At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Tesco's sustainability transformation, driving impactful change across the organisation.
- Company: Join Tesco, a leader in sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, annual bonus, private medical insurance, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in sustainability while shaping Tesco's future.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading large-scale transformations and deep sustainability knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Head of Sustainability Transformation to lead the next phase of Tesco’s sustainability agenda. We are moving beyond setting strategy and commitments into a phase where delivery, integration and regulatory execution at pace are critical. A focused Sustainability Transformation capability will strengthen how we deliver complex, cross‑business priorities with greater rigor, pace and consistency. This role sits at the heart of that evolution.
As Head of Sustainability Transformation, you will lead the strategic transformation of Tesco’s sustainability agenda, ensuring our commitments are translated into scalable, embedded and measurable change across the Group. You will drive delivery of complex programmes that reduce risk, create long‑term value, and accelerate progress against our Planet Plan, regulatory obligations and Net Zero pathway. You will also play a key role across broader QTS strategic priorities, leading enterprise‑wide initiatives where sustainability, quality and technical outcomes intersect and require strong governance, structured delivery and deep cross‑functional collaboration. This role is critical in ensuring we move from ambition to execution at scale, embedding sustainability into how the business operates and makes decisions every day.
Responsibilities
- Lead the sustainability transformation roadmap, translating strategy, commitments and external requirements into clear, actionable and embedded business change.
- Drive enterprise‑wide sustainability programmes across climate, nature, supply chain, products and operations, working across functions, markets and categories.
- Embed sustainability into core business processes, including governance, investment decisions, commercial planning and operating models.
- Lead complex regulatory and reporting transformation, ensuring Tesco is prepared for evolving external requirements and future‑ready in its approach.
- Lead priority cross‑QTS strategic initiatives, acting on behalf of QTS to deliver clarity, pace and alignment where sustainability, quality and technical priorities intersect.
- Provide programme leadership across enterprise priorities, ensuring structured delivery, clear accountability and strong senior stakeholder alignment.
- Identify, assess and mitigate sustainability risks, working closely with Risk, Legal and Compliance to manage dependencies and ensure robust controls.
- Provide external and internal thought leadership, using horizon scanning to translate emerging trends, risks and regulations into clear, decision‑relevant insights.
- Support executive and Board‑level engagement, providing clear updates on transformation progress, risks, trade‑offs and key decisions.
Qualifications
- Proven experience leading large‑scale, complex transformation or change programmes, ideally within sustainability, strategy or closely related fields.
- Deep understanding of sustainability issues, including regulatory expectations and reputational risk within a large, consumer‑facing organisation.
- Strong track record of translating strategy into delivery, successfully embedding external commitments into scalable, operational outcomes.
- Solid understanding of governance, risk management and decision‑making frameworks within complex, matrixed organisations.
- Demonstrated ability to influence and align senior stakeholders, leading effectively through ambiguity and organisational complexity.
- Experience building and leading high‑performing teams, with success operating through matrix structures and cross‑functional collaboration.
- Proven ability to balance pace, rigor and pragmatism, delivering high‑quality outcomes while maintaining momentum in a fast‑moving environment.
Benefits
- Annual bonus scheme of up to 45% of base salary.
- Holiday starting at 25 days plus a personal day (plus Bank holidays).
- Private medical insurance.
- Retirement savings plan – you can save between 6% and 10% and Tesco will contribute 1.5 times this amount.
- 26 weeks maternity and adoption leave (12 months service required at the qualifying date) at full pay, followed by 13 weeks of Statutory Maternity Pay or Statutory Adoption Pay, and 6 weeks fully paid paternity leave.
We are a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you need support with your application, please contact us for more information.
Sustainability Transformation Leader - Deliver at Scale in Welwyn Garden City employer: Diversifying.io
Tesco is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where sustainability is at the forefront of our mission. As the Head of Sustainability Transformation, you will be part of a collaborative culture that prioritises employee growth and innovation, with access to comprehensive benefits including an annual bonus scheme, generous holiday allowance, and robust family leave policies. Join us in making a meaningful impact as we drive forward our ambitious sustainability agenda, ensuring that your contributions are recognised and valued within a supportive and inclusive workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sustainability Transformation Leader - Deliver at Scale in Welwyn Garden City
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the sustainability field, especially those at Tesco or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for sustainability! When you get the chance to speak with recruiters or during interviews, share your personal experiences and projects related to sustainability. It’s all about making that connection!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you would tackle complex sustainability challenges and be ready to discuss your approach. This shows you’re not just about theory but can deliver real change.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Tesco team and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Sustainability Transformation Leader - Deliver at Scale in Welwyn Garden City
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Sustainability Transformation Leader role. Highlight your experience in leading large-scale transformation programmes and how you've successfully embedded sustainability into business processes.
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your past roles, focus on quantifiable achievements. Use metrics to demonstrate how your efforts have led to measurable change in sustainability practices or regulatory compliance. This will help us see the tangible impact you can bring to Tesco.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your ideas and avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role. We appreciate clarity, especially when discussing complex topics like sustainability and governance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. This ensures that your application is processed efficiently and allows us to keep track of all candidates. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Diversifying.io
✨Know Your Sustainability Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in sustainability issues, especially those relevant to Tesco. Brush up on their Planet Plan and any recent regulatory changes. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also genuinely invested in the company’s mission.
✨Showcase Your Transformation Experience
Prepare specific examples of large-scale transformation projects you've led, particularly in sustainability or related fields. Highlight how you translated strategy into actionable outcomes and managed complex programmes. This will demonstrate your ability to drive change effectively within a matrixed organisation.
✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since this role requires working across various functions, be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated with different teams in the past. Share stories that illustrate your ability to influence senior stakeholders and align diverse groups towards common goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess how you would handle real-world challenges in sustainability transformation. Think about potential risks and how you would mitigate them, as well as how you’d ensure compliance with evolving regulations. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
