Sustainability Director

Sustainability Director

Stoke-on-Trent Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead sustainability initiatives and shape strategies for positive environmental and social impact.
  • Company: Allen & York connects passionate individuals with purpose-driven organisations focused on sustainability.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive package, hybrid working, generous holiday, and a company car or allowance.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in sustainability while working with committed leaders in a flexible environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in senior sustainability roles and knowledge of relevant standards are essential.
  • Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Stoke or Milton Keynes (2-3 days in-office hybrid working)

Excellent package including bonus scheme, company car or allowance, 25 days holiday + BH, and generous pension.

Are you a strategic sustainability leader ready to shape the future of an organisation with strong values and a national footprint? We're seeking a Sustainability Director to spearhead an ambitious ESG and sustainability agenda, driving positive impact across environmental, social, and commercial performance.

About the Role:

Reporting directly to the CEO, you'll lead the sustainability function, embedding sustainable practices across all business operations. You'll shape long-term strategy, influence Board and SLT decisions, ensure compliance with evolving regulations (CSRD, ISO, SBTi), and champion initiatives that drive measurable impact in carbon reduction, social value, stakeholder engagement, and responsible procurement.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop and implement the company's sustainability strategy and ESG policies
  • Drive alignment with international frameworks such as CSRD, TCFD, and GRI
  • Lead stakeholder engagement across internal teams, clients, regulators, and communities
  • Monitor sustainability KPIs and reporting, including risk management and disclosure
  • Champion social value and community impact initiatives
  • Support commercial strategy through sustainability-driven innovation

About You:

  • Significant experience in leading sustainability or ESG strategies at a senior level
  • Strong working knowledge of relevant standards (e.g. ISO 14001, 50001, PAS 2080)
  • Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with the ability to influence at Board level
  • Background in infrastructure, engineering, public services, or similar sectors preferred
  • Degree in sustainability, environmental science, business, or related discipline
  • Professional memberships (e.g. IEMA) are desirable

Why Join?

This is a high-impact leadership role with the opportunity to shape sustainability across major UK operations. You'll work alongside passionate leaders who are committed to responsible growth and innovation, with the flexibility and autonomy to make a lasting difference.

Contact Sean at satkinson@allen-york.com for a confidential chat.

About us:

Allen & York have been matching purposeful people with purpose-led organisations for 30 years. We partner with our clients and candidates on roles that build an understanding of climate change, promote sustainability and create inclusive and responsible organisations, working towards a sustainable world for us all. Committed to inclusiveness in the workplace, we aim to increase diversity across all areas and therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, or whether or not they have a disability. Let's help build a better world, together.

Sustainability Director employer: Allen & York (Professional & Technical) Limited

As a Sustainability Director at our organisation, you will be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to driving meaningful change in sustainability practices across the UK. We offer an excellent package that includes a bonus scheme, generous holiday allowance, and a commitment to employee growth through innovative projects and strategic leadership opportunities. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and empowers you to make a significant impact on environmental and social initiatives while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working model in vibrant locations like Stoke or Milton Keynes.
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Contact Detail:

Allen & York (Professional & Technical) Limited Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Sustainability Director

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the sustainability sector. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with like-minded individuals and potential colleagues. This can help you gain insights into the role and make valuable connections that could lead to opportunities.

✨Tip Number 2

Stay updated on the latest trends and regulations in sustainability and ESG. Familiarise yourself with frameworks like CSRD, TCFD, and GRI, as well as relevant standards such as ISO 14001. This knowledge will not only enhance your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the field during discussions.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership experience and how you've successfully implemented sustainability initiatives in previous roles. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've influenced decision-making at a senior level, as this will be crucial for a position that reports directly to the CEO.

✨Tip Number 4

Research the company’s current sustainability practices and identify areas for improvement. This will allow you to present tailored ideas during interviews, showcasing your proactive approach and understanding of their specific challenges and goals in sustainability.

We think you need these skills to ace Sustainability Director

Strategic Leadership
ESG Strategy Development
Stakeholder Engagement
Regulatory Compliance
Carbon Reduction Initiatives
Social Value Advocacy
Risk Management
Communication Skills
Influencing Skills
Knowledge of ISO Standards (ISO 14001, 50001)
Experience in Infrastructure or Engineering Sectors
Data Analysis and Reporting
Project Management
Community Impact Assessment
Professional Memberships (e.g. IEMA)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in sustainability and ESG strategies. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and knowledge of relevant standards like ISO 14001.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for sustainability and how your values align with the company's mission. Mention your strategic vision for sustainability and how you can drive positive impact.

Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on roles where you've led sustainability initiatives or influenced decision-making at a senior level. Quantify your achievements to show measurable impact.

Showcase Communication Skills: Since exceptional communication is key for this role, provide examples of how you've effectively engaged stakeholders or influenced board-level decisions in your previous positions.

How to prepare for a job interview at Allen & York (Professional & Technical) Limited

✨Understand the Company’s Sustainability Goals

Before the interview, research the company's current sustainability initiatives and goals. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their objectives and how you can contribute to their ESG agenda.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Sustainability Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led sustainability projects or teams in the past, highlighting your ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Standards

Make sure you have a solid understanding of relevant sustainability standards such as ISO 14001 and CSRD. Be ready to discuss how you have applied these standards in previous roles and how they can be integrated into the company’s operations.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in sustainability contexts. Think about potential challenges the company might face and how you would address them, particularly in areas like stakeholder engagement and compliance.

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