Extractives Operations
Acre supports extractive industries in their transition towards more sustainable and responsible operations. We help companies recruit experts and leaders in ESG strategy, environmental management, and community relations, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks and industry best practices.
Minerals Processing
The shift towards a low-carbon economy requires responsible materials and minerals processing, and Acre helps organisations secure the right talent to lead this transformation. From circular economy specialists to supply chain transparency experts, we support companies in building teams that drive efficiency, innovation, and sustainability across their refining and processing operations.
Trading and Shipping
Sustainability is becoming a key focus in global commodities trading and shipping. Acre helps businesses recruit ESG-integrated risk managers, carbon market specialists, and responsible sourcing experts to ensure compliance with evolving regulations, enhance supply chain resilience, and embed sustainability into their trading strategies.
Trade Associations
Trade associations and standards bodies play a critical role in shaping and delivering industry practice around sustainability. Acre works with these organisations to source policy advisors, regulatory experts, and sustainability leaders who can drive sector-wide initiatives, influence policymaking, and support members in achieving their social and environmental commitments.
Intergovernmental Organisations
As sustainability and responsible business practices become central to global trade, Acre helps organisations align with OECD guidelines by recruiting experts in due diligence, human rights, and corporate governance. We support businesses, policymakers, and institutions in building teams that uphold international sustainability standards and drive ethical decision-making.
FPIC & Indigenous Rights
Acre supports organisations in upholding Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) and Indigenous rights by sourcing experts in stakeholder engagement, human rights, and responsible resource development. We help businesses align with International Council on Mining & Metals (ICMM) standards, ensuring that Indigenous communities are meaningfully consulted and respected in decision-making processes. By recruiting specialists in ethical land use, social impact, and governance, Acre enables companies to build trust, foster equitable partnerships, and uphold global best practices in sustainability and human rights.
World-Class Talent for the Natural Resources Sector
The natural resources sector is undergoing a fundamental transformation as companies face increasing pressure to operate more sustainably, ethically, and transparently. From extractives and minerals processing to trading, shipping, and global governance, businesses must balance economic demands with environmental and social responsibility.
Acre partners with organisations across the sector to recruit purpose-driven professionals who can lead this transition - embedding ESG strategies, strengthening community relations, and ensuring compliance with international frameworks such as the OECD Guidelines and ICMM Principles.
With expertise in sustainable resource management, Indigenous rights, responsible sourcing, and climate resilience, we help businesses and industry bodies build teams that not only mitigate risk but also create long-term value for society and the planet.
Connect with our Team
Meet the Natural Resources Team
Natural Resources Insights
Natural Resources
ShowcaseIn Conversation with Fiona Solomon
The WIM 100 Initiative, launched by non-profit Women in Mining UK, has been a core focus for the organisation for more than a decade. It aims to highlight the wealth of female talent within the global mining industry, celebrate women's “above and beyond” contributions to the industry, and identify role models for future generations.
As part of this biennial event, Acre is speaking to senior women in sustainability from the mining industry to discuss the challenges they encounter and celebrate the positive impact they are making.
This quarter, we sat down with Fiona Solomon, Chief Executive of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI), to discuss her experiences as a woman in the mining industry and the impactful sustainability work that is being done in the sector.
Fiona has a technical background, with a degree in mechanical engineering and a PhD that explored how to reconceptualise the discipline and its broader impacts on society and the planet. Her research examined the philosophy of engineering and technology, initially focusing on the technical aspects of the mining industry.
How have you seen sustainability change in the industry over your career?
I started my career at CSIRO in Australia, becoming their first Research Fellow in mining and sustainability back in 1997. My research focused on incorporating social and environmental perspectives into scientific and technical decision-making within the industry.
As new mining operations and technologies– whether in mineral processing or exploration– are developed, it’s important to recognise that mined materials provide essential inputs to modern life and are used by everyone, every day. While there is a societal benefit from these materials in use, it is undeniable that the mining industry leaves a large footprint, both positive and negative.
Over the past 30 years of my career, I've witnessed the conversation around sustainability in mining grow, with many dedicated individuals working hard to drive positive change and minimise harmful practices. However, mining is a centuries-old industry with deep-rooted legacy issues, and despite evolving language, we still face the same long-standing challenges, whether social or environmental.
What has been the biggest strategic focus for you around sustainability over the last few years?
At ASI, we've focused on climate, circularity, nature, and human rights as our core sustainability priorities. These priorities extend beyond mining to encompass the entire aluminium value chain. A key part of our role at ASI is to address this broader range of issues and explore areas that companies may not have previously considered.
