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- Tasks: Lead climate action initiatives and oversee sustainability projects in Southwark.
- Company: Southwark Council, committed to tackling the climate emergency.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful work, and a chance to shape a greener future.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in climate change and inspire communities towards sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in climate change leadership and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to creating a just and fair borough.
The predicted salary is between 51000 - 67000 £ per year.
Southwark is one of London’s most diverse and ambitious boroughs, and we’re determined to lead the way in tackling the climate emergency. Our aim is to do everything we can to become carbon neutral by 2030 while adapting the borough to the impacts of a changing climate. As our new Head of Climate Change & Sustainability, you’ll be essential to delivering this ambition. You’ll lead a talented team and oversee delivery of our Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, making sure climate action is at the heart of everything we do. It’s a role with real variety, from shaping policy and managing major energy contracts, to building partnerships that enable change in our communities.
Responsibilities
- Leading Southwark’s Climate Change & Sustainability team
- Overseeing the council’s energy contracts to secure best value and greener outcomes
- Developing innovative projects and securing external funding to maximise impact
- Building strong partnerships with residents, businesses and London-wide networks to accelerate progress
- Acting as a senior representative for the council on climate change both locally and nationally
Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for a leader who can turn bold ambitions into practical action. You’ll bring strong expertise in climate change, sustainability or energy management, alongside the vision to inspire others and the ability to influence at senior levels. You’ll need to be comfortable working in a complex, high-profile environment – making clear decisions, securing investment, and driving measurable results. Above all, you’ll be someone who can lead with purpose and keep Southwark at the forefront of climate action.
Qualifications
You’ll be able to evidence:
- Experience of leading climate change, sustainability or energy programmes at scale
- A track record of shaping strategy and turning it into results
- Strong people leadership skills, with the ability to build rapport and motivate teams
- Political awareness and excellent communication skills to influence at all levels
- Experience of managing budgets and funding programmes
About our service
The Climate Change and Strategic Support division sits within the Environment, Sustainability and Leisure Department. The division includes three distinct teams: Climate Change & Sustainability, Programmes & Change and Performance & Delivery. The division is responsible for a number of Southwark 2030 and the Council Delivery Plan priorities: climate change, energy; departmental programmes, projects, transformation and change; and departmental performance, delivery and business support.
Our climate work spans energy management, climate resilience, community engagement and cross-London partnerships. We’re ambitious about what can be achieved, and we’re proud to be working in a borough that matches that ambition. This is your chance to shape a greener future for Southwark, for London, and for generations to come.
Head of Climate Change & Sustainability in London employer: Southwark Council
Contact Detail:
Southwark Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Climate Change & Sustainability in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the climate change and sustainability sector. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for climate action shine through. Share your ideas and experiences related to sustainability – it’ll help us stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation’s climate initiatives. We should be ready to discuss how our skills can contribute to their goals. Tailoring our responses to align with their mission will show we’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep an eye on new opportunities that pop up, making it easier to stay ahead in the job search game.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Climate Change & Sustainability in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for climate change and sustainability shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in Southwark and beyond!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in leading climate initiatives or energy programmes. We’re looking for someone who can turn bold ambitions into practical action, so connect your past roles to the responsibilities of this position.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. This will help us see your potential impact right away!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details and gives you a chance to explore more about our mission and values.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Council
✨Know Your Climate Change Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and policies in climate change and sustainability. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with Southwark's ambitious goals, especially around becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead teams and influence stakeholders. Think about times when you've successfully motivated a team or secured investment for a project, as this will resonate well with their focus on strong people leadership.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Partnerships
Since building partnerships is key for this role, come prepared with ideas on how you would engage with residents, businesses, and other networks. Share any past experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated to drive change.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex topics like energy management and climate resilience. Being able to communicate effectively at all levels will be crucial, so consider mock interviews to refine your delivery.
