Manager Corporate Responsibility EMEA

Job Summary

This role is responsible for leading and delivering the following activities across both corporate and hotel/ franchisee level at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (WHR) EMEA:

All Sustainability & Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) activities for EMEA, as set out by the regional ESG strategy document including but not limited to:

• Ownership and growth of the Wyndham Green programme for EMEA including programme updates in line with changes to environmental sustainability requirements in the hospitality sector
• Design and roll out of a target based and data driven Social & Governance strategy for EMEA, using existing structures where appropriate but designing new process and policy where needed
• Act as the ESG expert for the region ensuring that PR messaging is consistent and optimised so that WHR is seen as a proactive ESG industry leader

The role holder has responsibility for developing and delivering the ESG Strategy, Policy, Metrics for WHR EMEA having first obtained the necessary approvals for ESG objectives. They will not only need to provide thought leadership but also have the resilience and independence to present and argue the case for divisional strategic objectives to both the EMEA and Global Committees.

They are required to work with several key internal and external stakeholders across across the EMEA Division, International Divisions and the WHR US Corporate office to assist in goal setting and achieving progress against key WHR objectives.

They will be based in London reporting directly to the Chief People & Operations Officer EMEA and will develop ESG and Sustainability programmes that add value to WHR franchisees, assist WHR with achieving brand objectives and drive revenue for the organisation. 

Successful candidates will need to provide evidence of their right to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) 

The role holder is required to support diverse teams of people driving the inclusion of EMEA ESG Strategy objectives into all departmental objectives. This includes:

1. Develop, deploy and manage the WHR EMEA Division ESG Strategy, Policy and Reporting across 3 main areas and in partnership with key SME / functional leaders e.g. HR, L&D, AD&C, Sourcing, Operations & Legal:

Environmental

• Energy and CO2 management
• Waste and water management
• Biodiversity awareness
• Single-use plastic elimination
• Data, metrics and reporting

Social

• Community engagement
• DE&I initiatives
• Human rights awareness
• WeCom activities
• Data, metrics and reporting

Governance

• EMEA policy awareness
• Supplier code of conduct
• Ethical standards compliance
• Enterprise risk management
• Data metrics and reporting

2. Produce a convincing and regularly reviewed business case for the programme across EMEA and deliver regular reporting that measures progress against objectives.

3. Provide data and analytics, collecting and reviewing ESG data within EMEA, with responsibility for ensuring this is reported into the WHR US Corporate office as required.

4. Develop, report on and drive improvement in an agreed set of key performance indicators relating to ESG and build stakeholder engagement. 

5. Partner with business leaders across the EMEA business to drive programmes to improve ESG performance.

6. Participate in any ESG Steering Committee meetings as the EMEA Subject Matter Expert.

7. Develop and manage all educational resources to support ESG programmes as needed (budget, external support, internal teams, etc.).

Sustainability 

1. Develop, report on and drive improvement in an agreed set of key performance indicators relating to Sustainability and build internal/ external stakeholder engagement.

2. Act as subject matter expert - creating reports, providing content for press releases, communications and presentations for the EMEA leadership as required, relating to Sustainability.

3. Partner with business leaders across the EMEA business to drive programmes to improve Wyndham Green performance.

4. Work with external strategic partners such as the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance as well as others to ensure WHR policies and programmes take into account latest developments.

5. Monitor global regulations, their impact and application on WHR operations within the Division.

Complexity/ Scope

• The role holder needs to work semi-autonomously and make recommendations/ present progress reports to the WHR leadership.
• They will have significant responsibility for representing WHR to a wide base of external stakeholders and industry bodies.
• They will have constant contact with key WHR brand and operations business unit leaders, their support staff, and supplier representatives on an ongoing basis.

Competencies/ Behaviours

• Demonstrates the highest level of integrity and professionalism and is viewed by internal and external stakeholders as credible and trustworthy.
• Builds strong and collaborative relationships/ networks with stakeholders.
• Ability to influence and work confidently with stakeholders at all levels.
• Self-motivated, proactive, accountable and results-focused and can be relied to work on their own initiative.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and a high level of presentation skills.
• Strong and proven organisational skills with ability to handle multiple projects and complex data in a fast paced and dynamic environment.

Knowledge/ Skills

• Educated to degree level or relevant certifications (e.g., GRI Certified Sustainability Professional), and experience in specific industry ESG issues.
• Significant ESG experience from a large blue chip/ corporate.
• Advanced project management skills, working with internal and external stakeholders.
• Advanced Microsoft understanding (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, PowerBI).

Organisational Relationships

• The role reports into the Chief People & Operations Officer EMEA.
• The role has no direct reports however will work with team members within the EMEA functional teams and on occasion with the global Corporate Responsibility teams.