Manager, Environmental & Social Management System (ESMS) Implementation

Control Risks is partnering with an international data center company who are rapidly scaling digital infrastructure across the Asia Pacific and Middle East.

We are seeking an experienced project management and governance professional to accelerate delivery of our client's E&S enhancement roadmap in Malaysia, including commitments aligned with international E&S standards and financing requirements.

This role will be based in Johor Bahru, and will partner closely with our client's Safety, Sustainability, Risk, Operations, departments, as well as external advisors to translate the E&S enhancement requirements into practical business processes and manage project delivery against agreed milestones.

It is a high-impact execution role focused on bringing structure, coordination, and momentum: managing advisors, driving accountability across functions, tracking progress, and ensuring evidence-based completion.

This is a unique opportunity to help build the governance foundations that enable responsible growth across one of Asia-Pacific's largest digital infrastructure platforms.

Please note: This position will initially be hired as an initial 12-month contract with potential to extend further or convert to permanent employment.

Responsibilities:

ESMS Implementation & Governance

• Drive the implementation roadmap for our client's Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS), ensuring actions, owners, timelines and deliverables are clearly managed.
• Establish governance rhythms, progress tracking and escalation processes to ensure commitments are delivered effectively.

Environmental & Social Action Plan Delivery

• Coordinate delivery of agreed E&S improvement actions, including enhancements to policies, procedures and operational processes across environmental management, labour standards, contractor management, stakeholder engagement and grievance mechanisms.
• Work with local business owners to embed requirements into practical ways of working across projects and operations.
• Support knowledge transfer and continuous capability-building with corporate teams to embed ESMS requirements into day-to-day operations beyond the implementation period.

Cross-functional & Advisor Coordination

• Act as the central coordination point across Sustainability, Risk, Operations, Safety, People, Procurement, and external advisors.
• Manage advisor deliverables, consolidate inputs, resolve dependencies and translate recommendations into clear actions.

Reporting & Evidence Management

• Maintain structured documentation and evidence to demonstrate completion of agreed actions and support external reporting requirements.
• Support assurance-readiness activities by validating evidence, identifying implementation gaps and tracking corrective actions to support continuous improvement.
• Prepare progress updates for working groups, senior management and relevant stakeholders.

Requirements:

• 4+ years experience in environmental and social management systems compliance, program management, advisory or related fields
• Proven ability to manage complex cross-functional programs involving multiple stakeholders
• Strong project governance capability, including action tracking, reporting and delivery management
• Experience working with consultants/advisors and translating recommendations into business implementation
• Familiarity with Environmental & Social Management Systems, IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles or similar frameworks preferred
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills with ability to influence without direct authority
• Excellent written communication skills with ability to create clear governance materials and executive updates
• Experience in infrastructure, construction, energy, real assets or data centres preferred