Head of Group Sustainability Office (Hybrid)

About the role

Swiss Re is looking for an experienced sustainability leader to head its newly expanded Group Sustainability Office (GSO), a Centre of Competence for sustainability. Reporting to the Group Chief Underwriting Officer, you will set strategic direction, establish common standards and governance, and own the Group's sustainability strategy end-to-end, from ESG underwriting methodologies to internal and external sustainability narratives. The role is hybrid, with an expectation of being in the office at least three days per week.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and shape the Group sustainability strategy, aligning it across business units and turning priorities into measurable business value and stronger client propositions
• Own the sustainability governance framework, including KPIs, targets, performance management and executive reporting
• Refine sustainability-related underwriting methodologies, tools and ESG referral processes with underwriting and risk management stakeholders
• Set common standards, guidelines and best practices, and develop internal and external sustainability narratives
• Engage senior internal and external stakeholders such as the Group Executive Committee, regulators, investors, NGOs and industry bodies, and represent the Group at conferences and industry events
• Coordinate a portfolio of sustainability initiatives, champion innovation in data management and analytics, and build capability through workshops, seminars and publications
• Lead and develop a team of sustainability professionals

Required profile

• 10+ years of experience in sustainability, ESG, risk management or a related field, ideally in financial services, insurance or reinsurance
• Proven experience leading sustainability strategy at group or enterprise level, including governance design, performance management and stakeholder reporting
• Background in sustainability-related underwriting or risk assessment methodologies
• Ability to lead and influence senior stakeholders in a global, matrixed organisation
• Experience representing an organisation at industry events, conferences or regulatory consultations is a plus

Nice to have

• Experience with ESG referral processes, climate risk modelling, scenario analysis or nature-related financial disclosures (e.g. TNFD)
• A background in sustainability, environmental science, business, law or a related field, or an advanced degree or professional certification (e.g. CFA ESG, FSA Credential)
• Additional languages beyond English, especially German or French
• Change management experience and affinity for data, technology and innovation in sustainability

What we offer

• Base salary of CHF 170,000 to 254,000 for a full-time role, depending on profile and scope
• Performance-based variable compensation
• Global and location-specific benefits