Our strategic focus now is on preparing for our next standards revision in 2027 and developing the next generation of our standards and assurance system. The landscape for voluntary initiatives like ours is evolving.
In the past, initiatives such as ASI operated in areas where sustainability issues weren’t globally regulated. Some jurisdictions were more proactive on certain issues, while others were not, often not aligning with key regions of mineral extraction. Having a unified international standard that addresses sustainability from a multi-stakeholder perspective is essential. Now, we're seeing a growing push for more regulation, including extraterritorial measures.
What would you say is the most essential skill set in mining sustainability today?
For a long time, sustainability in mining was primarily equated with environmental issues, and that's where the initial investment in skills was focused. Now, there’s growing recognition that a wider range of expertise is needed, including social science, cultural understanding, and diverse perspectives to truly address sustainability challenges.
However, I’m not sure how widely available these skill sets are within the industry, as many companies may not yet fully grasp their importance. Often, diversity is valued more for appearances than for the real benefits it can bring, which can lead to high turnover and retention issues.
For those championing these broader sustainability issues, the work can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, depending on the company. I know of people who have experienced burnout trying to drive change in an industry that can be slow to adapt.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their career?
Generally, I emphasise the importance of recognising your existing strengths while also identifying opportunities for growth, as this journey of development is never truly complete. It’s also crucial to develop practical strategies for navigating the organisational challenges that will inevitably arise, particularly when groups need to come together to make decisions, especially difficult ones.
I encourage people to engage fully. Mining can be a challenging industry for anyone, especially for those in underrepresented groups. However, it’s also an industry where individuals can truly make a difference.
Acre partners with companies to create real change by embedding impactful, purpose-driven people in their teams - from sustainability practitioners to CEOs. Get in touch with us to discuss how we can help.
Natural ResourcesCase StudySupporting the Responsible Jewellery Council
"Very receptive and understanding staff. Professional approach to work. They tailor the job match to your background in the short-to-long term."
Aygun Kazymova
Responsible Jewellery Council
The RJC is a whole-of-supply chain standards initiative for the jewellery supply chain, from mine to retail. It is unique in its participation of organisations at every step in the value chain, each bringing a commitment to a responsible supply chain and implementation of responsible business practices.
Acre were selected to conduct the search for two roles, an Assurance Manager and a Certification Manager. Our mission was to support the organisation through a significant change in structure and delivery, responding to increased pressure and legislation through jewellery supply chains, from mine to retail.
After a careful consultation period, we responded quickly, with focused shortlists, giving an overview of the market with a range of experience.
This resulted in a quick process, and two senior placements, one from responsible sourcing within a retailer exposed to significant high-risk supply chains, the other from a well-known consultancy responsible for the certification and assurance of audit data throughout relevant sectors.
By understanding the organisation thoroughly, we were able to support not just the technical elements of the role, but the important qualities around culture, long-term vision and motivations to reflect the internal changes within the client.
To discuss similar positions, or how we can help you find the right people for your organisation, please contact Dan Bond from our Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability team via dan.bond@acre.com.
Natural Resources Jobs
Head of Supply Chain Integrity
Industrials & Manufacturing
London, Greater London, England
Hybrid
Location is preferably London or New York, however we will consider candidates from other locations, or those willing to relocate.
The World Gold Council is a membership organisation that champions the role gold plays as a strategic asset, shaping the future of a responsible and accessible gold supply chain.
This work plays a critical role in supporting the broader remit of the organization – to champion the role that gold plays as a strategic asset, recognizing that long-term confidence and trust in gold as an asset class has to be underpinned by a responsible and accessible gold supply chain.
The Head of Supply Chain Integrity will lead its work in advancing a responsible, transparent, and accessible gold supply chain. Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer, this pivotal role will shape the organisation’s efforts to strengthen standards across the gold supply chain, from large-scale industrial operations to artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). The successful candidate will collaborate with industry leaders, investors, civil society, and policymakers to drive long-term impact and credibility in global gold markets.
Key responsibilities include
- Leading the development and awareness of responsible mining standards, including the implementation of the WGC’s Consolidated Mining Standards initiative.
- Supporting WGC member companies in meeting responsible sourcing commitments and tracking alignment across the network.
- Driving efforts to formalise responsible ASGM practices while helping to prevent the entry of high-risk sources into the formal gold supply chain.
- Working with refiners, bullion banks, and industry bodies (e.g. LBMA) to improve due diligence and strengthen confidence in responsible sourcing practices.
