Why Join Us?

The climate and sustainability approaches of banks are undergoing significant changes. Banks must prepare for a sustainable future where sustainability is a core enabler of the corporate strategy and daily operations to create value for clients. The opportunities surrounding the energy transition, evolving customer needs, increasing regulations from central banks, technological developments are key challenges. We are looking for a dedicated colleague to work with our clients on these sustainability issues. If you’re ambitious, client-focused, and ready to lead change, we want you on our team.

About the Role

We are seeking a Principal Consultant to join our Corporate Sustainability & Climate Change team in The Netherlands, working closely with colleagues across EMEA and global banking clients. This is a strategic role for an ambitious professional who thrives in a fast-paced, client-centric environment and wants to make a tangible impact on our banking clients.

You will advise senior executives, lead complex transformation programs, and help banks embed sustainability into their DNA—e.g. across lending practices, risk management, and product innovation. Your work will influence how financial institutions respond to climate change, nature-related risks, and the energy transition, while meeting regulatory expectations and creating measurable business value.

Key Responsibilities

At ERM, we partner with the world’s leading financial institutions to operationalize sustainability—turning regulatory pressure and societal expectations into opportunities for growth and impact. As a Principal Consultant, you’ll play a pivotal role in helping banks embed climate, nature, and ESG principles into their core business models. Here’s what you’ll do:

Be the catalyst for sustainable transformation in banking: Lead high-impact projects that integrate sustainability into core banking operations—shaping lending practices, risk frameworks, and product innovation.
Advise at the highest level: Serve as a trusted partner to senior executives, guiding strategic decisions that position banks at the forefront of the energy transition and regulatory evolution.
Drive cross-functional change: Orchestrate collaboration across diverse banking functions—risk, corporate & investment banking, sustainability teams—ensuring alignment and measurable business outcomes.
Champion growth and innovation: Identify new opportunities, build enduring client relationships, and contribute to ERM’s thought leadership in sustainability for financial services.
Inspire and develop future leaders: Mentor junior consultants, foster a culture of excellence, and help shape a dynamic, fast-growing EMEA banking sustainability practice.

Required Skills & Experience

Advanced degree, preferably a Master’s degree in a relevant field
6+ years of work experience after graduate school, with a distinctive record of professional achievement and impact
Experience leading project teams and technical knowledge in helping frame, design and execute solutions for challenging sustainability issues of banks
Team-orientation and collaborative approach; you’re a team player
Experience supporting and leading business development activities that lead to successful client engagements
Entrepreneurial mindset: you’re focused on getting things done, you think in whitespaces, spot opportunities before others, and bring the commercial drive
Exceptional sustainability knowledge and expertise with a focus on climate, nature and energy transition, incl. strong understanding of sustainability-related regulatory landscapes across multiple jurisdictions
Deep banking experience, with a focus on business and corporate & investment banking.
Ability to work across multiple functions in a banking environment and communicate effectively with senior stakeholders in banks
Technologically fluent: experience applying data & analytics tooling and leveraging AI solutions is a plus

What We Offer

At ERM, your work will have impact far beyond the project. Here’s what you can expect:

Shape the future of sustainable finance: Design and implement strategies for leading banks that influence entire industries.
A collaborative, high-growth environment: Work with global experts and cutting-edge tools in a team that values innovation and knowledge-sharing.
Impact beyond the project: Help build a new and growing team, leaving your mark on ERM and the financial sector.
Your growth matters too: Competitive compensation, clear career development paths, and opportunities to expand your expertise in one of the most critical areas shaping the future of business.

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ERM is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive, it’s an essential part of what makes ERM a great place to build a career and helps us create better solutions for our clients.

We welcome talent from all backgrounds and provide equal opportunities for every candidate. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or need accommodations during the selection process, we’re here to support you. Our commitment doesn’t stop at hiring. Once you join us, we’ll ensure you have the tools, support, and adjustments needed to succeed and feel a true sense of belonging. Learn more about our Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (DIB) efforts by visiting our website or exploring our 2025 Sustainability Report..

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Principal Consultant – Climate & Sustainability in Banking Sector