Head of Sustainability

My client is looking to employ a Head of Sustainability to drive the company’s expansion into the sustainability sector. This role will focus on business development, aiming to win new work and establish a dedicated sustainability team. The key areas of focus include Circular Economy, Whole Life Carbon Assessments, Sustainability Reporting, and BREEAM Assessments. You will also be required to grow and lead this team, leveraging the team’s resources.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the businesses sustainability strategy.
• Lead business development efforts to identify and secure new business opportunities in the sustainability sector.
• Conduct whole life carbon assessments and sustainability reporting.
• Perform and oversee BREEAM Assessments.
• Promote and integrate Circular Economy principles into client projects.
• Build and manage a team of sustainability consultants, including staff development, training and mentoring.
• Develop and maintain a strong network and standing in the sustainability sector.
• Collaborate with clients to provide tailored sustainability solutions.
• Represent the business at industry events and in professional networks.
• Ensure compliance with relevant environmental regulations and standards.
• Lead environmental inputs across all project life stages, from early strategy development and site identification studies, through feasibility, optioneering/option selection, outline design, to detailed design, discharging of conditions, construction, and scheme operation/maintenance.
• Work winning: Lead business opportunities and associated fee and technical proposal development.
• Direct/lead environmental inputs across a wide range of projects, supporting projects to gain development consent.
• Project management and delivery of consultancy services, including the management of multi-disciplinary teams.
• Direct resources, delegating activities, monitoring, and managing project budgets (with support as applicable).
• Recruitment: you will have the opportunity to recruit staff.
• Thought leadership: preparing thought leadership articles and presenting at key external events to showcase business expertise.
• Work as part of integrated design teams to identify environmental constraints, avoid impacts and develop solutions in accordance with the mitigation hierarchy, as well as delivering benefits where possible.

Requirements

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Sustainability, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in sustainability consulting, with a focus on Circular Economy, Whole-Life Carbon Assessments, and BREEAM.
• Strong network and reputation in the sustainability sector.
• Proven track record in business development and winning new work.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with relevant environmental regulations and standards.
• Experience of directing and managing multidisciplinary environmental inputs to infrastructure development projects.
• Significant experience of delivering energy, carbon and sustainability consultancy and strategic advisory services to a range of private and public sector clients.
• A detailed understanding of relevant consenting and licensing regimes.
• An understanding of the UK, EU, and Ireland specific policy and regulatory framework relating to energy use, carbon emissions from, and sustainability of buildings.
• A detailed knowledge of the measures and systems for reducing carbon emissions within the built environment, including energy demand reduction, renewable energy generation, and low carbon energy supply and demand management options.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing sustainable strategies and initiatives.
• Confidence when engaging with a wide variety of stakeholder groups and clients.
• The ability to work collaboratively as part of an established team, leading inputs from specialist technical teams.
• Excellent verbal and report writing skills, including technical reviewing.
• Project director skills, including programming, staff resource management, and budget management.
• Passion for sustainability and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the sustainability sector.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and business acumen, with the ability to identify and capitalise on market opportunities.
• Willingness to travel.

Desired Skills

• Interest in line management duties and staff mentoring.
• Experience with masterplan schemes and projects with a diverse range of land uses.
• Performance Expectations
• Successfully diversify service offerings into the sustainability sector.
• Achieve key performance targets related to project delivery, client satisfaction, and business development.
• Foster a high-performing team environment and ensure continuous professional development.
• Maintain and enhance the businesses reputation as a leader in sustainability consultancy.
• Benefits and Compensation
• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and pension scheme.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Flexible working arrangements, including home working.
• Supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Challenges and Opportunities
• Leading the diversification of services into a new sector.
• Developing new client relationships and expanding the company’s market presence.
• Staying abreast of evolving sustainability standards and practices.
• Driving innovation in sustainability consultancy services.