EMEA Water Strategist

About the Role

ERM is seeking a senior Water Strategy Specialist at Principal Consultant or Director level to lead our commercial growth agenda in water resilience across EMEA. This strategic role is central to positioning ERM as a market orchestrator in emerging water‑related opportunities, including Water‑as‑a‑Service (WaaS), Nature & Water Credits, and finance‑linked water strategies. You will define and drive step‑change commercial campaigns in preparation for FY27, shaping partnerships, value propositions, and integrated solutions that connect clients’ water agendas to climate, nature, and financial markets. This is an opportunity to build a high‑growth capability area for ERM, influence regional strategy, and shape the future of water resilience advisory across EMEA.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Leadership Design and execute a regional commercial campaign to build pipeline and secure strategic accounts ahead of FY27. Develop tailored water propositions for priority sectors such as energy, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and food & beverage, as well as for financial institutions. Coordinate multi‑country pursuit teams to position ERM for large, transformational opportunities.

Strategic Advisory Lead the development of advanced water resilience strategies aligned with CSRD, TNFD, and corporate water stewardship frameworks. Integrate water risk into finance innovation models, supporting blended finance structures, investment decision‑making, and sustainability‑linked financial products. Advise clients on emerging water market mechanisms, regulatory drivers, and innovation pathways.

Partnership Development Identify, evaluate, and consolidate partnerships to support WaaS and Water Credit solutions, including with engineering firms, technology partners, and organizations such as the Water Resilience Accelerator. Shape collaboration models that enable ERM to serve as an orchestrator across the water value chain.

Value Chain Integration Drive cross‑sell opportunities by connecting water resilience strategies to climate mitigation, adaptation, and biodiversity outcomes. Work across upstream, midstream, and downstream actors to build holistic, integrated solutions. Enable clients to embed water strategies into broader sustainability roadmaps.

Thought Leadership Represent ERM at industry events, conferences, and roundtables. Publish insights, perspectives, and position papers to strengthen ERM’s voice in shaping the water resilience agenda in EMEA. Contribute to internal capability building and mentoring within the Water & Nature teams.

Qualifications & Experience

Education Advanced degree in Environmental Science, Water Resources, Sustainability, Finance, or a related field.

Professional Experience 10+ years in sustainability consulting, corporate strategy, or water stewardship roles. Demonstrated success in commercial development, strategic program design, and building cross‑sector partnerships. Strong understanding of financial instruments such as green/blue bonds, blended finance structures, and water‑related investment models. Familiarity with water‑intensive industrial value chains; experience with emerging contaminants (PFAS, APIs) is an advantage.

Skills Exceptional stakeholder engagement, communication, and negotiation capabilities. Ability to translate technical solutions into clear business value propositions for executives and investors. Strong strategic mindset with the ability to navigate complex, multi‑country, multi‑stakeholder contexts.

What We Offer

A pivotal role in shaping ERM’s water resilience strategy and commercial direction across EMEA. The opportunity to lead high‑impact, multi‑sector client engagements at the intersection of water, finance, climate, and nature. A collaborative, international environment with access to ERM’s global network of subject matter experts. Purpose‑driven work with organizations committed to building water‑secure, climate‑resilient futures. Competitive compensation, leadership development, and career progression pathways. In accordance with local legislation, the salary information displayed applies to Italy only. Recommended recruiting salary bands in other locations will differ. Salary range for Italy is: 50k to 67k.

Equal Opportunity Statement

ERM is committed to creating an inclusive workplace