Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Developing Objectives and Strategies Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
•   Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
•   Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Working Life

Work focus

• Discusses our tasks for the day and project deadlines
• Share our ideas to form plans and strategies for sustainability 
• Project team collaboration
• Create effective strategies for completing projects
• Delivering events and organising roadshows
• Collaborating with team members on client’s projects & client engagement
• Providing workshops to educate client supply chains on sustainability
• Working with the marketing department to design and promote events
• Reviewing insights & creating white papers
• To provide education, Continuous Professional Development (CPD) accreditation, events and networking to clients

Work Tasks 

• Conduct desk-based bench marking and research on clients, industries, and market trends.
• Analyse client documentation and identify improvement opportunities (gap analysis).
• Synthesise research findings into key themes, analyse information to develop conclusions and draft recommendations for client deliverables.
• Prepare client deliverables.
• Support the development of corporate sustainability reports, including outlining, writing, editing, and proofreading content and other client communications.
• Participate in client meetings and workshops and maintain required documentation.
• Assist in general business development research, marketing, and other development tasks.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Monitor and evaluate effectiveness of sustainability programmes.
• Develop or execute strategies to address issues such as energy use, resource conservation, recycling, pollution reduction, waste elimination, transportation, education, and building design.
• Develop, or oversee the development of, sustainability evaluation or monitoring systems.
• Supervise employees or volunteers working on sustainability projects.
• Develop sustainability reports, presentations, or proposals for supplier, employee, academia, media, government, public interest, or other groups.
• Develop, or oversee the development of, marketing or outreach media for sustainability projects or events.
• Identify and evaluate pilot projects or programmes to enhance the sustainability research agenda.
• Create and maintain sustainability program documents, such as schedules and budgets.
• Formulate or implement sustainability campaign or marketing strategies.
• Research environmental sustainability issues, concerns, or stakeholder interests.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

This is a senior role which requires significant knowledge and experience. Many corporate social responsibility & sustainability managers start their careers as sales or customer service staff or human resources and then progress to supervisors and eventually a managerial role. 

The most relevant degree subjects include business, management and marketing. Although a degree can sometimes be required, experience and track record are often more important to the employer.

You can often progress to an even more senior management role over time by building up experience and taking on more responsibilities.

Training can also help you progress and there are both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business and management which can support you in your career.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: business, hospitality, customer service, events promotion, digital marketing, management.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: business management, sales, HR, PR, marketing, digital marketing.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Accounting, Sales, Financial Services, Insurance Services.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: business, finance, accounting, human resources, public relations, CSR, corporate sustainability, marketing management.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: sales, marketing, business, public relations, sustainability, HR, promotions.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

• International Financial Services Skillnet Network 
• Irish Banking & Payments federation 
• Financial Services Union
• The 30% club: Growth Through Diversity 
• Inst for Corporate Responsibility

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €80k

Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, role, and experience.

Data Source(s):
Morgan McKinley / Sigmar / Indeed/ Glassdoor/ WEI

Last Updated: July, 2024

• FSU Financial Services Union (former IBOA)

  • Stephen Street Upper, Dublin 8, D08 DR9P
  • (0)1 4755908
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Banking and Payments Federation Ireland

  • Nassau House, Nassau St. Dublin 2
  • (01) 671 5311
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Davy Wealth Management Irl

  • Davy House 49 Dawson Street Dublin 2 , D02 PY05 Ireland
  • 01-6797788
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Wind Energy Ireland

  • Sycamore House Millennium Park Osberstown Naas Co Kildare W91 D627
  • 045 899341
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here