At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead social sustainability initiatives and drive community impact through strategic projects.
- Company: Leading property development and construction organisation focused on ESG.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and opportunity to shape impactful strategies.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while influencing major development projects.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in social sustainability and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We're excited to be partnered with a leading property development and construction organisation to appoint a Director of Social Sustainability, a newly created, high-impact leadership role at the heart of their ESG agenda. This is a unique opportunity to build and shape a social sustainability function, driving real, measurable impact across communities while influencing major development and construction projects. You'll operate at both strategic and operational levels, embedding social value into the business and helping define its long-term approach to community impact, with a key focus on place-based outcomes, employment and education programmes, and long-term community partnerships.
Responsibilities
- Lead & Shape Strategy – Define and evolve a market-leading social sustainability strategy, translating ambition into clear priorities, measurable targets and organisation-wide accountability.
- Drive Social Value Across Projects – Embed social sustainability across development, construction and operations, ensuring meaningful community impact from planning through to delivery.
- Champion Community Impact – Deliver high-impact, place-based initiatives spanning employment, skills, education and community investment, generating lasting local benefit.
- Inspire & Grow a High-Performing Team – Build and lead a high-performing, inclusive team, fostering collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.
- Own Measurement, Governance & Reporting – Implement robust frameworks to measure, track and report impact (including S106), ensuring clear governance and credible ESG reporting.
- Build Strategic Partnerships & Influence – Cultivate trusted partnerships with key stakeholders and represent the organisation externally to enhance its social impact profile.
- Drive Continuous Improvement & Insight – Lead on emerging trends, regulation and best practice, continuously strengthening the organisation's approach and impact.
Qualifications
- Strategic Leader with Vision – Proven track record of delivering impactful social sustainability strategies within complex organisations.
- Deep Subject Matter Expertise – Clear understanding of place-based impact, employment and skills, and ESG within development or construction environments.
- Influential Communicator – Credible and engaging, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and build trusted external relationships.
- Builder & Innovator – Experienced in establishing functions, embedding governance and driving cross-business change.
- Commercially Aware Changemaker – Understands how social value drives bids, reputation and long-term business performance.
- Data-Driven & Impact-Focused – Skilled in measuring and translating social impact into clear, actionable insight.
- People-Focused Leader – Proven ability to build, develop and inspire high-performing teams.
Director Of Social Sustainability in London employer: Shirley Parsons Ltd
As a leading property development and construction organisation, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions social sustainability and community impact. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing employees with meaningful opportunities for growth and the chance to lead high-impact initiatives that truly make a difference. Located in a vibrant area, we offer a dynamic environment where your contributions will shape the future of our communities while advancing your career in a supportive and forward-thinking organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director Of Social Sustainability 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 Shirley Parsons Ltd 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 Shirley Parsons Ltd 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 Shirley Parsons Ltd. 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 Shirley Parsons Ltd when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Director Of Social Sustainability 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 Shirley Parsons Ltd'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 Director Of Social 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 Shirley Parsons Ltd 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 Shirley Parsons Ltd 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 Director Of Social Sustainability.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shirley Parsons Ltd
✨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 Shirley Parsons Ltd.
✨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 Shirley Parsons Ltd.
✨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 Shirley Parsons Ltd. 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.
