THE OPPORTUNITY:

As the UK's leading independent media agency, not only are we passionate about creating impactful media strategies, we're also dedicated to making a meaningful difference to society and the environment. Our purpose driven approach is rooted in our core values, and we are on an exciting journey, fostering a workforce which reflects the culturally rich society we live in, building upon our inclusive culture and towards a more sustainable future.

We are therefore seeking a part time ESG / Sustainability Lead, to fulfil a newly created position within our business, to lead our efforts in this area. Reporting into the Board and founding partner of the business, this is an incredible opportunity, for someone who is not only passionate about strategic development of such initiatives, but is also keen to get hands-on with implementation of sustainability.

This role requires an understanding of the key pillars which make up our ESG strategy, namely environmental, social and economic. It will have a clear focus on Environmental and Social Sustainability, with the support of our leadership team, HR and our Sustainability Community (Employee Resource Group).

This is a part time role, ideally 3 days per week, hybrid between home and our central London office.

Role Overview:

As our ESG / Sustainability Lead, you will be at the forefront of integrating sustainable practices and principles into every facet of our operations. This role is not just about leading initiatives, but about inspiring and creating change, educating our team, and embedding these crucial values into our daily practices.

You will have the autonomy to innovate and the support to implement meaningful strategies that not only enhance our workplace, but also our broader community and the work we do for our clients.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Environmental & Social Sustainability:

• Working closely with our Sustainability partners, FuturePlus, to develop a roadmap and execute a targeted Sustainability strategy that address our primary areas of focus:

Internal (Scope 2)

• Evaluating, monitoring and reporting on the environmental impact of our office operations (Scope 2)

• Review our existing practices and current progress to identify improvements and establish the right priorities for Medialab to then develop our existing roadmap that reflects these and implements the plan.

• Identify areas that will make Medialab a more environmentally sustainable business that becomes part of our culture, both within our office environment, how we deal with clients and to monitor and be responsible down our supply chain.

External (Scope 3)

• Establish a framework for monitoring and reporting on the emissions created by the media planning and buying activity we deliver for our clients.

• To help achieve this, through the IPA's (Institute for Practitioners of Advertisers) Climate Charter, embed the media industry's Carbon Calculator into our media planning and buying framework, to report back to clients.

• Lead our response to clients around Medialab's approach to sustainability and provide them with an informed strategy for a more sustainable approach to their media activity.

• Lead the integration of sustainability considerations into our media planning and buying processes, collaborating with suppliers to encourage and adopt eco-friendly practices.

• Identify where Medialab as a business can become more sustainable through our own 'direct' supplier relationships and practices.

Social/Governance

• Refine and enhance our DEI strategy, incorporating best practices and setting measurable goals to ensure inclusivity across recruitment, retention, and development.

• Collaborate with the DEI Lead and HR to embed DEI principles across operations integrate these into our culture.

• Ensure Medialab have a robust framework for ensuring compliance with best practice and our governance responsibilities.

Communication & Measurement:

Measure, report, demonstrate impact and communicate the progress of our Sustainability regularly, leveraging data to inform decision-making, up to Board level.

• Lead with clients and suppliers where required to communicate effectively regarding our sustainability approach and how we can work together to Impact change.

• Work with the HR and Marketing teams to a) internally, develop and share communications around events and activity, create resources, content and workshops demonstrating our leadership and commitment to key stakeholders and employees, and b) to communicate Medialab’s position externally to our client partners and the wider industry.

• Engage with all levels of the organisation to embed sustainability and DEI into our day-to-day activities, ensuring these principles are at the heart of what we do.

• Develop relationships with trade organisations, Media partners, industry bodies and 3rd party specialists to support and inform our activity. Stay abreast of relevant legislation, industry trends and developments to ensure we remain proactive and compliant.

Facilitate and support the development of our Sustainability & DEI Communities, providing them with the resources and platform to thrive and contribute to Medialab’s inclusive and sustainable culture.

Ideal Candidate:

• Solid experience in this area, demonstrating examples of implementation and management of similar projects in previous roles.

• Demonstrated leadership in ESG / sustainability, with a track record of developing and implementing successful programs that encompass environmental, social, DEI, and economic aspects.

• Experience working within a marketing, media or tech industry setting.

A good understanding of the principles and practices of sustainability, including expertise in environmental management, social equity, and economic viability.

• Strategic thinker with analytical capabilities to turn insights into action.

• Exceptional project management and leadership skills, with the ability to translate strategic vision into actionable plans and tangible outcomes.

• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to inspire, engage and collaborate effectively with a diverse range of senior stakeholders up to board level, internal teams, suppliers, and external stakeholders.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM US:

Working at Medialab comes with lots of perks including all the usual things you would expect, such as a competitive salary package, pension, season ticket loans, cycle to work scheme, weekly social events and big summer / end of year parties.

On top of that, we offer extra incentives which make life at Medialab even more rewarding:

• 25 days holiday
• Office closure between Christmas and New Year
• Birthday day off
• Mental Health Awareness Day off
• Holiday buying scheme
• Hybrid working between office and home.
• Flexi-hours
• Work abroad scheme.
• Private Medical Insurance
• Health Cash Plan
• Life Assurance
• Discounted Gym Membership
• Retail discounts
• Quarterly reviews to enhance career progression.
• Continuous professional development and training - CPD Platinum accreditation by the IPA
• Internal mentoring programme
• Membership to Bloom and bespoke mentorship for female talent
• A long weekend/week away at Medialab’s expense for long service
• Charity volunteering days fully paid.
• Free access to Health and Wellbeing Apps.
• Free professional counselling. Access to Mental Health Allies (1 in 15 employees are trained in Mental Health First Aid).
• Enhanced parental leave pay for new parents

WHO WE ARE:

Medialab is the UK’s leading independent media agency, and one of the fastest growing. We’re a media agency that’s made differently. Purpose-led, data-driven, founder-run and proudly independent.

Our independence means we can focus 100% on doing the right thing to secure success for our clients and our brilliant people. We work with a wide variety of clients including SunLife, Standard Life, Laithwaites Wine, EMMA, Save the Children, Mind, Guide Dogs, Alzheimer’s Society, RNLI and Clearscore.

We’re a diverse team of 150 people (and growing), based near Oxford Circus. Our people-first, purpose-driven culture has been key to our success. We commit to creating a more sustainable future through our partnership with FuturePlus, and foster a diverse and inclusive culture, though a number of DEI Communities to drive real change. We offer a supportive environment for working parents, carers, those who are (peri)menopausal and anyone else who needs it, and flexible working opportunities to all, from day one.

Our entrepreneurial spirit means success is rewarded and there are no limits to what you can achieve, which our employees agree with, by supporting our place in Campaign’s ‘Best Places to work’ for 4 years in a row, and we recently won Silver in Campaign’s Agency of the Year Awards.