Principal Consultant – ESG & EDD Climate17 are working with a growing consultancy and are seeking an experienced Principal Consultant to lead and deliver high-qualityPrincipal Consultant – ESG & EDD Climate17 are working with a growing consultancy and are seeking an experienced Principal Consultant to lead and deliver high-quality strategic and technical ESG advisory services. This is a senior role with responsibility for project delivery, client leadership, business development, and mentoring consultants, while helping shape the direction and growth of the ESG practice. Key responsibilities Project leadership & delivery Lead and manage complex, large-scale ESG projects, ensuring delivery on time, within scope and to a high standard.Oversee project planning and scoping, including defining objectives, resources, timelines and budgets.Manage multi-disciplinary project teams and coordinate resources effectively.Contribute to the delivery of international projects across a range of sectors, including work supporting project finance and lending requirements.Maintain strong commercial discipline to ensure projects deliver against agreed business objectives.Act as a key point of contact for clients, managing senior stakeholder relationships and expectations. Technical advisory & ESG expertise Provide high-quality, pragmatic ESG advice and technical solutions.Support clients in developing ESG reports, management systems, disclosures, strategies and other ESG deliverables.Align ESG considerations with client business objectives and industry best practice.Stay informed on emerging ESG trends, frameworks and regulatory developments. Data analysis & research Set clear research objectives and requirements for project teams.Review and interpret complex data, metrics and trends to provide actionable insights and recommendations. Reporting & presentations Lead and contribute to the preparation of high-quality technical reports and client deliverables.Review work to ensure accuracy, clarity, consistency and adherence to quality standards.Prepare and deliver client presentations that clearly communicate findings, insights and recommendations. Business development Identify and pursue new business opportunities and support growth initiatives.Contribute to proposal development, tenders and pitch presentations.Build and maintain strong client relationships.Support the development of service line plans and wider growth strategies. Stakeholder engagement Develop and implement stakeholder engagement strategies.Support effective management of senior internal and external stakeholders. Team leadership & mentoring Provide guidance, mentorship and technical leadership to junior consultants.Support team development and foster a collaborative, high-performing culture.Line management responsibilities where applicable. Strategy & innovation Provide strategic guidance to clients on ESG strategy development and implementation.Support internal strategy by connecting project delivery to broader organisational goals.Drive innovation through the development of new tools, methodologies and approaches. Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Geography, Economics or a related discipline.7 years’ experience in ESG, sustainability or related fields, including consulting and/or in-house experience.Strong knowledge of ESG frameworks, reporting standards and methodologies.Proven experience leading and delivering complex programmes and projects.Demonstrated ability to engage, influence and advise senior stakeholders.Strong commercial awareness and business development experience.Excellent analytical, problem-solving and strategic thinking skills.Proven leadership experience, including managing teams and mentoring junior staff.Ability to work collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams and with clients.