Head of Sustainability

Head of Sustainability

Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Irwin and Colton - HSE Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead sustainability initiatives and shape strategies for high-profile construction projects.
  • Company: A respected UK construction business committed to a sustainable future.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to make a real impact.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to positive social and environmental outcomes.
  • Why this job: Be a key player in driving environmental change and achieving net zero goals.
  • Qualifications: Extensive sustainability experience and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Are you interested in leading an industry-defining sustainability agenda within one of the UK's most respected construction businesses? If the answer is yes, we are working with a leading principal contractor to appoint a Head of Sustainability for their Construction Division. This is a senior, influential role responsible for shaping and delivering an integrated sustainability strategy across complex, high-profile projects, ensuring environmental and social performance is embedded into business strategy, work winning and project delivery as the organisation transitions towards a net zero, nature positive future.

Responsibilities of the Head of Sustainability will include:

  • Lead the development and delivery of a sustainability strategy that drives environmental and social performance across projects, business decisions, and work-winning.
  • Oversee the annual sustainability plan, guiding a large multidisciplinary team and ensuring initiatives deliver commercial and long-term impact.
  • Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, providing insight, data and recommendations to improve performance and embed best practices.
  • Foster collaboration with project teams, clients, supply chain partners, and SHE functions to maintain high standards and support continual improvement.

The successful Head of Sustainability requires:

  • Extensive experience in sustainability, ESG, or environmental leadership within construction or a related sector, with the ability to influence at board level.
  • Strong technical knowledge across sustainability strategy, carbon, compliance, and social impact, with the ability to translate this into business advantage.
  • Proven experience leading and motivating large teams, driving performance and embedding a culture of excellence.
  • A relevant degree and professional credentials such as ISO 14001 Lead Auditor or other recognised sustainability qualifications, with a genuine passion for delivering positive environmental and social outcomes.

For more information on this opportunity or to discuss your next career move, contact Jessica Rowe on 01923 432 693, or apply here.

Irwin and Colton is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion; please let us know if we can do anything to make the process more accessible to you.

Head of Sustainability employer: Irwin and Colton - HSE Recruitment

Join a leading principal contractor renowned for its commitment to sustainability and innovation in the construction industry. As the Head of Sustainability, you will thrive in a collaborative work culture that prioritises environmental and social performance, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development. With a focus on transitioning towards a net zero future, this role not only allows you to influence high-profile projects but also positions you at the forefront of meaningful change within the sector.

Irwin and Colton - HSE Recruitment

Contact Details:

Irwin and Colton - HSE Recruitment Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Sustainability

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that who you know can sometimes be just as important as what you know, so don’t be shy about making connections.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s sustainability initiatives. We want to see you shine, so show them you’re genuinely interested in their projects and how you can contribute to their goals.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! You need to clearly articulate your vision for sustainability and how it aligns with their business strategy. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, we love seeing candidates take initiative!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sustainability

Sustainability Strategy Development
Environmental Leadership
ESG Knowledge
Carbon Compliance
Social Impact Assessment
Team Leadership
Performance Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Sustainability role. Highlight your extensive experience in sustainability and any relevant qualifications to show us you’re the perfect fit.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about sustainability and how your background makes you the ideal candidate. Be sure to mention your ability to influence at board level and lead large teams.

Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you’ve driven environmental and social performance in past roles. This will help us see the impact you can bring to our team.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!

How to prepare for a job interview at Irwin and Colton - HSE Recruitment

Know Your Sustainability Stuff

Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and regulations in sustainability, especially within the construction sector. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the company's goals for a net zero, nature positive future.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led large teams and driven performance in previous roles. Highlight specific instances where you motivated your team to achieve sustainability targets or improved social impact.

Be a Trusted Advisor

Think about how you can position yourself as a trusted advisor to senior leadership. Prepare insights and data that demonstrate your ability to influence decision-making and embed best practices in sustainability.

Collaborate and Communicate

Since collaboration is key in this role, be ready to discuss how you've worked with various stakeholders, including project teams and supply chain partners. Share examples of how you fostered collaboration to maintain high standards and drive continual improvement.