The role of the CSO in corporate sustainability strategy

Integrating a commitment to policies that promote environmental and ecological responsibility into corporate management is the goal of a role that has strongly emerged in the professional world: the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) is one of the most promising professional profiles of the future, and below we will analyze why its role will be key in the medium and long term within organizations.

Ensuring that an economic activity has a positive impact on its surrounding environment is the foundation of corporate sustainability. This concept, which has gained strong momentum over the past decade, is already part of the business strategy of many Spanish companies. In fact, a study by consulting firm Grant Thornton shows that more than half of medium-sized Spanish companies plan to invest in sustainability actions throughout 2025.

This is driven by a growing awareness of the importance of integrating social responsibility into corporate strategy, both in terms of external image—towards customers, users, and markets—and internally, towards employees. In this context, specialized roles have emerged to meet the demand for professionals who understand how to incorporate sustainability policies and environmental respect into business strategy.

One of these professionals is the Chief Sustainability Officer, known by the acronym CSO. This article explains what this role involves and how to train for a position of this kind. The first key question is: what is a CSO? What are their functions?

What is a CSO or Chief Sustainability Officer?

This is the professional responsible for integrating sustainability actions and environmental responsibility into the company’s overall strategy. Below are the key points to understand the scope of the Chief Sustainability Officer role:

• Establishes strategic guidelines to ensure business activity is environmentally responsible.
• Coordinates and communicates specific actions across different departments to implement changes aligned with the sustainability strategy.
• Researches and promotes innovation in corporate sustainability.
• Integrates sustainability commitments into the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) plan.
• Oversees ESG criteria—environmental, social, and corporate governance—to ensure compliance with standards and regulations.
• Optimizes resource usage within company facilities and operations.

These are highly specialized profiles that require education and a set of essential soft skills, including:

• Communication skills
• Analytical ability
• Strategic vision
• Team leadership
• Negotiation skills

What types of companies need a CSO?

The Chief Sustainability Officer is a profile typically found in large multinational corporations and companies with complex organizational structures. Considering what a CSO does, those businesses whose activities significantly impact their environment are the ones that most require this role.

Career opportunities for CSOs are commonly found in the following sectors:

• Retail and fashion: This industry is undergoing a sustainability transformation focused on circular economy models, recycling, and responsible consumption.
• Energy and transport: One of the sectors most committed to CSO profiles, driven by the global shift toward renewable energy and clean technologies.
• Financial sector: Focused on responsible investment strategies that generate positive social and economic impact.
• Consulting: Advising organizations on implementing sustainable practices while complying with national and international regulations.
• Public administration: Designing and implementing policies that promote environmental and social sustainability at all levels.

The role of the CSO beyond Corporate Social Responsibility

Chief Sustainability Officers perform cross-functional roles across the entire organization. Given the growing importance of sustainability, their role goes beyond Corporate Social Responsibility and becomes a driver of change within companies. They provide a broader perspective on the environment and contribute critical thinking that can benefit other executives and departments.

Key aspects for those interested in pursuing this career include:

• It is a relatively new profession, meaning there is currently unmet demand and numerous job opportunities.
• Salaries typically range between €50,000 and €100,000 gross per year, depending on experience and company size.
• Strong opportunities for career growth within high-level corporate structures.

Reports such as the LinkedIn Green Skills Report 2023 indicate that job postings related to sustainability in corporations have increased by 33% in recent years. This shows a growing range of opportunities for professionals in this field. At EAE Barcelona, such profiles are addressed in specialized training programs like the Master in Supply Chain Management & Logistics. Interested professionals can request more information about the program from the school’s admissions team.