Manager, Advisory Services (Paris)

THE ORGANIZATION

BSR works with its global network of nearly 300 member companies to build a just and sustainable world. From its offices in Asia, Europe, and North and South America, BSR develops sustainable business strategies and solutions through consulting, research, and cross-sector collaboration. We are proud to say that we have a team of some of the most talented and motivated people in the industry working in our offices around the globe with offices in Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, New York, Paris, San Francisco and São Paulo.

Visit www.bsr.org for more information.

POSITION OVERVIEW

BSR is seeking a manager for its growing Advisory Services practice in Paris. This position is full-time and reports to the Director, EMEA Advisory Services. The Paris office leads BSR’s efforts to work with corporate BSR members and non-members in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) to develop sustainable business strategies and solutions. BSR has more than 60 members headquartered in the EMEA region and many other BSR members have significant presence in the region.

The Advisory Services practice works with members and non-members in several industries, including extractives, consumer products, food & agriculture, transportation, pharmaceuticals, ICT and financial services, and delivers a range of services related to human rights, the environment, economic development, and governance, including strategy support, program development, program implementation support, stakeholder and community engagement, and reporting. In addition, in the EMEA region BSR works with governments, bilateral and international donors and international organizations as well as non-governmental organizations, research institutions and other non-corporate sector stakeholders.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Based in BSR’s Paris office, the Manager will play a key role in strengthening and deepening relationships with current BSR members operating in the EMEA region as well as recruit and service new members in one or more of the following industries (food, beverage and agriculture; consumer products; extractives). Further, the Manager will lead efforts to build a robust advisory services portfolio.

The overall objective of the position is to grow BSR’s Advisory Services activities in the EMEA region in support of members’ needs and the BSR mission of creating a just and sustainable world.

• Member Services: The Manager will work with BSR members on an individual and collective basis to ensure that the membership value proposition is met. This requires close cooperation with other BSR departments, industry practices and regions across the world.

• Business Development: The Manager will represent BSR to the corporate sector and other key stakeholders in one or two industries to be determined based on the candidates experiences and skills in close cooperation with relevant BSR global industry leaders and practices. The Manager will assume responsibility for implementation of the global industry strategies in the EMEA region and account relationship management for identified members as well as develop business opportunities with other companies in the priority industries.
• Project Implementation: The Manager will assume responsibility for managing Advisory Services projects with members and non-members as well as set and facilitate critical collaborative initiatives within the priority industries. The Manager should expect to allocate up to 60% of her/his time to project implementation.
• External Representation: The Manager will represent BSR to an external audience by: meeting with key industry stakeholders; attending & presenting at industry conferences; and writing occasional publications.

Dependent on the candidate’s experiences and skills, the Manager could play a key role in reinforcing BSR’s presence in France that remains a priority market for BSR. This position represents a growth opportunity for the right candidate to build and manage an advisory services portfolio within a global Advisory Services practice and as part of a truly global organization with colleagues from across the world. You will work with leading companies from mostly from Europe and the Middle East but also from the North America and Asia.

QUALIFICATIONS

The ability to thrive in an international and informal environment within a still young entrepreneurial organization. You must be able to plan, execute and continuously improve your work independently and/or in close collaboration with colleagues, as appropriate.

The BSR membership is made up by the world’s leading corporations within their industries as well as in respect of sustainability. The candidate must be able to engage with high-level company representative on a platform of experience and with authority as well as being able to speak to the many aspects of the sustainability agenda. As an experienced business development manager, you will be expected to drive, encourage and motivate other colleagues as well as lead your own work. You are expected to have demonstrated excellence in business development and project management within a sustainability context, either from within a corporation or in a consulting position.

SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS

• Masters degree in business administration, environmental management and engineering and/or sustainability/CSR.
• Subject matter expertise in one or more sustainability areas, e.g. human rights, stakeholder engagement, sustainability reporting, environmental management.
• Min. 7 years of relevant professional experience from either a consulting firm and/or industry, e.g. a CSR/sustainability department, corporate affairs or business development.
• Industry expertise in one or more of the following industries--food, beverage and agriculture; consumer products; extractives.
• Good insight into European business and business culture.
• Specific knowledge about and business networks in France represent a particular strength.
• Proven and demonstrable track record of success in working with business in a client/customer facing position.
• Experience managing multiple, disparate projects simultaneously.
• Fluent both in written and conversational French and English; additional Arabic or other European language skills are strongly encouraged.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills for high-level interaction with members and other companies.
• Excellent presentation and facilitation skills.
• Ability to undertake business travel up to 30% time.
• High ethical standards and commitment to BSR core values of Leadership, Respect and Integrity.
• Capacity to work and thrive in a growing, fast-paced entrepreneurial organization with a collaborative environment.

DIVERSITY

BSR is committed to developing an inclusive work environment where diversity of thought, style, culture and skill and is valued in support of individual performance and potential, as well as our business goals and mission. BSR is an EEOC employer.