Director, Sustainable Investment

Description

We are the Kaitiaki / Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation. We are proud of our Te Whāinga / Our purpose : Sustainable investment delivering strong returns for all New Zealanders. We invest government contributions to the NZ Super Fund, a global investment fund helping to ensure the country can pay for the growing cost of universal superannuation (New Zealand Superannuation) in the future. We also oversee the Elevate Fund, which invests in small, fast‑growing New Zealand companies.

At the Guardians there’s an energy, passion and a shared commitment to excellence : in 2024 the NZ Super Fund was named the world’s best‑performing sovereign wealth fund. The work is complex, innovative and intellectually stimulating. Sustainable finance, including a commitment to being net zero by 2050, is core to our Mātāpono / way of working. The Sustainable Investment team sits within the broader investment team, with the Head of Sustainable Investment reporting to a co‑CIO.

About the Role

This is a key leadership role within our Sustainable Investment team, reporting to the Head of Sustainable Investment, responsible for executing our sustainable investment framework and supporting our strategic direction. As Director, you will lead, coach, and develop a high‑performing team, ensuring the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations across our investment activities. You will play a central role in embedding sustainable investment practices, supporting capability building, delivering research and representing the organisation with both internal and external stakeholders.

You’ll oversee the development and implementation of ESG best practices, support our Climate Change Investment Strategy, and work with other investment teams to ensure SI integration into broader investment processes. Your leadership will be instrumental in guiding the team’s work allocation, mentoring direct reports, and ensuring alignment with our strategic objectives.

What We’re Looking For

• Demonstrated people management and leadership experience, with a collaborative and constructive approach.
• Deep expertise in sustainable investment, ESG research, and corporate sustainability concepts, issues, and performance measures.
• Significant knowledge of the financial services sector, ideally with experience in funds or investment management.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Strong commercial judgement, technical and analytical skills, and the ability to balance financial and ESG goals.

You will thrive in a dynamic environment, operating both autonomously and collaboratively, and will be passionate about delivering strong, sustainable returns for all New Zealanders.

What we offer

How to apply

We encourage and welcome applications from people with diverse experience, including applicants interested in discussing flexible work options and those with specific disability needs. As a proudly committed equal opportunity employer, we challenge discrimination and actively work to eliminate bias in our hiring practices. Diversity of experience and diversity of background help us to solve complex problems and deliver on our purpose.

We recognise the importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and invest in partnership with a range of Iwi / Māori organisations. We warmly welcome and value Mana Whenua who wish to work with us. We are committed to understanding Te Ao Māori and integrating it into our workplace culture, for the benefit of all future generations in Aotearoa.

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