Principal Sustainability Officer WCC623226 in City of Westminster

As Principal Sustainability Officer you can make your own powerful contribution to Westminster's success. These are exciting and challenging times for our organisation, with ambitious net-zero targets: 2030 for the Council and 2040 for the City of Westminster. You will play a vital role in ensuring exemplary sustainability standards are incorporated into Town Planning functions, support the Climate Emergency Action Plan priorities and projects, and contribute to sustainability policy development.

Building positive relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, you will promote collaborative efforts towards climate emergency goals, provide guidance and training on sustainability issues to colleagues in the Design, Construction and Sustainability team and the Town Planning service, and negotiate major schemes on sustainability matters including embodied carbon, whole life carbon, circular economy, energy assessments and retrofit, as well as high-profile submissions.

You may also lead cross-department collaborations through talks, workshops and continuing professional development sessions; support policy framework effectiveness; contribute to an evidence base for future local policy development; prepare appeal statements and give evidence at hearings; create green job opportunities as part of the Climate Action Plan refresh; and lead projects delivering improvements in renewable energy, water management, waste upcycling and material reuse.

• Advise on sustainability matters within the council’s built environment and climate change agenda, including Green Buildings certifications, Building Regulations, Energy Performance certificates, Whole Life Carbon modelling and Circular Economy principles.
• Build positive working relationships with senior colleagues, councillors, communities and external organisations; analyze complex information and data to support decision-making.
• Demonstrate scoping, planning and project management skills; challenge established ways of working; plan ahead; manage multiple tasks under pressure and tight deadlines; communicate effectively to implement project deliverables.
• Lead cross-department initiatives, provide guidance and training on sustainability, and contribute to policy development and evaluation.
• Prepare appeal statements and provide evidence at hearings as required.
• Support the development and delivery of projects related to renewable energy, water management, waste upcycling and material reuse.

• Degree in a relevant field such as architecture, structural engineering, building services or environmental engineering.
• A postgraduate qualification or chartership in a related area is desirable.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to write clear and persuasive reports, project proposals and committee reports; capability to coach, develop and mentor less experienced team members.
• Knowledge of environmental legislation, policies and working practices related to sustainability, net zero and circular economy; ability to advise and build positive relationships with senior stakeholders.

Care Leavers and Global Majority candidates are considered in accordance with our equality and positive action commitments. Westminster City Council is committed to diverse shortlists to increase representation from underrepresented groups. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and welcome a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Flexible working patterns and Agile working are supported.

Westminster is an amazing place with a diverse population and a vibrant economy. Westminster City Council’s strategy aims to deliver a Fairer Westminster, with communities at the heart of decision-making, and a more inclusive city where residents, workers and visitors feel welcome and safe.

We strive to be an inclusive workplace and employer of choice, champion equality, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing, and foster a sense of belonging and empowerment—the Westminster Way.