Consulting Associate / Consulting Senior Associate, M&A

Job Summary

ERM is seeking a motivated Environmental & Social Consultant to join our team in Shanghai or Beijing. The successful candidate will support the delivery of projects by owning multiple workstreams and building effective working relationships across teams.

This role focuses on delivering EHS/ESG/E&S due diligence for M&A transactions, including acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and project finance, with exposure to frameworks such as the Equator Principles and IFC Performance Standards.

Why This Role Matters: Shaping Sustainable Investment Decisions in Asia Pacific

As ESG and decarbonization reshape value creation, this role plays a key part in supporting China outbound investment, Fortune 500 companies, private equity firms, and investment banks through complex transactions.

You will help translate environmental and social risks into actionable insights, combining technical expertise with critical thinking to support high-stakes decision-making.

What You Will Impact

You will deliver high-quality work that supports impactful client decisions, while contributing fresh perspectives and problem-solving approaches to strengthen our services.

Roles & Responsibilities

Perform ESG and EHS due diligence for M&A transactions, including acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, capital raising, and project finance

Conduct Environmental & Social (E&S) due diligence aligned with international standards

Execute Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ASTM 1527) and EHS due diligence

Conduct desktop reviews and on-site assessments, including:

Site inspections and observations

Stakeholder interviews

Document review and analysis

Identify environmental, social, and reputational risks and translate findings into clear, structured reports

Perform EHS compliance audits, management system reviews, and regulatory assessments

Support EHS permitting and technical advisory work

Assess environmental liabilities, including soil and groundwater risks

Support proposal preparation and budget estimation

Manage project tasks, ensuring quality, timeliness, and health & safety standards

Communicate effectively in English; additional language skills are a plus

Be willing to travel domestically and internationally, often under tight timelines

Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Social Science, or a related field

1–4 years of experience in environmental consulting or relevant areas (e.g., due diligence, compliance, regulatory review). Fresh graduates with relevant internships are welcomed to apply

Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Ability to work independently and adapt to a fast-paced, deal-driven environment

Strong written and verbal communication skills in English

Solid analytical and logical thinking skills, with the ability to structure complex issues clearly

Curiosity and confidence to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and think beyond standard approaches

Interest in leveraging digital tools (including AI) to improve efficiency and insight generation

Interest in ESG, sustainable finance, and environmental risk management

High level of initiative, adaptability, and willingness to learn

Second foreign language skills will be a plus (e.g. Spanish)

APAC Ready to Lead the Way

At ERM, your work creates impact that matters, helping global organizations tackle the most pressing sustainability challenges while shaping a better future for communities and the environment. Our vision is to empower you to grow, lead, and innovate alongside world-class clients on transformative projects. We prioritize wellbeing, continuous learning, and an inclusive culture where collaboration, expertise, and purpose drive meaningful impact. At ERM, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and innovation thrives. If you’re ready to make sustainability your mission and build a career that creates lasting change, your journey starts here

You can apply for this role through Careers or through the internal careers portal if you are a current employee.

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Candidates may be invited to complete an online assessment as part of our recruitment process. All personal information will be handled confidentially and in compliance with data protection laws.