Location
London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Competitive, commensurate with experience

About the Role
Luminous is a strategic advisory and communications agency based in London, working with clients globally. Our Sustainability & Impact (S&I) team has evolved from award-winning reporting to a broad range of services including materiality assessments, strategy development, implementation, and internal engagement. As an established team of four with a growing client pipeline, we expect to double revenue in the coming years. To support this growth, we are seeking a strategic senior hire for the role of Sustainability & Impact Principal.

As Sustainability & Impact Principal, you will be a key member of our strategy team, working closely with the Director of Sustainability & Impact to shape and deliver impactful sustainability projects and client relationships. You will lead the development and execution of our S&I offer, including materiality assessments, sustainability strategies, high-quality reporting, and internal transformation projects. This client-facing, hands-on role requires deep technical expertise in ESG reporting, issue management, materiality, and transition planning. You will combine strategic thinking with attention to detail and the ability to communicate and influence effectively at all organisational levels.

Key Responsibilities
Consultancy and Subject Matter Expertise
- Lead complex and strategic sustainability projects, guiding client conversations and building trust
- Advise clients on alignment with leading sustainability and ESG frameworks such as GRI, ISSB, SASB, TCFD, CSRD
- Develop sustainability reports, transition plans, materiality assessments, and ESG strategies
- Deliver internal transformation projects embedding sustainability into business operations and culture
- Monitor emerging sustainability trends and provide strategic insights on climate change, regulation, and stakeholder expectations

Team Development and Practice Growth
- Collaborate with the Director to shape the strategic direction and growth of the S&I practice
- Mentor and support team members to ensure delivery against project scope, budget, and timelines
- Share knowledge and best practices across the wider business

New Business and Marketing
- Lead client pitches and presentations to secure new business
- Contribute to thought leadership through blogs, podcasts, and research
- Identify opportunities to cross-sell Luminous’ broader services and build integrated client relationships

Experience
- 8-10 years in sustainability, with recent senior-level experience or readiness to step into a senior role
- Team or programme management experience
- In-depth knowledge of industry standards and frameworks including CSRD, GRI Standards, ISSB, TCFD, UNGC, and UN SDGs
- Proven experience delivering materiality assessments, sustainability strategies, and transition plans
- Proactive in meeting targets and tracking budgets against project progress

About You
- Passionate about sustainability and delivering high-quality work with excellent customer service
- Positive, friendly, and a team player who motivates and inspires colleagues
- Can-do attitude with strong multitasking and organisational skills
- Able to work autonomously and collaboratively with great attention to detail
- Attentive and committed to client needs, flexible in approach, and solution-oriented

Qualifications
- Relevant qualifications in sustainability or related fields are desirable but not explicitly stated