Hybrid ESG Director bei Nido Living

At Nido, we are on an ambitious journey to become Europe’s leading Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) provider. With our forthcoming headquarters in Madrid, a strong existing portfolio of 12,000 beds across 32 properties in the Iberian Peninsula, and well-advanced expansion plans into key markets such as Germany and Italy, we are building a world-class team to support our growth.

At Nido Living, sustainability isn’t a side initiative—it’s central to who we are and how we grow. That’s why we’re looking for an ESG Director who brings not just expertise, but real conviction. This is more than a job; it’s a unique opportunity to lead our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy at a pivotal moment in our journey. As we expand and navigate a more complex regulatory landscape, the role of ESG in shaping our long-term success has never been more vital. We’re seeking someone who lives and breathes ESG—someone driven by purpose, not just process. For us, ESG is a key driver of value creation, a cornerstone of our strategic vision, and a commitment to leaving a lasting, positive impact on both people and planet. This role comes with the platform, support, and responsibility to make meaningful change happen.

You’ll take ownership of Nido’s ESG strategy—building out our roadmap, embedding it across the business, and ensuring we meet evolving expectations from stakeholders, regulators, and shareholders. From carbon reduction and responsible sourcing to community engagement and governance transparency, you’ll bring both strategic thinking and hands-on delivery to drive meaningful change.

KEY TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES (include but are not limited to)

Strategy and Framework Development

• Develop and execute Nido Living’s ESG strategy in alignment with business objectives, stakeholder expectations, and regulatory requirements—translating ambition into tangible outcomes.
• Collaborate closely with senior leadership to embed ESG considerations into corporate strategy and long-term value creation.
• We are seeking an individual with a proven ability to move beyond conceptual frameworks to deliver strategies that drive measurable, lasting change

Programme Management 

• Lead cross-functional ESG initiatives across areas such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, diversity and inclusion, ethical supply chains, and community engagement.
• Partner with operational, development, HR, and marketing teams to embed ESG practices into everyday business decisions and organisational culture.
• Demonstrated experience delivering impactful ESG programmes—not just launching initiatives, but embedding them sustainably across a business—is essential.

Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure adherence to relevant ESG reporting frameworks, including CSRD, GRI, SASB, and TCFD.
• Oversee the collection, analysis, and reporting of ESG data, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and alignment with both internal objectives and external requirements.
• While reporting and compliance are core responsibilities, we are looking for someone who uses these functions as a foundation for strategic, action-oriented ESG leadership.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as Nido Living’s ESG ambassador—engaging internal teams, investors, partners, and regulators to champion and advance our sustainability agenda.
• Represent the business at industry events, working groups, and forums to stay ahead of trends and contribute to broader ESG thought leadership.

Risk and Governance

• Identify and assess ESG-related risks (environmental, reputational, regulatory) and work with legal, compliance, and risk teams to develop and implement mitigation strategies.
• Support the integration of ESG into the company’s broader governance and risk management frameworks, ensuring resilience and accountability.

Monitoring and Impact

• Develop and manage ESG performance indicators, using data and analytics to track progress, assess impact, and inform continuous improvement.
• Provide regular reporting and insights to senior leadership and the board, making strategic recommendations and adjusting course where necessary.

Requirements

• Minimum 7 years’ experience in ESG, sustainability, or corporate responsibility, ideally within a pan-European or international business.
• A demonstrable track record of implementing ESG initiatives that delivered substantive change, well beyond compliance and reporting obligations.
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders and leading cross-functional ESG programmes with measurable success.
• Industry background in real estate, hospitality, or investment is advantageous.
• In-depth knowledge of ESG frameworks and regulatory developments (CSRD, GRI, SASB, TCFD).
• Strong analytical, strategic, and programme management skills; capable of managing complex and concurrent initiatives.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire a wide range of audiences.
• A genuine passion for ESG—this role requires more than technical expertise; we are seeking a purpose-driven leader committed to making a positive, lasting difference.
• Confidence working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with evolving priorities.

KEY PERSONAL SKILLS & TRAITS

• Genuine Passion for ESG: Demonstrates a deep, authentic commitment to sustainability, social impact, and responsible governance. This is not just a role, but a personal mission to drive meaningful, positive change.
• Strategic Vision with Practical Delivery: Able to balance long-term strategic thinking with a hands-on approach to implementation—turning vision into action and delivering results across a complex business environment.
• Influential Leadership: A natural communicator and trusted advisor who can engage, inspire, and influence stakeholders at all levels—internally and externally.
• Resilience and Adaptability: Comfortable navigating ambiguity, evolving regulations, and shifting business priorities, with the tenacity to keep ESG at the forefront of decision-making.