Active ownership specialist

As an Active Ownership Specialist, you will focus on thematic engagements with portfolio companies, as part of the climate and nature active ownership program. You will sit within the Central Active Ownership team, which is in the Total Portfolio Management department.

Your role

PGGM is the fiduciary manager of the second biggest Dutch pension fund, PFZW. Engagement with companies is conducted by investment teams with actively managed portfolios and by PGGM’s Central Active Ownership (CAO) team for the passively managed portfolio. Besides engagement, the CAO team also coordinates and oversees voting at all shareholder meetings of companies held by PGGM.

PFZW has a number of priority themes where it seeks to mitigate negative impact and associated reputation and investment risks. Two of these themes are climate change and nature. PGGM implements an active ownership program that aims to proactively enhance the climate/nature preparedness of investees.

In this role you will gain familiarity with the climate and nature-related issues of the Food sector, help determine which companies are considered high risk, engage them, and, if necessary, implement escalation steps. You will do so under the guidance of Senior Active Ownership Specialists and will support the integration of sustainability into the strategies of PGGM investment teams.

To succeed in this role, you should have a good understanding of sustainability issues in an investment context. A solid foundation in economics and finance is required to analyze sustainability risks in the portfolio and develop a strategy to mitigate them. Strong communication and networking skills are crucial for successful engagement with companies and collaboration with PGGM investment teams and external stakeholders.

Required: experience in company engagement, broad interest in climate change and nature and application in various sectors (ideally, Food).

PGGM Investment Management offers an opportunity to work at one of the frontrunners in the field of ESG and impact investment. PGGM prioritizes investing in its people, assembling teams of talented professionals dedicated to securing the pensions of 2.9 million workers in health care and social well-being. With a modern and flexible organizational structure, PGGM Investments values work-life balance, employee well-being, and personal development as key differentiators in attracting top-tier investment professionals. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits packages, and robust employment terms to support our employees' success and satisfaction.

Below are some of the skills or exprience required for the role:

·      Master's degree in economics, finance, politics, or law is preferred.

·      5-10 years of experience working in the financial industry, preferably in active ownership.

·      Intrinsic motivation and interest to address climate and/or nature-related challenges.

·      Familiarity with relevant frameworks and tools.

·      Communication and presentation skills (preferably in both English and Dutch).

·      Proactive, independent, and adaptable work approach.

·      Team player who enjoys working with a diverse set of professionals.

·      Knowledge of PGGM’s strategy, governance, and culture.

·      Proficiency in data management is considered a plus.

·      Experience in company engagement

A first-class employer in the middle of the country (Zeist – with the intention to move to Utrecht within the foreseeable future) who offers you opportunities to develop yourself, within a world player in financial markets that – however – is about more than just money. A company in a dynamic environment, such as the implementation of the new pension contract but also the additional element of sustainability to the traditional risk and return investment theory. At PGGM you increase your professionalism by working together and sharing knowledge. You are given the freedom and responsibility to combine work and private life for a good life/work balance. An open and honest corporate culture is part of this. Finally, with your knowledge and dedication you can directly contribute to an affordable and sustainable pension for employees in the Healthcare and Welfare sector. In choosing to work for PGGM you are making a choice for society and yourself.

You can count on:

• A modern benefits package consisting of a salary in scale 16 of the Collective Labor Agreement, 8% holiday pay and a 13th month salary.
• A 36-hour working week.
• A good pension scheme as a member of the PFZW pension fund (71% paid by PGGM, 29% by the employee).
• A training budget for internal and external training or education.
• A monthly 45 euro net internet allowance
• A 300 euro net anual fit budget
• 27 vacation days per year.
• A working from home budget to set up a healthy / responsible WFH workplace.
• Discount on CZ's supplementary healthcare insurance packages.

You can read more information about our employment conditions and salary scales in our Collective Labor Agreement, which you can find under 'Employment conditions' on pggm.nl/werken-bij.

Want to know more?

You are most welcome to apply through our webiste, via the blue button.

Applications via mail will not be reviewed, we kindly request you to apply through the website in order to comply with GDPR regulations. Click here to learn more about how we process your personal data.

Please contact Tijmen, recruiter, via tijmen.muller@pggm.nl for more information about the role.