- Promoting the Gold Bar Integrity (GBI) initiative, helping integrate responsibly produced gold into a trusted and verifiable ecosystem.
The ideal candidate will bring
- Extensive experience in Sustainability, responsible sourcing, or supply chain integrity – ideally within the metals/mining sector, or relevant industries such as electronics or apparel.
- Familiarity with international policy frameworks (e.g. OECD Due Diligence Guidance, UN Guiding Principles) and/or assurance and compliance processes.
- Experience working in developing countries, particularly in mining or manufacturing contexts.
- Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills, with the ability to engage and influence at all levels.
- A collaborative mindset, with the confidence to take initiative and deliver impactful outcomes.
- A commitment to driving positive change and enhancing the integrity of global supply chains.
This is an outstanding opportunity to join the World Gold Council at a time of strategic growth and global relevance. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the future of the gold sector, ensuring it remains responsible, resilient, and aligned with the expectations of investors, consumers, and society. For mission-driven professionals ready to make a meaningful impact, this is a rare and rewarding challenge.
Please apply directly or for more information reach out to Dan Bond at dan.bond@acre.com
Nature & Climate Manager
Natural Resources
London, Greater London, England
Hybrid
Are you looking to apply your expertise in nature-based solutions and carbon project development to drive systemic change in a values-led organisation? Join a long-established, privately owned business with a global reach and deep commitment to sustainability.
Acre is partnering with a highly diversified, international group headquartered in London, supporting a portfolio of operating companies across different industries and geographies. Sustainability is a core strategic priority, with efforts focused on delivering tangible impact across environmental pillars including climate action, biodiversity, and circular resource management.
As Climate & Nature Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in the Group Sustainable Development team—leading the development and monitoring of long-term carbon removal projects and supporting wider environmental programs across the business.
In this role, you will
- Drive the identification, development, and delivery of nature-based carbon offset projects that contribute to long-term carbon removal strategy and provide biodiversity and social impacts.
- Manage carbon project monitoring, tracking and reporting, working closely with specialist contractors and partners to ensure timely and high-quality outcomes.
- Support the design and execution of broader environmental programs, including waste and water neutrality initiatives.
- Collaborate with operating companies and cross-functional teams to align sustainability targets and embed best practice across the group.
- Produce compelling internal papers and presentations to inform senior stakeholders and support decision-making to advance the sustainability agenda.
- Support operating companies to deliver on local sustainability strategies.
- Stay informed of evolving carbon standards, nature-related frameworks, and climate policy to shape the group’s sustainability direction.
Key attributes
- Experience in carbon project development or environmental program management.
- Ability to identify and address risks to ensure project viability.
- Previous experience managing high-integrity carbon projects, including experience working with standards such as Verra and Gold Standard.
- Experience delivering nature-based solutions (e.g., reforestation, regeneration, wetland restoration) with a balance of carbon sequestration goals, biodiversity uplifts, and social impact.
- Ideally Bachelor's/Master’s degree – in a related discipline such as environmental science, sustainability, carbon finance.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to produce concise, persuasive written reports and board papers.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the confidence to work across international teams and with a range of stakeholders, including landowners, corporates, NGOs and regulatory bodies.
- Ability to develop long-term sustainability strategies that align with commercial corporate goals.
- Sustainability subject specialisms: helpful to have management or technical skills in other areas such as decarbonisation, water neutrality, waste and climate risk.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a purpose-driven business with scale, legacy, and ambition to drive sustainable impact. You’ll gain access to a wide platform of environmental programs, senior leadership, and the opportunity to shape projects that support climate resilience and biodiversity restoration on a global scale.
If you’re ready to take the lead on environmental initiatives with the support of an established sustainability team and a forward-looking organisation, we’d love to hear from you. For more information, please get in touch with Julene Aedo at julene.aedo@acre.com
Market Analysis
At Acre, our deep expertise in sustainability sets us apart from other recruitment agencies. Clients and candidates alike trust us for our comprehensive insights into industry trends, talent demands, and emerging challenges. Our in-depth market knowledge allows us to provide strategic guidance and data-driven solutions, helping organisations and professionals navigate the evolving ESG landscape with confidence. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about this dynamic market.
Meet the teamWhat are the key hiring trends in the natural resources sector?
How is ESG shaping hiring strategies in the natural resources sector?
What skills are most in demand for sustainability professionals in natural resources?
Why is specialist recruitment essential for sustainability roles within natural resources companies?
How does Acre support executive search for leadership roles in natural resources?