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- Tasks: Lead sustainability initiatives and shape long-term strategies for positive environmental impact.
- Company: Allen & York connects passionate individuals with purpose-driven organisations focused on sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, a competitive package, 25 days holiday, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in sustainability while collaborating with like-minded leaders in a flexible environment.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in sustainability leadership and a degree in a related field is essential.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all qualified candidates.
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 are 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 will lead the sustainability function, embedding sustainable practices across all business operations. You will 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 will 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 Ltd
Contact Detail:
Allen & York Ltd Recruiting Team
satkinson@allen-york.com
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, and conferences to connect with like-minded individuals and potential employers. Engaging with others in the field can provide valuable insights and may lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest sustainability trends and regulations. 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 role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous achievements in sustainability leadership during interviews. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven positive change in past roles, particularly in areas like carbon reduction and stakeholder engagement.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s current sustainability initiatives and challenges. Understanding their existing strategies will allow you to tailor your discussions and showcase how your experience aligns with their goals, making you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Sustainability Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your significant experience in leading sustainability or ESG strategies. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to influence at Board level and your knowledge of relevant standards.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for sustainability and how your background aligns with the company's values. Mention your understanding of international frameworks like CSRD and TCFD, and how you can drive measurable impact.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Emphasise your exceptional communication and leadership skills in both your CV and cover letter. Provide examples of how you've successfully engaged stakeholders and led initiatives that resulted in positive social and environmental outcomes.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you mention your degree in sustainability, environmental science, or a related discipline, as well as any professional memberships like IEMA. This will strengthen your application and show your commitment to the field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Allen & York Ltd
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
As a Sustainability Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to develop and implement a comprehensive sustainability strategy. Prepare to discuss your past experiences in shaping long-term strategies and how you can align them with the company's goals.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Standards
Make sure you have a solid understanding of key sustainability standards such as ISO 14001 and CSRD. Be ready to explain how you've applied these standards in previous roles and how they can be integrated into the company's operations.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Scenarios
Expect questions about how you would engage with various stakeholders, including internal teams and external partners. Think of examples where you've successfully influenced decisions or driven initiatives that required collaboration across different groups.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Exceptional communication is crucial for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing complex sustainability concepts. Be prepared to showcase how you've effectively communicated sustainability initiatives to diverse audiences.
