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- Tasks: Lead sustainability initiatives and drive environmental strategy for WPS.
- Company: WPS is a leading family-owned company focused on sustainable development and property maintenance.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, autonomy, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Join us to shape a greener future and influence change at the highest levels.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in sustainability with strong analytical and communication skills required.
- Other info: Basic DBS check needed; we value diversity and inclusivity in our hiring process.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
This is a Full Time/Flexible Working , Permanent vacancy that will close in 17 days at 23:59 BST .
The Vacancy
Are you ready to lead the charge toward a greener, more sustainable future? WPS is looking for a visionary Head of Sustainability to drive our environmental strategy and embed sustainability at the heart of everything we do.
About the Role
As Head of Sustainability, you’ll shape and deliver an industry-leading strategy that positions WPS as the most environmentally sustainable business in our sector. Reporting directly to the WPS Board Member accountable for sustainability, you’ll influence decisions at the highest level, collaborate across the business and supply chain, and lead a passionate team to deliver real, measurable impact.
- Refine and lead the delivery of WPS’s environmental strategy in line with our Environmental Sustainability Plan.
- Embed environmental performance into customer offerings and financial decision-making.
- Collaborate with Group leaders, clients, and suppliers to drive systemic change and deliver net zero, nature-positive outcomes.
- Analyse and forecast environmental impact to prioritise high-impact initiatives.
- Build and lead a high-performing sustainability team and foster a culture of innovation and accountability.
- Represent WPS on the Wates Group sustainability leadership team and contribute to group-wide progress.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Win work by aligning sustainability with client ambitions and strategic goals.
- Ensure compliance with environmental legislation and drive continuous improvement.
- Engage and influence senior leaders to embed sustainability into culture, performance, and decision-making.
- Set and track ambitious environmental targets, reporting progress to the board and wider business.
What We’re Looking For
- Graduate calibre with 5+ years’ experience in sustainability, ideally in the built environment.
- Proven technical expertise in environmental management and low-carbon strategy.
- Strong commercial acumen and analytical skills.
- Excellent communicator and relationship builder, able to influence at all levels.
- Passionate, self-motivated, and committed to making a difference.
Why Join WPS?
This is your opportunity to lead transformational change in a business that’s serious about sustainability. You’ll have the platform, support, and autonomy to shape the future of WPS—and the built environment.
Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant\’s criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks.
One of the Recruitment Team will be in contact to discuss the role in more detail and advise of the next step.
Work for Wates
Wates is one of the UK’s leading family-owned development, building and property maintenance companies. Founded over 125 years ago, we have a proud legacy in the built environment.
We are driven by our purpose, ‘reimagining places for people to thrive’ and our three promises:
Thriving places – working with customers, partners and communities to create places that are more sustainable, inclusive, and full of opportunity.
Thriving planet – protecting nature and taking action on climate change by collaborating and innovating with our partners.
Thriving people – creating opportunities and relationships so that everyone who works for and with us feels included, invested in, and treated with care.
We are proud to be recognised as Gold Investors in People and as a Disability Confident employer. We also ensure that our recruitment processes do not treat anyone less favourably due to an offending background.
Awards
BEST PROJECT
BEST PROJECT
Inside Housing Development Awards
WINNER
WINNER
2022 Construction News Awards Winner
GOLD AWARD
GOLD AWARD
Investors in People 2022
GOLD AWARD
GOLD AWARD
Considerate Constructors Schemes (CCS) National Site Awards
TOP 50 EMPLOYERS
TOP 50 EMPLOYERS
2022 Top 50 Employers for Women
WINNER
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Sustainability employer: Wates Group
Contact Detail:
Wates Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Sustainability
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the sustainability sector. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with like-minded individuals and potential collaborators. Building relationships can open doors and provide insights into the role and company culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest trends and regulations in sustainability, especially within the built environment. This knowledge will not only enhance your discussions during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the field and your proactive approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully implemented sustainability initiatives in previous roles. Highlight measurable outcomes and your ability to influence stakeholders, as this aligns with the responsibilities of the Head of Sustainability position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research WPS's current sustainability efforts and challenges. Tailor your conversations to show how your vision and experience can directly contribute to their goals, making you a more attractive candidate for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sustainability
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Sustainability position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in sustainability, particularly in the built environment. Emphasise your achievements in environmental management and low-carbon strategy to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for sustainability and your vision for the role. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you can contribute to WPS's environmental strategy.
Highlight Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team and influencing senior leaders, make sure to highlight your leadership experience and ability to drive change. Provide examples of how you've successfully led initiatives or teams in the past.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wates Group
✨Research WPS's Sustainability Initiatives
Before the interview, dive deep into WPS's current sustainability projects and initiatives. Understanding their Environmental Sustainability Plan will allow you to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare to Discuss Your Vision
As a Head of Sustainability, you'll need to articulate your vision for embedding sustainability within the company. Think about innovative strategies you've implemented in the past and be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven change in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires leading a passionate team, so be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Share experiences where you've successfully built and motivated teams, and how you've fostered a culture of accountability and innovation in sustainability.
✨Engage with Questions
Prepare insightful questions that show your understanding of the challenges WPS faces in sustainability. Asking about their future goals or how they measure success in their environmental initiatives can demonstrate your strategic thinking and commitment to the role.
