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- Tasks: Lead transformative projects for a sustainable future in Luton.
- Company: Join Luton Council, shaping one of the UK's most ambitious towns.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car benefit, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be a visionary leader driving change towards a greener, fairer community.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership skills and experience in sustainable development.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to inspire and innovate.
The predicted salary is between 100873 - 106919 £ per year.
Salary £100,873 - £106,919 + £3,990 car benefit
Location: London
Job Type: Full Time
About the role
Are you ready to shape the future of one of the UK’s most ambitious towns? Luton Council is seeking a visionary Director of Sustainable Development to steer a bold transformation and guide the delivery of our Luton 2040 vision, a healthy, fair, and sustainable town where everyone thrives. This is a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to shape and influence major projects that will define Luton for decades.
From airport expansion and inward investment to town centre regeneration, housing growth, and green transport solutions, you’ll navigate the strategic direction that balances economic prosperity with environmental responsibility. Your portfolio spans planning policy, development management, highways and transport, fleet transformation, bus service improvement and building control all underpinned by our commitment to net zero carbon by 2040.
You will champion universal accessibility and sustainable infrastructure, ensuring our transport networks and public spaces work for everyone. We are investing in Bus Service Improvement Plans, active travel routes, and innovative approaches to reduce car dependency. You will work with government, businesses, and communities to deliver integrated solutions that tackle climate change, improve air quality, and create a greener, more connected Luton.
To succeed, you will be a corporate player who understands system working, able to collaborate across the Council and with partners to deliver shared goals. You will also build a high performing team culture and ethic, inspiring colleagues to innovate and deliver at pace. If you’re a strategic leader with the vision, influence, and drive to deliver complex programmes and inspire change, we want to hear from you.
Contact
For a confidential conversation about this role, please contact our retained consultants at Penna:
- Ali Tasker on 07514 728114 or email: ali.tasker@penna.com
- Pete John on 07701 305617 or email: pete.john@penna.com
Closing date: 2nd March. To apply please click the Apply Now link below.
This role expires 02/03/2026.
Director of Sustainable Development (Full Time) employer: New Start
Contact Detail:
New Start Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Sustainable Development (Full Time)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their vision for sustainable development and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for sustainability! Whether it’s through your previous work, volunteer experiences, or personal projects, make sure to highlight your commitment to creating a greener future. This will resonate with employers looking for someone who shares their values.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So go ahead, hit that 'Apply Now' button!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Sustainable Development (Full Time)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director of Sustainable Development role. Highlight your experience in sustainable projects and how it aligns with Luton’s 2040 vision. We want to see how you can contribute to our ambitious goals!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a strategic leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to inspire and manage teams. Share examples of how you've built high-performing cultures and driven innovation in previous roles. We love seeing real-life stories that showcase your impact!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate applications that are easy to read and get straight to the heart of your qualifications and vision.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application 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 us in shaping a sustainable future for Luton.
How to prepare for a job interview at New Start
✨Know the Vision Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Luton 2040 and understand its key objectives. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision for a sustainable town and how you can contribute to achieving those goals.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires working with various stakeholders, so prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight your ability to build relationships and inspire teams to work towards common goals.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be prepared to discuss your approach to balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility. Think about specific projects you've led that required strategic planning and how you navigated challenges to achieve successful outcomes.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
At the end of the interview, ask insightful questions about the council's current initiatives or future plans. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the position aligns with your values and career aspirations.
