At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sustainability initiatives and drive innovative practices in architecture and design.
- Company: Join Populous, a global leader in sustainable design for iconic venues.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, gym discounts, and access to exclusive events.
- Other info: Collaborate with passionate individuals in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability in the sports and entertainment industries.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in sustainability and creative environmental design.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About Populous
For more than 40 years, Populous has had a singular focus – to draw people together around the things that they love, to be the leading design firm that specialises in places, spaces and events where people gather. Our success is defined by designing projects that are seen as the benchmark. We are committed to future innovation, anticipating and shaping the future of our industries. Populous has designed and delivered some of the world's most memorable civic, sports and entertainment buildings, from iconic stadiums to ground-breaking live music venues. We’re a global specialised design firm with local roots in 9 cities across the UK/EMEA regions. We are committed to designing more sustainable buildings. As signatories to Architects Declare UK and the AIA 2030 Commitment, we continue to reformulate our workflows and educate our clients to ensure that the decisions we make are informed and help mitigate the realities of a changing climate.
About the Role
We are seeking a Sustainability Lead, EMEA to join our design practice. The successful candidate will be a true innovator – a trendsetter with a comprehensive understanding of the issues and challenges faced by the architecture and design industry in driving the sustainability agenda forward. They will also have a keen interest in the sports and entertainment industries. In this role, you will be developing and leading the sustainability agenda for Populous within our EMEA region, supporting London and EU/MENA-based studios in their practice of increased environmental responsiveness and maintaining alignment with our Global Sustainability Action Plan (SAP). You will be leading specific project-related sustainability initiatives, including project design reviews, helping win new work, and supporting all sectors in best‑practice approaches. With a background in design, and likely holding a qualification in environmental design, you will also be educating staff on the latest knowledge and legislation to help them align their work with our environmental ambitions and commitments.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and grow a sustainability advisory team as a source of revenue for the practice, while utilising talent from across disciplines + 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 with the aim of popularising all sustainability focused achievements of the practice.
Projects
- A creative who will drive and influence the 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 to be brought in 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, specific to the range of roles and seniority levels across the practice, 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.
- Responsible for identifying R&D streams, both undergoing or in the future, to be investigated further, resourced, shared internally and externally.
- Overall responsibility for recruiting talent with focus on sustainability – designers, analysts, coordinators.
Key Requirements
- A strong and proven track record of leading a sustainability agenda, and of driving tangible change.
- A background in creative environmental design (not necessarily architecture but involving creative thinking).
- Experience of working in the role of a sustainability leader both in Europe and MENA region would be an advantage.
- Proven track record in R&D, relationships with academic institutions, presenter at conferences, published work (papers, articles, books).
- BREEAM and LEED recognised qualification would be a plus, as would practical knowledge of Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS), Pearl Rating System (PRS), Mostadam and other equivalent systems.
- Understanding of various environmental analysis tools, ability to interpret results.
- Ability to present sustainability work and environmental design issues in an understandable and captivating manner.
About the Studio
Our Putney studio, which is also our EMEA Headquarters, is located on the banks of the River Thames, a short walk from Putney High Street and with excellent travel connections. Our employees enjoy a comprehensive and competitive benefits programme, as well as the opportunity to attend events at several Populous-designed venues.
Why Join the Team?
- Work alongside passionate, creative individuals who lead their industry, transform ideas into reality and celebrate the beauty of human connection.
- Enjoy various benefits, such as hybrid working and gym membership discounts.
- Enjoy the opportunity to attend events at Populous-designed venues.
- Connect and learn at regular social and knowledge sharing events including an annual conference and a weekend abroad Christmas party.
Populous is an equal opportunity employer.
Sustainability Lead, EMEA in London employer: Populous
Populous offers an inspiring work environment in the heart of London, where creativity thrives within a passionate team dedicated to hospitality and concept innovation. Employees benefit from a flexible hybrid working model, access to professional development opportunities, and perks like gym membership discounts, making it an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in design.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sustainability Lead, EMEA in London
✨Dive into Environmental Networks
Get involved with sustainability-focused organisations and attend their events. Look for local meetups or conferences in environmental management where you can connect with professionals in the field. This can lead to insider info on job openings at companies like Populous that might not be advertised widely.
✨Show Your Passion with Projects
Consider undertaking personal or community projects that highlight your dedication to sustainability. Whether it's a local clean-up or a carbon footprint assessment, document your findings and results. This not only boosts your portfolio but also shows potential employers like Populous that you're proactive and serious about the field.
✨Seek Out Green Job Boards
Don’t just rely on general job boards. Explore specific platforms that focus on sustainability and environmental management roles. Websites like EnvironmentJobs and Sustainable Business can be goldmines for full-time positions at companies like Populous. Keep an eye out for their aggregation of listings!
✨Let Your Online Presence Shine
Make sure your social media and professional profiles reflect your passion for sustainability. Share articles, engage in discussions, and connect with leaders in the field. Your active presence can make a lasting impression on hiring managers at companies like Populous when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Sustainability Lead, EMEA in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sustainability:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through. Share any relevant experiences, like projects, volunteer work, or events you've participated in that align with Populous's values. This position isn't just about meeting qualifications; it's about genuinely caring for the environment and showing us why you're the right fit for Sustainability Lead, EMEA.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Experience:Make sure to showcase any specific qualifications, such as degrees in environmental science or certifications in sustainability practices in your CV. We want to see how your academic background and practical experiences align with the job you're applying for, so don’t hold back on anything that demonstrates your expertise in environmental management.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:As we're looking for someone to jump into a full-time role, be specific about previous roles or projects that demonstrate your capabilities in sustainability. Use bullet points to make accomplishments clear, and don’t forget to quantify your achievements wherever possible – it’s all about showing us the impact of your work!
Research Populous and Reflect It In Your Application:We love candidates who take the time to understand what we're about. Mention specific initiatives or projects that Populous is known for in your cover letter. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about the chance to contribute to our mission in the role of Sustainability Lead, EMEA.
How to prepare for a job interview at Populous
✨Brush Up on Environmental Legislation
Given that we're diving into sustainability and environmental management, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of current environmental laws and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios, as you might face some technical questions about compliance and best practices during your chat with Populous.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Sustainability Projects
When you're discussing your background, highlight specific sustainability initiatives you've been involved in. Whether it’s a project at university or work experience, sharing measurable outcomes and your role will demonstrate your hands-on skills, which is super important for this full-time role at Populous.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Software
Make sure you're familiar with any relevant tools or software commonly used in environmental management, like GIS for mapping or data analysis tools. Bring this up in your interview as it shows you’re not only passionate but also prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
✨Connect Your Values with the Company's Mission
Full-time roles are all about team fit, so it’s important to align your personal values with those of Populous. Be ready to discuss why you're passionate about sustainability and how you can contribute to their mission, as this will really resonate with the interviewers and show that you’re genuinely invested in their goals.
