- Oversee Group Climate Change strategies and scenario analysis of potential transitional and physical risks and opportunities for current and future investment strategy
- Assist business units develop strategies to reduce carbon emissions and play role in decarbonised economy
- Foster sustainable practices and awareness across platforms and farms, integrating sustainability into the employee experience and strategic plans.
- Manage external relationships with regulatory bodies, stakeholders, and lead industry/community engagement on sustainability initiatives.
- Develop, oversee, and report on project plans, policies, and progress within Sustainability Strategy for Executive and Board Paper.
- Manage ESG and Sustainability resources, allocate budgets, and provide expertise on modern slavery, governance, and reporting frameworks.

You won't be handling all of this alone; you will have sustainability resources from within our Agriculture entities working with you, who have played a crucial role in establishing our initial sustainability position. Additionally, you'll have access to a team of analysts who provide support from a data perspective.

**Qualifications**:
**About you**
- Demonstrated experience in a similar role.
- A solid understanding of Sustainability and ESG frameworks and strategies, principles, best practices, and emerging trends.
- A practical understanding of requirements for carbon mapping, reporting, and data collation.
- Demonstrated ability to manage projects, budgets, and meet project timelines.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience in the Agricultural, FMCG, Construction or Infrastructure industry is highly preferred.
- Understanding of investment management.
- Preference to be located in Victoria.
- Have strong values in sustainable development & caring for our People & Planet.

**Additional Information**:
**What makes Warakirri unique?**
- Part of a **growing organisation** that works across multiple business platforms.
- We have a workplace that values **inclusion** and where **everyone is welcome and respected**. This results in a caring and supportive team environment.
- We support **Diversity** of ideas and backgrounds through opportunities and development.
- ** Work-life balance** is important to us, and we have several options, including flexible and remote working arrangements.
- There are several **social events** throughout the year, not just for you, but also for your partner and family.
- We will invest in your future with ongoing **Learning and Development** opportunities.
- Our **Employee Assistance Program** includes free confidential counselling sessions fo