CSR Manager / Sustainability Manager: responsibilities, skills and career path

The CSR Manager defines and rolls out an organisation’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy. They measure its impact, set objectives, coordinate action plans and prepare sustainability reporting in collaboration with various stakeholders. Upon graduation, the average junior salary observed at Rennes School of Business is €37,950 gross per year, including bonuses (for graduates based in France).

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MSc Geopolitics and Business

Enables the analysis of economic, regulatory, environmental and geopolitical transformations that influence responsible business strategies.

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Key figures:

€37,950

Average RSB annual gross salary at 0–2 years, including bonuses (France)

Multiple sectors

Where to work?

86%

of surveyed RSB graduates are satisfied or very satisfied with their job

This career is right for you if…

You are interested in climate, social and ethical issues.
You enjoy bringing different departments together to collaborate.
You know how to analyse data and track key performance indicators.
You are a good communicator and skilled at driving change in practices.
You enjoy monitoring regulatory updates and managing projects.

Recommended programme

MSc Geopolitics and Business

Enables the analysis of economic, regulatory, environmental and geopolitical transformations that influence responsible business strategies.

Explore the programme

A typical day: CSR Manager / Sustainability Manager

Your day might start by tracking environmental or social performance indicators and gathering data from operational teams. You then attend a meeting on carbon reduction, sustainable procurement, diversity or sustainability reporting. You might prepare an awareness-raising session, meet a supplier, verify ESG data or present the roadmap’s progress to executive management.

Main duties

Strategy and measurement

You conduct audits, identify priority challenges, set objectives and establish environmental, social and governance (ESG) indicators.

Transformation and reporting

You coordinate action plans, engage teams and partners, track results and contribute to sustainability reports and transparency compliance.

What salary can you expect?

Level	Gross annual salary (based in France)	Source
Junior · 0–2 years	€37,950	Internal RSB data · employment survey
Experienced · 3–5 years	N/A	Internal RSB data unavailable
Senior · 7+ years	Varies by sector, scope and responsibilities	Internal RSB data unavailable

Internal source to be completed: Rennes School of Business employment survey among alumni working in this career field in France. Average annual gross salaries, including bonuses.

What training is required to become a CSR Manager / Sustainability Manager?

The recommended RSB pathway

The MSc Geopolitics and Business is the core specialisation route. It enables the analysis of economic, regulatory, environmental and geopolitical transformations that influence responsible business strategies.

Possible first steps

The Bachelor in Management provides the core fundamentals of business administration and management. It can be completed by the Master in Management (Programme Grande École) or a specialised MSc.

Skills to develop

A Master's-level qualification (Bac +5), internship or work-study experience, fluent English and mastery of industry-specific tools facilitate entry into initial roles.

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Your first steps in the role

You can start as a CSR Officer, ESG Analyst, CSR Consultant or Sustainable Development Project Manager. These initial experiences allow you to master the tools, methodologies and inner workings of the sector.

Gaining autonomy

With experience, you can progress into roles such as CSR Manager, Sustainability Manager or ESG Manager. You take charge of a broader scope, more complex projects and increased coordination responsibilities.

Moving into leadership positions

With several years of experience, you can advance to

CSR Director
Sustainability Director
Head of Impact
Senior ESG Consultant

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FAQs on the CSR Manager / Sustainability Manager role

What are the duties of a CSR Manager?

They conduct audits, define a sustainability strategy, coordinate action plans, track ESG indicators and support the transformation of business operations.

What is the difference between CSR and ESG?

CSR refers to an organisation’s overall corporate responsibility framework. ESG criteria are used specifically to measure and report on its environmental, social and governance performance.

What key skills are required?

Project management, impact analysis, reporting, regulatory compliance, stakeholder engagement, change management and communication.

What training is recommended?

A Master’s degree (Bac +5) in management, sustainable development, responsible finance, geopolitics or strategy is recommended. The MSc Geopolitics and Business provides valuable insights into global transformations.

Interested in a career as a CSR Manager / Sustainability Manager?

Explore the MSc Geopolitics and Business at Rennes School of Business, a programme designed to analyse the economic, regulatory, environmental and geopolitical transformations shaping responsible business strategies.

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