At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead social sustainability initiatives that create real benefits for communities and promote diversity.
- Company: Join a respected organisation driving one of the UK's most ambitious infrastructure programmes.
- Benefits: Make a genuine difference while enjoying competitive pay and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on creating measurable social value.
- Why this job: Shape long-term social impact and leave a positive legacy in local communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in social sustainability, community development, and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We're excited to be partnering with a highly respected organisation delivering one of the UK's most ambitious infrastructure and construction investment programmes. This is a rare opportunity for an experienced Social Sustainability professional to play a pivotal role in shaping the long-term social impact of a major capital programme. Sitting at the heart of a high-profile development portfolio, you'll drive initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for local communities, strengthen skills and employment pathways, champion diversity and inclusion, and ensure investment leaves a lasting positive legacy. This role will give you the chance to turn strategy into action and create measurable social value at scale, and will enable you to make a genuine difference.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Driving Social Impact Strategy – Lead the delivery and continuous improvement of a major social sustainability roadmap, ensuring programmes create meaningful benefits for people, communities and the wider region.
- Creating Lasting Community Benefits – Develop and deliver initiatives focused on skills, education, employment and community engagement, helping maximise the positive impact of large-scale construction projects.
- Influencing Senior Stakeholders – Work closely with contractors, project teams, community partners and senior leadership to embed social value objectives across programmes and ensure commitments are achieved.
- Championing Diversity & Inclusion – Drive initiatives that promote inclusive employment opportunities, support underrepresented groups and strengthen diversity across project delivery and supply chains.
- Leading Performance & Impact Reporting – Oversee social sustainability data, reporting and performance measurement, using insights to track outcomes, identify opportunities and demonstrate tangible impact.
Who They're Looking For:
- Experienced Social Sustainability Professional – A proven background within social value, social impact, community development, employment, skills or education programmes, ideally within complex or large-scale organisations.
- Strategic & Delivery Focused Leader – Someone who can develop plans, implement initiatives and successfully deliver measurable outcomes that align with wider business objectives.
- Exceptional Relationship Builder – Confident engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, from contractors and community groups through to senior leaders and external partners.
- Passionate Advocate for Positive Change – A proactive and enthusiastic individual who genuinely cares about creating opportunities, improving outcomes and leaving a lasting social legacy.
- Commercially & Data Aware – Experienced in using social value frameworks, impact measurement tools and performance data to drive decision-making and evidence success.
Social Sustainability Manager in Surrey employer: Shirley Parsons
Shirley Parsons is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises health, safety, and wellbeing in the vibrant city of London. Employees benefit from a supportive environment that fosters professional growth through continuous learning opportunities and leadership development, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Sustainability Manager in Surrey
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Shirley Parsons.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Shirley Parsons.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Shirley Parsons.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Shirley Parsons. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Social Sustainability Manager in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Shirley Parsons. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Social Sustainability Manager, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shirley Parsons
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Shirley Parsons. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!