Interim Group Director Sustainability in London

Interim Group Director Sustainability in London

London Temporary 75600 - 92400 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
ALS Global

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead ALS's global sustainability strategy and drive Net Zero initiatives.
  • Company: Join a global leader in scientific testing committed to a sustainable future.
  • Benefits: Hybrid working, international travel, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with a focus on personal development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while leading a passionate international team.
  • Qualifications: Experience in sustainability leadership and strong communication skills required.

The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.

At ALS, we encourage you to dream big. When you join us, you’ll be part of a global team harnessing the power of scientific testing and data-driven insights to build a healthier future.

Lead the next chapter of sustainability at ALS. ALS is a global leader in scientific testing, inspection, certification and verification, operating from more than 350 locations across 70+ countries. Every day, our work helps create a safer, healthier and more sustainable world.

Following significant progress over the past 18 months, we are looking for an exceptional sustainability leader to join us on a 12-month maternity cover contract. Reporting directly to our Chief Strategy Officer, you will build on strong foundations, leading our global sustainability agenda while inspiring an international team and influencing stakeholders at every level of the business. This is an opportunity to make a genuine global impact within a business committed to embedding sustainability into its long-term strategy.

What you'll be doing

  • Lead the delivery and ongoing evolution of ALS's global sustainability strategy.
  • Drive our Net Zero roadmap and climate ambitions, including Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions programmes.
  • Lead ESG reporting and regulatory compliance, including CSRD, IFRS Climate reporting and external assurance.
  • Manage relationships with ESG rating agencies and sustainability partners.
  • Present sustainability strategy, performance and recommendations to the Executive Leadership Team and Board.
  • Partner with business leaders across multiple regions to embed sustainability into operational decision making.
  • Lead, coach and develop an established international sustainability team across Europe and Australia.
  • Continue building a collaborative, high-performing global sustainability function.

About you

We're looking for an experienced sustainability executive who combines strategic thinking with commercial awareness and outstanding leadership. You'll bring:

  • Significant experience leading sustainability programmes within a complex multinational organisation.
  • A proven track record of delivering measurable ESG and climate initiatives.
  • Strong knowledge of sustainability reporting frameworks including CSRD, IFRS and GRI.
  • Experience engaging confidently with executive leadership teams, Boards and external stakeholders.
  • Outstanding communication and influencing skills.
  • Experience leading geographically dispersed, culturally diverse teams.
  • Degree qualification in a relevant discipline (professional sustainability qualifications are advantageous).
  • Experience within the Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) sector is welcome but not essential.

Why ALS?

This is more than a maternity cover. You'll inherit a highly engaged global team, influence the future direction of sustainability across an international organisation, and help shape how ALS delivers positive environmental, social and business outcomes for years to come. Working closely with senior leaders across the globe, you'll have the opportunity to make decisions that matter, develop innovative solutions, and leave a lasting legacy.

Location

Europe preferred. Hybrid working (office/home depending on location). International travel required. Contract: Fixed Term (October 2026 – October 2027).

Ready to shape what's next? If you're an experienced sustainability leader looking for an opportunity to influence strategy on a global scale, we'd love to hear from you.

Working at ALS

The ALS team is a diverse and dedicated community united by our passion to make a difference in the world. Our values are important to us, and shape how we work, how we treat each other and how we recognise excellence. At ALS, you’ll be supported to develop new skills and reach your full potential. We invest in our people with programs and opportunities that help you build a diverse career with us. We want everyone to have a safe, flexible and rewarding career that makes a positive impact on our people, the planet and our communities.

Everyone Matters

ALS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where the strengths and perspectives of each employee are both recognised and valued. ALS also welcomes applications from people with all levels of ability. Reasonable adjustments to support candidates throughout the recruitment process are available upon request.

Eligibility

To be eligible to work at ALS you must be a Citizen or Permanent Resident of the country you are applying for, or either hold or be able to obtain, a valid working visa.

How to apply

Please apply on-line and provide a resume & cover letter that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Interim Group Director Sustainability in London employer: ALS Global

At ALS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment in Prescot. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our comprehensive training programmes and diverse career opportunities, all while ensuring a safe and rewarding workplace. With attractive benefits such as a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and a strong focus on work-life balance, joining our team means becoming part of a community dedicated to making a positive impact through scientific excellence.

ALS Global

Contact Details:

ALS Global Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Interim Group Director Sustainability in London

Make the Most of Local Events

Get out there and attend sustainability and environmental management events in your area. Local meet-ups, eco-fairs, or community clean-up days are not just great for networking but also for getting to know the players in the field—plus, you might just land a temporary gig with someone you meet!

Join Environmental Groups

Look for online and offline communities focused on sustainability. Joining groups like the Environmental Professionals Network or local environmental clubs can help you connect with others in the field. Often, these groups share temporary job opportunities that you won't find on typical job boards.

Leverage Your University’s Resources

If you're still studying or recently graduated, tap into your university’s career services. They often have leads on temporary roles, internships, or projects with local organisations looking for extra hands, especially during peak seasons.

Showcase Your Passion Online

Get active on social media by sharing your insights on sustainability topics. This could include short articles, infographics, or even participating in discussions on platforms like Twitter. Showing your commitment to the cause can make you a memorable candidate when applying for temp roles at places like ALS Global.

We think you need these skills to ace Interim Group Director Sustainability in London

Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Organizational Skills
Flexibility
Compassion
Teamwork
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Sustainability:When applying for a temporary role in sustainability and environmental management, it's crucial to let your passion shine through. Share any personal projects, volunteer work, or relevant coursework that demonstrates your commitment to the field. We want to see that you not only have the skills but also a deep interest in making a positive impact.

Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail any previous experience in sustainability, whether through internships, volunteer roles, or academic projects. Mention specific contributions or achievements that relate to environmental management — like waste reduction initiatives or conservation efforts. This will help us see the value you can bring to ALS Global.

Tailor Your CV for the Role:We can't stress enough the importance of tailoring your CV specifically for this temporary role. Focus on skills and experiences that align with sustainability, like data analysis techniques for environmental surveys or knowledge of regulatory compliance. This targeted approach will make it easier for us to see why you're a great fit.

Be Clear About Your Availability:Since this is a temporary role, it's key that you clearly outline your availability in your application. Let us know your start date and how long you can commit, as this helps us plan effectively. Don’t forget to mention any flexibility you might have — that can set you apart from other candidates!

How to prepare for a job interview at ALS Global

Show Off Your Eco-Knowledge

Dive deep into the realm of sustainability practices and environmental policies. Brush up on current trends and regulations relevant to the field, like the Circular Economy or net-zero targets, as these might come up in technical discussions with ALS Global.

Bring Your Adaptable Mindset

As this gig is temporary, employers at ALS Global will be keen on your ability to hit the ground running. Share instances from coursework or past experiences where you quickly adapted or contributed to projects, showcasing your eagerness to learn and tackle tasks with minimal hand-holding.

Highlight Relevant Tools

Get familiar with key tools and software commonly used in sustainability, such as GIS for environmental mapping or life cycle assessment software. Demonstrating your proficiency with these tools will boost your profile during the interview with ALS Global.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate your problem-solving skills in environmental management. Think of examples where you've successfully tackled an environmental concern, whether in studies or during internships, to illustrate your practical knowledge and organisational fit.