At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sustainability initiatives and drive the Council's Carbon Neutral Plan.
- Company: Royal Greenwich, a vibrant borough committed to a low carbon future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team and influence change in your community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in climate action and shape sustainable policies.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading complex programmes and knowledge of sustainability frameworks.
The predicted salary is between 59576 - 67000 £ per year.
Royal Greenwich is on a journey to a low carbon future.
Following a period of significant change, we are looking for an ambitious and delivery-focused Head of Sustainability to help shape the next phase of our Transport and Sustainability division and lead the Council’s response to the climate challenge.
Our vibrant and diverse borough spans Greenwich town centre, Thamesmead, the Greenwich Peninsula and Eltham.
We have a strong reputation for combining ambition with delivery, and this role offers a real opportunity to influence how sustainability is embedded across Council services, communities and major projects.
Following a review of the service, Royal Greenwich is strengthening its Sustainability function to support delivery of the Carbon Neutral Plan and wider Corporate priorities.
As Head of Sustainability, you will have the opportunity to shape this developing service and provide the leadership needed to turn strategy into measurable delivery.
This is a high-profile leadership role at the heart of the Council’s Carbon Neutral Plan.
You will lead delivery of our ambition to become net zero by 2030, turning strategy into practical action and maintaining a clear grip on delivery, performance, risk and outcomes.
Reporting to the Assistant Director of Transportation and Sustainability, you will oversee delivery of the Carbon Neutral Plan, coordinate activity across directorates and provide clear evidence of progress to senior leaders, Members and partners.
You will sponsor and deliver major decarbonisation programmes, including heat networks, energy retrofit and other carbon reduction projects, while overseeing budgets, procurement, external funding and project risks.
You will also act as a key ambassador for Royal Greenwich on climate change and sustainability, representing the Council regionally and nationally, shaping emerging policy and positioning the borough to make the most of future funding opportunities.
Key responsibilities include
- Leading multi-million-pound sustainability and decarbonisation programmes, from funding and procurement through to delivery, monitoring and benefits realisation.
- Driving delivery of the Carbon Neutral Plan by coordinating activity across directorates, tracking progress and producing clear reports for senior officers, Cabinet and Members.
- Developing and advising on climate change and sustainability policy, including Greener Greenwich priorities, planning matters, strategic developments and public engagement.
- Building strong relationships with Members, senior managers, consultants, delivery partners and community stakeholders to support effective delivery and influence change.
- Maximising inward investment by identifying external funding opportunities and managing associated financial, budget and risk reporting.
- Leading and developing a multidisciplinary team, allocating work, agreeing targets and creating a culture of improvement, collaboration and accountability.
- Using data, evaluation and insight to inform decisions, evidence progress and drive continuous improvement.
About you
We are looking for a confident senior leader who can combine strategic thinking with hands‑on delivery.
You will have significant experience of leading complex programmes, managing multidisciplinary teams and working successfully in a large, political or similarly complex organisation.
You will bring strong knowledge of sustainability and regeneration frameworks and the ability to apply this in a Royal Greenwich context.
You will be comfortable advising senior stakeholders, producing complex reports, interpreting legislation and influencing across organisational boundaries.
You will also have the judgement, energy and resilience to manage change, secure funding, oversee budgets and risk, and deliver visible outcomes for residents, communities and the Council.
Diversity Statement
Royal Borough of Greenwich values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this.
We therefore encourage applications from all sections of the community.
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Contact Details:
Royal Borough Of Greenwich Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Sustainability
✨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 Royal Borough Of Greenwich 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 Royal Borough Of Greenwich 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 Royal Borough Of Greenwich. 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 Royal Borough Of Greenwich when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sustainability
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 Royal Borough Of Greenwich'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 Head of Sustainability.
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 Royal Borough Of Greenwich 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 Royal Borough Of Greenwich 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 Head of Sustainability.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Borough Of Greenwich
✨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 Royal Borough Of Greenwich.
✨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 Royal Borough Of Greenwich.
✨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 Royal Borough Of Greenwich. 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.
