Principal Sustainability Consultant (WLC focus) - (2027) in Cardiff

Location: Cardiff - CF23 8RD, GB

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Sustainability

About us

Hoare Lea is a human‑centric and planet‑conscious engineering consultancy. We offer intelligent and sustainable solutions to complex design challenges for the built environment throughout the UK and further afield. We provide a wide range of engineering and consultancy services, including sustainability, acoustics, air quality, building services (MEP), fire, lighting, and security. Together, our highly skilled teams use technical expertise and problem‑solving skills to bring buildings to life. We ensure that whatever the building, its design is outstanding, and its operations meet the needs of the communities it serves.

We are committed to providing an environment where everyone can realise their unique potential. In joining Hoare Lea, you will experience a business that enriches your knowledge, supports your wellbeing, and welcomes your individuality. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in our 9‑day fortnight scheme, thriving community groups, varied social and networking events, and extensive professional and technical development schemes. We also offer an extensive benefits package, including private medical cover, electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, stock options, and up to 30 days of annual leave.

We provide a diverse sustainability consultancy service promoting sustainable development for a range of projects across all sectors. The Sustainability discipline is an industry leader in its approach to sustainable design, construction, and building operation. Focused on achieving ever greater standards of environmental sustainability, the discipline thrives on its dynamic, innovative, and ambitious working culture.

This is a rare opportunity to grow not only your own career but the industry approach to your field of expertise as a whole.

Why work for us?

Hoare Lea is an award‑winning engineering consultancy with a creative team of engineers, designers, and technical specialists. We provide innovative solutions to complex engineering and design challenges for buildings. Hoare Lea were an early adopter of Design for Performance (DfP), taking our pioneer project (Timber Square) to become the UK’s first NABERSUK Design for Performance project to complete the Independent Design Review and score 5* design reviewed target rating.

With a focus on human‑centred, environmentally sustainable design, Hoare Lea delivered the world’s first workplace fit‑out to achieve both BREEAM Outstanding and WELL Certified Gold. Our clients are industry leading, always striving to achieve the best and to push the boundaries of sustainability.

At Hoare Lea, you’ll have the opportunity to not just work on exciting projects but to also engage with the industry. Hoare Lea regularly collaborates with UKGBC, CIBSE and were one of the first to sign up to support the Building Services Engineers Declare initiative. You’ll be part of progressive and exciting projects, able to experience innovative schemes and gain knowledge across all sectors. With a structured Career Paths Framework, you’ll have a clear understanding of the pathway for advancing your career.

The role

A fantastic career opportunity has arisen for a creative and driven Principal Sustainability Consultant to join the Sustainability discipline in our Southwest Business Unit. The role is based in our Cardiff office and will be part of our broader Sustainability discipline which has a presence in every Hoare Lea office across the country.

Responsibilities:

• Act as Discipline (sustainability) Project Lead for medium to large scale projects at all RIBA stages including the delivery of documents to support outline and detailed planning submissions.
• Act as Workstream Lead, taking ownership on delivery, supporting senior team members in project delivery of large scale projects.
• Develop and coordinate resource and project plans where acting as Discipline Project Lead and support Discipline Project Lead in the development of resource plans where acting as Workstream Lead.
• Lead workshops with the client and design team and communicate information in a clear and concise manner.
• Effectively delegate, manage and review work undertaken by others.
• Be responsible for undertaking and supporting others on a range of detailed analyses, including, but not limited to:

• Energy performance simulations such as Building Regulations Part L, overheating / thermal comfort assessment, operational energy assessment
• BREEAM and other core environmental certifications such as HQM and WELL
• Energy strategies in support of planning (outline and detailed) and design development
• Whole life carbon assessments
• Net Zero carbon

What we are looking for:

You will have detailed knowledge, competence and qualifications in a selection of the following fields. It is not expected that applicants will have expertise in all of the below topics. Applicants will be expected to have focus areas and detailed knowledge within them and should demonstrate a willingness to gain expertise in other topic areas.

Core competencies:

• Energy and building performance consultancy including Advanced simulation capabilities including Building Regulations Part L assessments using Elmhurst and IES
• Building Regulations Part O assessment
• Thermal comfort assessments
• Demonstrable experience in project leadership, including resource planning
• Demonstrable experience in training/mentoring junior team members
• Experience in completing environmental and wellbeing assessments at both design and post construction, such as, BREEAM, Home Quality Mark and WELL Building Standard
• Whole life carbon assessments, including use of online platforms such as OneClick LCA
• Delivery of successful planning applications and experience of local authority collaboration. Experience in the local market and London market would be particularly advantageous.
• Operational energy assessment experience will be a considerable advantage and could include: CIBSE TM54 e.g. using ApacheSim and/or ApacheHVAC, NABERS UK Design for Performance, Passivhaus (Passivhaus Planning Package (PHPP))
• Development of holistic sustainable strategies / charters / implementation plans
• Environmental impact assessment, specifically focusing on greenhouse gas emissions and climate change adaptation
• Circular economy statements
• Developing fee proposals
• Line management experience

About you:

Experience working at a principal level and within sustainability consultancy, you will be looking for a new challenge within a practice at the very forefront of our field. Registered with a professional body and working towards Chartership. Chartership would be advantageous. Expertise (with a degree in an applicable field) and a passion for creating sustainable solutions. Confident in leading workshops with design teams. Relish being part of a dynamic team within a progressive and well‑respected firm. Good communication skills and an enthusiasm for working within a team environment. Like us, you will be serious about sustainability.

How to apply:

To apply simply complete a CV profile and submit your application, or for further information please contact. If shortlisted, one of our recruitment team will be in touch to arrange an introductory call (about 30 minutes) to discuss the role and your experience in more detail. From there, successful candidates will be invited to attend a panel interview, either via Microsoft Teams or in person at one of our offices.

Adjustments and accommodations:

If there are adjustments or accommodations that we can put in place to help you participate and give your best at any stage of the recruitment process (whether relating to disability, neurodivergence or anything else) please let us know.

Data privacy:

We have updated our terms and conditions for candidates.

Recruitment agencies:

We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners who assist us when required. We do not acknowledge speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on the list.