At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sustainability initiatives and drive impactful projects in a creative environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking design firm committed to sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, gym discounts, and exciting events at iconic 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
- 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 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 dynamic environment where passionate individuals collaborate to drive meaningful change, with opportunities for professional growth through training and knowledge exchange. 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 looking to make a real impact in the field of sustainability.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sustainability Lead
✨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 on the company and its sustainability initiatives before the interview. We love candidates who can discuss our projects and suggest innovative ideas. Bring your A-game and be ready to showcase your knowledge and creativity!
✨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’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who align with our values and vision.
We think you need these skills to ace Sustainability Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sustainability:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through! Share specific examples of how you've driven change in previous roles or projects. We want to see that you truly care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight the skills and experiences that align with the Sustainability Lead role. Use keywords from the job description to show us you're a perfect fit for our team!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and long-winded explanations. Make it easy for us to see your qualifications and passion for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! This ensures we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Populous
✨Know Your Sustainability Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and practices in sustainability. Familiarise yourself with BREEAM, LEED, and other relevant certifications. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just passionate but also knowledgeable.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, especially in sustainability contexts. Think about times when you drove change or influenced others. This will demonstrate your capability to lead a sustainability advisory team effectively.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Understand the company's commitment to sustainability and be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs. Bring ideas on how you can contribute to their environmental commitments and compliance efforts, showing that you’re proactive and aligned with their mission.
✨Prepare for Thought Leadership
Since the role involves authoring publications and engaging with external organisations, think about topics you could write about or present. Be ready to discuss your previous work in this area and how you can elevate their sustainability narrative.
