At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to creating a just and fair borough.
- 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.
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
Southwark Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to leading the charge against climate change in one of London’s most vibrant boroughs. With a strong commitment to employee development, a collaborative work culture, and a focus on social justice, we empower our team to make a tangible impact on the community while fostering innovation and sustainability. Join us in shaping a greener future and enjoy the unique opportunity to work in a diverse environment that values every voice and strives for equity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Climate Change & 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 Southwark Council 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 Southwark Council 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 Southwark Council. 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 Southwark Council when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Climate Change & 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 Southwark Council'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 Climate Change & 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 Southwark Council 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 Southwark Council 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 Climate Change & Sustainability.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Council
✨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 Southwark Council.
✨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 Southwark Council.
✨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 Southwark Council. 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.
