Sustainability Lead

Sustainability Lead

Leeds Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Shirley Parsons

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead sustainability efforts on major construction projects, ensuring top-notch environmental performance.
  • Company: Join a fast-growing contractor focused on high-tech facilities in various sectors.
  • Benefits: Enjoy opportunities for professional growth and the chance to make a real impact.
  • Why this job: Be a key player in shaping sustainable practices and leave a legacy in the built environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in sustainability within construction and familiarity with BREEAM and LEED certifications required.
  • Other info: This role is perfect for proactive self-starters eager to drive change.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

We’re partnering with a fast-growing, forward-thinking contractor that delivers high-tech facilities across manufacturing, logistics, life sciences, and data centre sectors. As their Sustainability Lead, you’ll play a pivotal role in embedding ESG into every phase of project delivery - from the ground up. This is a fantastic opportunity for a self-starter who’s ready to own their agenda, influence at all levels, and leave a lasting legacy on the built environment.

Where You’ll Make an Impact:

  • Lead from the front – Act as the go-to sustainability expert across two major projects in Enfield, London and Saunderton, Buckinghamshire, ensuring best-in-class environmental performance.
  • Drive project certifications – Own BREEAM, LEED and other accreditations with clients and consultants, keeping everyone aligned and accountable.
  • Shape strategy – Embed the wider ESG strategy into live project delivery, pushing forward key goals around carbon, compliance, and culture.
  • Train and influence – Build capability across teams through tailored sustainability training and impactful reporting.
  • Raise the bar – Regularly visit sites to champion environmental compliance and identify new opportunities for sustainable innovation.

What You Bring:

  • A track record supporting sustainability in construction projects – with a passion for pushing boundaries, not ticking boxes.
  • Confident leading conversations on environmental compliance, certification, and planning conditions.
  • Experienced with tools like BREEAM, LEED or carbon/impact assessments.
  • A natural communicator – clear, credible, and able to inspire change across technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Proactive and autonomous – you’re a doer, someone who thrives on making things happen and taking ownership.

Sustainability Lead employer: Shirley Parsons

Join a dynamic and innovative contractor that prioritises sustainability and offers a collaborative work culture in Enfield and Saunderton. As a Sustainability Lead, you'll benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, a supportive environment that encourages ownership and influence, and the chance to make a significant impact on high-tech projects. With a focus on environmental excellence and a commitment to employee growth, this company is an exceptional place for those looking to drive meaningful change in the built environment.
Shirley Parsons

Contact Detail:

Shirley Parsons Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Sustainability Lead

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the sustainability and construction sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with like-minded individuals and potential employers. Building relationships can often lead to job opportunities that aren't advertised.

✨Tip Number 2

Stay updated on the latest trends and regulations in sustainability, especially those related to BREEAM and LEED certifications. This knowledge will not only enhance your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully implemented sustainability initiatives in past projects. Highlight your ability to influence teams and drive change, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of the Sustainability Lead position.

✨Tip Number 4

Research the company’s current sustainability practices and projects. Understanding their approach will allow you to tailor your conversations and show how your vision aligns with theirs, making you a more attractive candidate.

We think you need these skills to ace Sustainability Lead

Sustainability Expertise
Knowledge of BREEAM and LEED Certifications
Environmental Compliance
Project Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Training and Development Skills
Strategic Thinking
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Carbon Impact Assessment
Adaptability
Influencing Skills
Site Inspection Experience
Passion for Sustainable Innovation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in sustainability within construction projects. Emphasise your familiarity with BREEAM, LEED, and other relevant certifications, as well as any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive environmental performance.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for sustainability and how it aligns with the company's mission. Discuss your proactive approach and provide examples of how you've influenced change in previous roles, particularly in relation to ESG strategies.

Showcase Relevant Skills: Highlight your communication skills and ability to train others in sustainability practices. Mention any experience you have in leading teams or projects, and how you’ve successfully engaged both technical and non-technical audiences.

Demonstrate Your Impact: Use specific examples to illustrate how you've made a tangible impact on sustainability initiatives in past roles. This could include successful project certifications, innovative solutions you've implemented, or training programmes you've developed.

How to prepare for a job interview at Shirley Parsons

✨Show Your Passion for Sustainability

Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for sustainability in construction. Share specific examples of how you've pushed boundaries in previous roles, and be ready to discuss your vision for embedding ESG into project delivery.

✨Demonstrate Your Expertise with Certifications

Be prepared to talk about your experience with BREEAM, LEED, and other relevant certifications. Highlight any successful projects where you led the certification process and how you ensured alignment among stakeholders.

✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently

As a natural communicator, it's essential to convey your ideas clearly. Practice explaining complex sustainability concepts in simple terms, so you can inspire both technical and non-technical audiences during the interview.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to influence others. Think of scenarios where you've had to champion environmental compliance or drive sustainable innovation, and be ready to share how you approached these challenges.

Sustainability Lead
Shirley Parsons
Location: Leeds

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>