Sustainability Lead

Raffles Seychelles, part of the esteemed Raffles Hotels & Resorts, boasts 20 ultra-luxury properties worldwide, some featuring exclusive branded residences. In 2023-24, four new Raffles hotels will be unveiled. The brand, named after Sir Stamford Raffles, exudes elegant British charm while catering to the modern lifestyles of well-travelled guests. With warm, personalized service and iconic Raffles Butlers, we offer an atmosphere of generosity.

Our hotels are not just accommodations; they are art museums, culinary hubs with renowned chefs, and pioneers in next-gen wellness experiences. We prioritize cultural and natural heritage preservation, employing experts within our properties. At Raffles, guests transform into friends and eventually become family. It's a place to celebrate, explore, exchange ideas, and discover a new dimension of luxury that resonates with emotions as gracefully as the Raffles name itself.

The Sustainability Lead is responsible for driving the resort's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives through the development, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of sustainability programs. The role supports the resort's commitment to responsible luxury by integrating sustainable practices into daily operations, guest experiences, conservation initiatives, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.

The Sustainability Lead serves as the property's subject matter expert on sustainability and works collaboratively across all departments to achieve environmental targets, support brand sustainability objectives, maintain certifications, and foster a culture of environmental responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

Sustainability Strategy & Governance

• Support the development and execution of the resort's sustainability strategy and annual action plans.
• Monitor sustainability performance indicators and prepare regular reports for senior leadership.
• Assist in achieving and maintaining sustainability certifications and brand compliance requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve environmental performance while supporting operational efficiency.
• Ensure sustainability initiatives align with corporate ESG objectives and local environmental regulations.

Environmental Management

• Monitor and analyze resource consumption, including energy, water, fuel, and waste streams.
• Develop initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, waste generation, and environmental impacts.
• Support environmental compliance programs and environmental risk assessments.
• Conduct sustainability audits and identify improvement opportunities.
• Maintain accurate environmental records and performance databases.

Conservation & Biodiversity

• Lead biodiversity monitoring and conservation programs across the property.
• Coordinate environmental surveys, data collection, and monitoring activities.
• Support habitat restoration, marine conservation, reef protection, and ecosystem management initiatives where applicable.
• Collaborate with conservation organizations, academic institutions, NGOs, and government agencies.
• Develop conservation reports and recommendations based on scientific findings.

Community Engagement & Social Impact

• Develop and coordinate community outreach and environmental education initiatives.
• Foster partnerships with local schools, NGOs, community groups, and environmental organizations.
• Support local sourcing and community development programs.
• Promote sustainability awareness among guests, colleagues, and stakeholders.

Training & Awareness

• Deliver sustainability training and awareness programs for colleagues.
• Support departmental sustainability champions and green teams.
• Create educational materials, campaigns, and communication initiatives.
• Promote employee engagement in sustainability activities and volunteer programs.

Data Management & Reporting

• Collect, manage, and analyze sustainability-related data.
• Maintain sustainability dashboards and performance tracking systems.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual sustainability reports.
• Present findings and recommendations to leadership teams.
• Support environmental impact assessments and project evaluations.

Guest Experience & Sustainability Communication

• Develop sustainability experiences and educational opportunities for guests.
• Support interpretation programs highlighting local biodiversity, conservation efforts, and environmental initiatives.
• Assist with sustainability content for guest communications, reports, marketing materials, and social media.
• Enhance guest awareness of responsible tourism practices.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Ecology, Conservation Biology, Marine Science, Environmental Management, or a related discipline, from an Internationally recognized institution.

Experience

• Experience in sustainability, conservation, environmental management, ESG, research, or related fields.
• Experience with environmental monitoring, biodiversity assessments, or conservation programs preferred.
• Experience within luxury hospitality, tourism, conservation NGOs, research institutions, or environmental organizations is advantageous.

Knowledge & Skills

Technical Competencies

• Environmental monitoring and assessment methodologies.
• Sustainability reporting and KPI management.
• Biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management principles.
• Environmental impact assessment and risk management.
• Data analysis and interpretation.
• GIS and spatial analysis tools.
• Waste, water, energy, and carbon management practices.

Software & Systems

• Microsoft Excel and Office Suite.
• GIS platforms including ArcGIS and QGIS.
• Environmental and sustainability reporting tools.
• Database management and information systems.

Leadership Competencies

• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Stakeholder engagement and relationship-building capabilities.
• Ability to influence without direct authority.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Passion for conservation and sustainability leadership.

Key Performance Indicators

• Achievement of sustainability objectives and action plans.
• Reduction in energy, water, and waste intensity metrics.
• Compliance with environmental standards and certifications.
• Successful delivery of conservation and community initiatives.
• Employee participation in sustainability programs.
• Sustainability training completion rates.
• Environmental reporting accuracy and timeliness.
• Guest engagement in sustainability experiences.

What Success Looks Like

The Sustainability Lead is recognized as a trusted advisor and catalyst for positive change, helping embed sustainability into every aspect of the resort's operations while creating measurable environmental, social, and business value. Through collaboration, innovation, and scientific rigor, the role contributes to protecting natural ecosystems, enriching local communities, and enhancing the guest experience in line with the principles of responsible luxury.