At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and evolve sustainability strategies in a design-led procurement business.
- Company: Join a purpose-driven company committed to sustainability and inclusiveness.
- Benefits: Competitive salary and the chance to make a real impact on the environment.
- Why this job: Shape a sustainable future while leading a passionate team in the design industry.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in sustainability, strong communication, and analytical skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving meaningful change across projects and operations.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are seeking an ambitious and forward-thinking Head of Sustainability to lead and evolve our clients' environmental and ethical strategy within a design-led procurement business. Reporting to the Creative Director, you will oversee the Sustainability Coordinator and wider team, driving meaningful change across projects, operations, and the wider industry. This is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for shaping and delivering a best-in-class sustainability strategy.
You will ensure the business remains at the forefront of responsible FF&E procurement, embedding sustainability into every stage of the design and delivery process. Acting as the internal expert, you will guide teams and clients on environmental standards, circular design principles, sustainable materials, and compliance with certifications such as BREEAM, WELL and SKA.
You will lead and develop the sustainability team, set clear objectives, and collaborate closely with project and account teams to ensure seamless integration of sustainability across all client work. The role also involves working directly with suppliers to improve transparency, manage sustainability data, and uphold responsible sourcing standards.
Externally, you will play a key role in representing the business—supporting tenders, contributing to thought leadership, and building a strong industry presence through events, training and partnerships. Internally, you will drive continuous improvement, oversee sustainability reporting, and lead key initiatives including carbon reduction and certification programmes.
If you are a confident, hands-on leader with at least five years' experience in sustainability, ideally within design, interiors or related industries, please get in touch. You will bring excellent communication skills, strong analytical thinking, and a passion for driving positive change—helping shape a more sustainable future for the design industry.
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.
Head of Sustainability in London employer: Allen & York Ltd
Contact Detail:
Allen & York Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Sustainability in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the sustainability field! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Showcase Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through! Share your experiences and ideas on how to drive change in the industry. Remember, they want someone who’s not just qualified but also genuinely excited about making a difference.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before any interview! Research the company’s sustainability initiatives and think about how you can contribute. Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask them too; it shows you’re serious about the role and have done your research.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sustainability in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in sustainability, especially in design and procurement. We want to see how your skills align with our mission to drive meaningful change!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Head of Sustainability, you'll be leading a team and influencing others. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership style and any successful projects you've managed. We love seeing examples of how you've driven positive change!
Be Passionate and Authentic: Let your passion for sustainability shine through in your writing. We’re looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference, so don’t hold back on sharing your vision for a sustainable future in the design industry.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape a more sustainable future!
How to prepare for a job interview at Allen & York Ltd
✨Know Your Sustainability Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and standards in sustainability, especially those relevant to design and procurement. Familiarise yourself with certifications like BREEAM, WELL, and SKA, as well as circular design principles. This will show that you're not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Sustainability, you'll be leading a team and driving change. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to set clear objectives and collaborate effectively with others, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges related to sustainability in a design context. Think about potential scenarios, such as improving supplier transparency or managing sustainability data, and prepare your responses to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Industry Impact
The role involves representing the business and contributing to thought leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you can enhance the company's presence in the sustainability space. Share ideas on partnerships, events, or training initiatives that could elevate the brand's commitment to sustainability.