Arriva is one of Europe's leading passenger transport providers, operating across 11 countries and connecting people and communities through safe, reliable and sustainable transport solutions. As ESG regulations and stakeholder expectations continue to evolve, we're looking for a Head of ESG Compliance & Reporting to help shape our approach to sustainability governance, reporting and regulatory compliance across the Group.
This is a strategic leadership role offering the opportunity to influence how sustainability is governed, reported and embedded across an international organisation. You'll work closely with senior leaders, investors, auditors and regulators to ensure Arriva maintains robust reporting standards and remains ahead of an increasingly complex ESG landscape.
The Role
As Head of ESG Compliance & Reporting, you'll act as Arriva's subject matter expert on ESG regulation, disclosure and reporting requirements. You'll lead the development and implementation of our ESG compliance framework, ensuring robust governance, effective controls and high-quality reporting processes are in place across the business.
Working across multiple countries and business functions, you'll provide expert guidance on evolving regulatory requirements while helping to strengthen Arriva's sustainability reporting capability and assurance readiness.
This role operates on a hybrid basis, with a minimum of three days per week in either our Sunderland (Doxford) or London (Lacon House) office and flexibility to work remotely for the remainder of the week.
What You'll Be Doing
ESG Compliance & Regulatory Leadership
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Monitor and interpret emerging ESG regulations and reporting requirements across Europe and key markets.
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Act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders on the implications of evolving ESG legislation, standards and investor expectations.
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Lead the development and maintenance of Arriva's ESG Compliance Register.
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Conduct regulatory gap assessments and identify actions required to maintain compliance.
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Represent Arriva in industry forums and external stakeholder discussions relating to ESG reporting and regulation.
ESG Governance & Assurance
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Establish and oversee ESG reporting governance, policies, controls and assurance frameworks across the Group.
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Define reporting standards and processes that support consistency, accuracy and regulatory compliance.
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Provide oversight and challenge to ESG reporting activities across business units.
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Drive continuous improvement in ESG data management, reporting processes and governance arrangements.
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Lead engagement with auditors, assurance providers and key stakeholders regarding ESG controls and disclosures.
ESG Disclosure & External Reporting
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Lead the delivery of Arriva's sustainability reporting obligations, including CSRD disclosures and sustainability content within the Annual Report and Accounts.
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Oversee the preparation, review and quality assurance of ESG disclosures and external reporting.
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Ensure reporting aligns with regulatory requirements, recognised frameworks and stakeholder expectations.
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Coordinate responses to ESG-related requests from investors, lenders, ratings agencies and other external stakeholders.
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Support the development of transparent, credible and consistent sustainability communications.
What We're Looking For
We're seeking an experienced ESG, sustainability or corporate reporting professional with strong regulatory expertise and the ability to influence across a complex international organisation.
You'll bring:
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Deep knowledge of ESG reporting frameworks and regulations, including CSRD, ESRS, EU Taxonomy, CSDDD and TCFD.
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Strong understanding of governance, risk management, internal controls and assurance processes.
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Experience leading ESG reporting, compliance or sustainability governance programmes within a large organisation.
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A track record of implementing sustainability reporting requirements and driving compliance across multiple stakeholders and functions.
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Experience working with auditors and assurance providers.
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Excellent written communication skills, including experience preparing Board-level papers and externally published disclosures.
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Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
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The ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements and translate them into practical business actions.
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Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the confidence to advise and challenge senior leaders constructively.
Why Join Arriva?
This is a unique opportunity to shape the ESG reporting and governance agenda of a major European transport operator. You'll play a pivotal role in ensuring Arriva meets evolving regulatory requirements while strengthening transparency, accountability and sustainability performance across the Group.
At Arriva, we're committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences and believe that different perspectives help us build a stronger business.
The closing date for applications is Sunday 26 July 2026. Arriva Group reserves the right to close this vacancy early.
