Head of Responsible Investment / ESG Santander Alternative InvestmentsCountry: Spain
IT STARTS HERE
Santander ) is evolving from a global, high-impact brand into a technology-driven organization, and our people are at the heart of this journey. Together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what's possible.
This is more than a strategic shift. It's a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference.
Our mission is to contribute to help more people and businesses prosper. We embrace a strong risk culture and all our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.
Santander Alternative Investments (SAI) is a growing business that started almost three years ago, with c€3bn in commitments across its core strategies The business is focussed on three areas, infrastructure, private credit and real estate in which our goal is to develop funds where we have a clear competitive advantage to generate alpha for our institutional and UHNWI clients.
THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE
Santander Alternative Investments (SAI) looking for a Head of Responsible Investment / ESG Santander Alternative Investments based out of Madrid
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
SAI currently manages or acts as investment adviser to various private credit, infrastructure, real estate and climate venture capital funds, including those which are investing in equity, senior debt, junior debt/special situations and venture capital. These funds are currently a mix of Article, 6, 8,9 under SFDR.
As part of its future strategy to launch institutional equity and debt products, SAI wishes to enhance its ESG investment approach and reporting framework. The next phase of growth will involve
* New infrastructure and climate VC products (High yield credit and climate venture capital)
* New Real Estate products (equity strategies in the living sector and junior / senior credit strategies)
* Various new strategies in private credit (such as SRTs, trade finance, etc)
Many of these strategies will be targeted to institutional clients. Santander may also coinvest in these funds in order to provide alignment with clients.
As part of its fiduciary goals to deliver out-performance for clients, and coincident with the launch of these new strategies SAI wishes to invest in its ESG capabilities in order to:
* Ensure that the maximisation of investment alpha can be delivered alongside best in class responsible investment and stewardship
* Prospective investments are correctly assessed against the responsible investment goals of the particular and relevant fund. This includes
o screening for any reasons not to proceed with a transaction
o helping shape the due diligence and business plan associated with the investment
o working with the investment teams and target assets/companies to deliver the plan in respect of key ESG initiatives (whether directly with borrowers, management teams of investee assets or in respect of hard assets such as real estate which are owned by funds managed by SAI).
* Ensure that either through direct intervention (such as in equity strategies in real estate or venture equity strategies) companies and assets can benefit from SAI's ownership and improve their ESG approach and performance and progress is measured and articulated to SAI and clients.
* The goals of the business and the funds it manages are aligned with investors commitments
* SAI adheres to the standard and obligations of relevant industry bodies which it has chosen to adopt
Accordingly, SAI is looking to hire a head of responsible investment. Importantly this role involves both engaging meaningfully with investments and measuring and reporting to clients in respect of ESG initiatives and issues.
The Head of Responsible Investment will be intimately involved in all aspects of these and future products including:
* Development and implementation of the ESG related investment framework and reporting policies (including but not limited to; assessment of greenfield issues, assessing the entry case status of an investee business and helping construct and agree the business plan relating to ESG outcomes including power procurement, emissions, water, waste, diversity, governance etc)
* Engage with assets, management teams in venture, tenants, contractors, property managers utility suppliers (real estate), borrowers for credit strategies to deliver against the ESG outcomes targeted as part of the investment. This may include for example, upgrades to corporate governance frameworks, initiatives to reduce energy usage and waste or water, capital expenditure associated with efficiency targets, sustainable use of extract from any greenfield projects etc.
* Ensure SFDR (Art. 8/9) disclosures and EU Taxonomy screening
* Consider which ESG initiatives and frameworks SAI should adopt eg Stewardship Code sub-mission and compliance
* Measure report Scopes 1, 2 & 3 for the strategy and portfolio, where applicable
* Screening / selection of investee targets according to their profile against these frameworks
* Working with investment team to effect change in underlying businesses
* Development of net zero framework for the fund and set climate targets and transitions plans.
* Measuring, monitoring and reporting outcomes
* Production of best-in-class ESG reporting documents to investors including carbon metrics and other metrics associated (lead reporting and data) with consumption of resources, waste production etc
* Presentations to clients
* Organising knowledge sharing and best practices across portfolio companies and within SAI.
* Drive stewardships /engagement with board and co-investors across the portfolio of the strategy
* This role will also work closely with the investment teams during underwriting and management of investments through to exit.
* Participation in preparation for fund raising and engagement with existing and prospective investors.
Professional Experience
* Over 10 years' experience in ESG related field in connection with private assets including infrastructure, real estate assets including equity and debt (preferably with some venture experience) and private credit. (Required)
* Proven experience in fund management, including institutional third-party funds in a regulated asset management environment. (Required
* Detailed understanding of ESG issues and their integration into the investment, monitoring and reporting process (Required)
* Hands-on SFDR/Taxonomy implementation and fund reporting in a regulated AM environment. (Required)
Education
* Degree level in finance, economics, engineering or related (Required)
* Postgraduate/MBA (Preferred)
* CFA (Preferred)
* ESG qualifications (Required)
Languages
* Proficiency in English (Required)
Hard Skills
* Materiality/KPI design and basic avoided-emissions concepts. (Required)
* ESG data systems, controls and assurance readiness; strong project management.(Required)
* Clear communicator with LPs and portfolio leadership; (Required)
WE VALUE YOUR IMPACT
Your contribution matters, and it's recognized. You can expect a fair, competitive reward package that reflects the impact you create and the value you deliver. But we know rewards go beyond numbers.
* We're enable our teams to go beyond through global opportunities and broad career paths.
* Flexibility that works. Enjoy a hybrid working models—some days remote, some days onsite with your team—along with flexible hours.
* Learning for life. Access hundreds of courses on our platforms, including exclusive access to our global learning space: Santander Open Academy )
* Competitive rewards. Receive a highly competitive salary with performance-based bonuses, motivating you to keep growing with us.
* Financial advantages. Benefit from preferential banking terms, special interest rates on loans, life insurance, and more.
* Your health is our priority. Through BeHealthy, our global wellness programme, we promote Holistic wellbeing.
* We know family is everything. That's why we offer childcare support and family-friendly programmes tailored to each life stage.
* Always by your side. Get access to Santander Contigo, our program for employees and their families offering legal, emotional, and administrative advisory services.
* Extra benefits. Gym/WellHub membership, medical centers in some of our facilities, meal subsidy, parking, shuttle service from various points in Madrid, as well as exclusive discounts and offers for Santander employees. And that's only the beginning—we'll tell you more when you join
We're here to keep you motivated, help you reach your goals, and celebrate your progress, every step of the way.
LOCAL COMPLIANCE
Santander is proud of being an organization where there are equal opportunities regardless of age, gender, disability, civil status, race, religion or sexual orientation. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible application process for all candidates.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
If this sounds like a role you are interested in, then please apply.
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR JOURNEY?