At a Glance
- 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 (Professional & Technical) Limited
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, and conferences to connect with like-minded individuals and potential colleagues. This can help you gain insights into the role and make valuable contacts that could support your application.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company’s current sustainability initiatives and challenges. Understanding their existing strategies will allow you to tailor your discussions during interviews, showcasing how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their sustainability agenda.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past achievements in sustainability. Be ready to highlight measurable impacts you've made in previous roles, such as carbon reduction or community engagement projects, as this will demonstrate your capability to drive results in the new position.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with relevant regulations and frameworks like CSRD, TCFD, and GRI. Being well-versed in these standards will not only enhance your credibility but also show your commitment to staying updated on industry best practices, which is crucial for a Sustainability Director role.
We think you need these skills to ace Sustainability Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Sustainability Director position. Identify key responsibilities and required skills, ensuring you can demonstrate your experience in these areas.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in sustainability and ESG strategies. Use specific examples that showcase your leadership skills and knowledge of standards like ISO 14001.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for sustainability and outlines how your background aligns with the company's values and goals. Mention your strategic vision and ability to influence at the Board level.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include quantifiable achievements related to sustainability initiatives you've led. This could be in carbon reduction, stakeholder engagement, or compliance with regulations.
How to prepare for a job interview at Allen & York (Professional & Technical) Limited
✨Understand the Company’s Values
Before your interview, take some time to research the company's values and mission. As a Sustainability Director, you'll need to align your strategies with their core principles, so be prepared to discuss how your vision complements theirs.
✨Showcase Your Experience with ESG Frameworks
Be ready to talk about your experience with relevant standards like CSRD, TCFD, and GRI. Highlight specific projects where you successfully implemented these frameworks, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead sustainability initiatives effectively.
✨Prepare for Leadership Questions
Expect questions that assess your leadership style and ability to influence at the Board level. Think of examples where you've led teams or initiatives that resulted in significant sustainability outcomes, and be ready to share these stories.
✨Discuss Stakeholder Engagement Strategies
Since stakeholder engagement is crucial for this role, prepare to discuss how you've successfully engaged various stakeholders in past roles. Share specific strategies you used to foster collaboration and drive positive change within communities and organisations.