At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sustainability initiatives and drive impactful projects in a creative environment.
- Company: Join a leading design firm committed to sustainable practices and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, gym discounts, and exciting events at unique venues.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with opportunities for growth and knowledge sharing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in sustainability while collaborating with passionate professionals.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in sustainability leadership and creative environmental design.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
For us, it isn't enough that the venues we design are sustainable – we firmly believe we need to practice what we preach by applying the same principles to the way we run our business. Our business carbon accounting strategy is transparent and data-driven, and we use this analysis to find new ways to reduce and credibly offset our environmental footprint moving forward. As we continue to bring to life award-winning venues and experiences, our EMEA Practice is looking for a Sustainability Lead, EMEA based in our Putney studio.
Responsibilities
- Business Development
- Lead and grow a sustainability advisory team as a source of revenue for the practice, while utilising talent from across disciplines and recruiting/training key members of staff.
- Lead our sustainability external engagement while working with the EMEA Board of Directors, EcoPOP (our internal sustainability group) and Marketing.
- Drive, audit and administer EMEA environmental commitments, compliance and certification.
- Identify key areas of research and lead in-house execution, as well as external partnerships and marketing.
- Author publications to popularise all sustainability-focused achievements of the practice.
- Projects
- Drive and influence future sustainability trends associated with our building typologies.
- Lead sustainability advisory projects.
- Form and lead a team undertaking formal sustainability reviews of all major projects at all RIBA design stages.
- Lead a sustainability research group instigating small test projects, driving live project research, environmental analysis and design workflows.
- Create a network of external consultants where in-house capabilities are insufficient.
- Responsible for leading research and staff briefings about the latest sustainability materials and trends.
- Oversee the creation of a regional Sustainability Action Plan (SAP) and a stadium/arena sustainable design guide.
- People
- Overall responsibility for sustainability education across all roles and seniority levels, strategically aligned with project requirements and client pursuits.
- Develop and deliver a process for internal knowledge exchange and staff enrollment in external educational courses.
- Join external thought‑leadership organisations such as LETI, UK Green Building Council, RIBA, NLA Net Zero.
- Identify R&D streams, both ongoing and future, to be investigated, resourced, shared internally and externally.
- Recruit talent focused on sustainability – designers, analysts, coordinators.
Qualifications
- A strong and proven track record of leading a sustainability agenda and driving tangible change.
- A background in creative environmental design (non‑architectural but involving creative thinking).
- Experience working in the role of a sustainability leader in Europe and the MENA region (advantageous).
- Proven track record in R&D, relationships with academic institutions, presentations at conferences, and published work (papers, articles, books).
- BREEAM and LEED recognised qualification (plus practical knowledge of GSAS, PRS, Mostadam and other equivalent systems).
- Understanding of various environmental analysis tools and ability to interpret results.
- Ability to present sustainability work and environmental design issues in an understandable and captivating manner.
Benefits
- Work alongside passionate, creative individuals who lead their industry, transform ideas into reality and celebrate the beauty of human connection.
- Hybrid working and gym membership discounts.
- Opportunity to attend events at Populous‑designed venues.
- Regular social and knowledge‑sharing events, including an annual conference and a weekend abroad Christmas party.
Sustainability Lead in City of Westminster employer: Populous
At our Putney studio, we pride ourselves on being an exemplary employer that champions sustainability not just in our designs but in our workplace culture. We offer a collaborative environment where passionate individuals can thrive, with opportunities for professional growth through training and knowledge exchange, as well as the chance to lead impactful sustainability initiatives. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our hybrid working model, gym membership discounts, and engaging social events, making us an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in sustainability.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sustainability Lead in City of Westminster
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the sustainability field! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that who you know can sometimes matter just as much as what you know.
✨Show Off Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through! Share your ideas on how to drive change and make an impact. We want to see that fire in your belly – it’s contagious!
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework before any interview. Understand the company’s sustainability initiatives and think of ways you can contribute. We love candidates who come prepared with insights and questions that show they’re genuinely interested in our mission.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we often have exclusive opportunities listed there that you won’t find anywhere else.
We think you need these skills to ace Sustainability Lead in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sustainability:When writing your application, let your passion for sustainability shine through! We want to see how your values align with ours and how you can contribute to our mission of creating sustainable venues. Share personal experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to the environment.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter to the role of Sustainability Lead. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. Remember, clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company and culture while you’re at it!
How to prepare for a job interview at Populous
✨Know Your Sustainability Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and technologies in sustainability. Be ready to discuss your experience with environmental design and how you've driven change in previous roles. This will show that you're not just passionate but also knowledgeable.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sustainability Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and projects. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or initiatives in the past, especially those that involved cross-disciplinary collaboration.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with the company's sustainability goals and recent projects. During the interview, reference specific initiatives they've undertaken and share your thoughts on how you could contribute to their mission. This shows genuine interest and alignment with their values.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you'd handle specific challenges related to sustainability. Think about potential scenarios you might face in the role and prepare your responses. This will help you articulate your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
