Head of Sustainability in Cardiff

Job Type: Full-Time, Fixed-Term Contract (2 Years)

Location: IB (International Baccalaureate®) Global Centre, Cardiff Hybrid working opportunity

About The IB

The International Baccalaureate provides world‑class educational services to over 5,700 schools across 162 countries. A career at IB is not just a job; it’s an opportunity to work with an innovative world leader in education services and contribute to our mission of creating a better and more peaceful world.

About The Job

Achieving Net Zero by 2050 was established as a core organisational priority for the IB. Following completion of Phase 1, setting a GHG emissions baseline and implementing consistent data collection, it is clear that specialist leadership is required to develop and deliver a robust, long‑term Net Zero strategy. This role will provide the expertise needed to embed sustainability into decision‑making, develop policies and priorities across the organisation, and drive the cultural and operational change essential to reverse emissions growth and achieve Net Zero.

Responsibilities

• Lead carbon data management and reporting, overseeing organisation‑wide data collection, carbon accounting systems, emissions tracking, and Net Zero progress reporting in line with international standards.
• Develop and deliver the Net Zero strategy, including policies, interim milestones, emissions impact assessments, sustainability budgeting, and integration of sustainability metrics into organisational KPIs.
• Drive cross‑functional change management, acting as initiative lead for Net Zero programmes and supporting departments to embed emissions reduction into daily operations, procurement, growth, and travel decisions.
• Manage internal and external sustainability communications, producing annual sustainability reporting, supporting external messaging, and representing the organisation in partnerships, forums, and working groups.
• Embed sustainability across education and sector practice, staying abreast of sector trends, supporting curriculum integration (including SDGs), benchmarking performance, and advising on sustainability‑related educational policies.
• Provide leadership, governance, and capability building, advising senior leadership and the Board, coordinating governance structures, and designing training and upskilling plans to build long‑term internal capacity.

Qualifications

• Expertise in GHG accounting and reporting, including Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, development of organisational inventories and baselines, and audit‑ready data management aligned with recognised standards.
• Proven experience delivering Net Zero and decarbonisation strategies, including science‑based targets, sectoral pathways, and translating long‑term goals into actionable short‑ and medium‑term plans.
• Strong decision‑making and governance capability, integrating climate considerations into business planning through emissions reduction frameworks, risk‑based prioritisation, and carbon pricing approaches.
• Hands‑on delivery of emissions reduction initiatives, spanning operational and value‑chain decarbonisation, supplier engagement, renewable energy, and innovative low‑carbon solutions.
• Knowledge of carbon markets and offsets, including quality criteria, procurement and management of carbon credits, and understanding of voluntary and compliance market frameworks.
• Effective change leadership and programme management, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders, communicate complex concepts clearly, manage multi‑year sustainability roadmaps, track KPIs, and build organisational capability through training and upskill.

Benefits

• 10% employer pension contribution with a 3% employee contribution
• Annual pay review with Variable pay
• Enhanced family friendly benefits
• 30 days annual leave, plus public holidays
• Life assurance 4× annual salary
• Flexible working hours (core hours are 10 am‑12 pm and 2 pm‑3 pm), 37.5 hours per week
• Paid volunteering leave (one day per calendar year)
• Flexible benefits allowance equivalent to 1.5% of annual salary to spend on benefits or as addition to salary
• Excellent continuous professional development
• Health and Wellness Schemes
• Disability Confident Employer
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Discounts on a range of products, including days out and gym memberships
• Cash back opportunities available from a wide range of retailers
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Free onsite parking

Applications are being received until Friday 13 March 2026. We are committed to building a working environment that values respect, diversity, and compassion. The International Baccalaureate is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified applicants.