As sustainability becomes a strategic priority across Europe, companies in Croatia are actively hiring ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) professionals to align with EU compliance mandates and investor expectations. From listed companies to startups and public sector organisations, the ESG function is expanding rapidly. The demand for professionals who can manage reporting frameworks, sustainability risks, and stakeholder alignment is leading to significant growth in the ESG Manager Salary in Croatia.

ESG Managers play a central role in driving sustainable business transformation. Their work extends beyond environmental compliance, encompassing ethical governance, social equity, and long-term stakeholder engagement. The ESG Manager Salary in Croatia reflects this strategic importance, especially for professionals with data analysis, regulatory knowledge, and cross-functional communication skills. This article outlines the role of ESG managers, their salary structure, and how skills and sectors influence compensation in Croatia.

What Does an ESG Manager Do?

An ESG Manager develops and leads sustainability programmes aligned with EU legislation and stakeholder expectations. They monitor ESG performance, engage cross-departmental teams, and guide executive decisions on responsible business practices. Common responsibilities include:

1. Developing ESG frameworks and policies

ESG managers design frameworks that address sustainability across operations, supply chains, and governance. These policies guide teams and help meet regulatory and voluntary targets.

2. Overseeing compliance with EU regulations (like CSRD)

ESG professionals ensure company disclosures align with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). Their guidance prevents legal penalties and boosts investor confidence.

3. Coordinating ESG reporting (GRI, SASB, etc.)

ESG Managers collect data, create reports, and align company disclosures with international frameworks, such as GRI, TCFD, and SASB. They help translate complex sustainability data into actionable insights.

4. Managing stakeholder communication

Clear communication with investors, regulators, employees, and communities is vital. ESG Managers prepare statements and reports to maintain transparency and reputation.

5. Collaborating with HR, legal, and finance teams

ESG is cross-functional. These managers collaborate with various departments to integrate ESG practices into hiring, risk management, and investment decision-making processes.

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ESG Manager Salary in Croatia

The ESG Manager Salary in Croatia is influenced by the complexity of ESG mandates, the company’s size, and the regulatory landscape. Professionals who demonstrate strong knowledge of EU reporting directives and experience in carbon accounting, risk assessments, and stakeholder engagement are well-positioned to earn higher compensation. Roles in finance, real estate, and manufacturing often come with broader ESG responsibilities and better pay packages.

Overall, the ESG Manager Salary in Croatia increases with years of experience, specialisation in global ESG standards, and leadership exposure. In sectors where ESG integration is tied to business continuity and investor trust, demand for these roles is growing fast.

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ESG Junior Manager Salary in Croatia

Professionals at the junior level are generally early in their ESG careers, with 1 to 3 years of relevant experience. The ESG junior manager’s salary in Croatia varies depending on the industry, skill set, and level of exposure to reporting tasks. Key responsibilities include:

1. Assisting in ESG reporting and data gathering

Junior ESG professionals support the collection of sustainability metrics across departments. They help track KPIs like carbon emissions, diversity metrics, and supply chain data.

2. Supporting stakeholder engagement activities

They assist in preparing presentations, internal memos, and reports for stakeholder updates, ensuring alignment between sustainability goals and actual performance.

3. Conducting ESG research and benchmarking

Junior managers conduct peer benchmarking and stay updated on ESG legislation. This helps teams align policies with evolving EU requirements.

4. Collaborating with consultants and internal teams

They work alongside external ESG consultants and internal departments to coordinate project timelines and reporting deliverables.

The ESG junior manager salary in Croatia tends to be higher in regulated industries, such as finance, construction, and energy, where ESG compliance is more complex.

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ESG Senior Manager Salary in Croatia

The ESG senior manager salary in Croatia is generally reflective of the strategic weight of the role. Senior ESG managers lead company-wide initiatives and are often responsible for global reporting, sustainability audits, and communicating with the board.

Typical responsibilities include:

1. Leading company-wide ESG strategy

Senior professionals align ESG targets with broader business goals. They help integrate sustainability into procurement, governance, and capital allocation.

2. Overseeing compliance and risk assessments

They supervise risk evaluations, ensuring companies stay compliant with EU regulations and mitigate reputational and financial risks.

3. Managing sustainability teams

Senior ESG Managers lead teams of analysts, coordinators, and junior managers. They review performance, set department goals, and report outcomes to senior leadership.

4. Driving ESG innovation

They explore emerging areas such as green finance, the circular economy, and ESG-linked performance metrics, adding strategic value through a forward-looking approach.

The ESG senior manager’s salary in Croatia reflects their leadership responsibilities, especially in multinational corporations or companies with a strong EU presence.

Also read – What are ESG Certification Courses

ESG Salary by Industry in Croatia

The ESG Manager Salary in Croatia varies across industries. Each sector has different sustainability mandates, regulatory risks, and operational complexities, all of which influence pay structures.

1. Financial Services

ESG professionals in finance help develop green investment strategies, manage climate risk, and ensure alignment with the EU Taxonomy and SFDR. Compensation is often higher due to compliance risk.

2. Real Estate & Construction

This sector requires ESG roles that focus on green building standards, energy efficiency, and safety. ESG Managers play a crucial role in securing green certifications and funding.

3. Manufacturing

ESG roles in manufacturing involve supply chain sustainability, emissions tracking, and material efficiency. Managers here are responsible for high-impact ESG initiatives.

4. Public Sector / NGOs

ESG managers in government and non-profits focus on community impact, regulatory alignment, and long-term sustainability programmes. Pay varies but often includes additional benefits.

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Skills That Influence ESG Salaries

To upscale the ESG Manager Salary in Croatia, professionals need a combination of technical and soft skills. Employers value those who can effectively align ESG initiatives with business strategy and communicate complex metrics.

Key skills that influence pay include:

• EU Sustainability Reporting (CSRD, ESRS)
  Familiarity with EU reporting frameworks is essential. These standards govern how companies disclose environmental and social impacts.
• ESG metrics & data analytics
  Skills in KPI development, sustainability data platforms, and dashboard creation enable accurate monitoring of ESG progress and reporting.
• Stakeholder reporting (TCFD, GRI)
  The ability to align reports with global frameworks builds credibility and investor trust. Fluency in sustainability disclosure is highly valued.
• Corporate governance knowledge
  Understanding board structures, ethics, and risk helps drive ESG adoption at the highest level.
• Circular economy & decarbonisation strategy
  Insight into low-carbon strategies and waste reduction helps align company operations with the EU’s long-term climate goals.

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Conclusion

As the ESG landscape continues to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals is rising steadily. The ESG Manager Salary in Croatia reflects not only regulatory changes but also a broader shift in how businesses define value. From entry-level roles to senior strategy positions, ESG offers a future-ready career for those committed to sustainability and impact.

Digital Regenesys offers a comprehensive ESG Leadership Programme, ideal for those seeking to expand their expertise in ESG and strategy. With a curriculum focused on innovation, leadership, and business acumen, it prepares professionals to excel in ESG-aligned roles. The flexibility of the programme, combined with hands-on learning, makes it a strong choice for career growth.

Start your journey towards becoming an ESG leader with Digital Regenesys today.

ESG Manager Salary in Croatia – FAQs