At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sustainability initiatives and shape our 2030 Sustainability Strategy.
- Company: Join Willmott Dixon, a leader in sustainable construction with a purpose beyond profit.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Flexible location with opportunities to travel and collaborate across England and Wales.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of sustainability, driving innovation and positive change.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in sustainability and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are looking to recruit a National Head of Sustainability. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for ensuring sustainability is a credible differentiator with our customers, setting us apart as the leader in our sector. You will be responsible for shaping our sustainability ambitions across the business and ensuring we collaborate across the Willmott Dixon Group to deliver against our industry leading ambitions set out in our 2030 Sustainability Strategy Now or Never.
Reporting to the Chief Sustainability Officer, you will provide strategic direction, expert guidance and visible leadership on sustainability, environment and social value across our Construction and Interiors businesses. You will work collaboratively with operational, commercial, design and supply chain colleagues to ensure sustainability drives performance, innovation and long‑term value. You will also lead and develop our talented and award winning multi‑disciplinary central sustainability team.
We are looking for someone with a collaborative mindset along with the confidence and ability to influence at all levels. You will combine deep technical expertise with commercial acumen and strong communication skills. You will also champion new ideas, innovation and continuous improvement to help us deliver a better, stronger and tailored offer for our customers. Willmott Dixon is a national business that covers both England and Wales so where you live is less important than your ability to travel to our offices and sites as needed.
Your key responsibilities
- Provide national leadership and strategic direction for sustainability, environment and social value, accelerating delivery of our Now or Never targets.
- Develop new products, services and technical skills to ensure sustainability is a compelling differentiator with our customers and supports business growth.
- Actively contribute to key bids and projects.
- Work with teams across the business to ensure sustainability is integrated into project planning, design, procurement and delivery.
- Lead and develop a high‑performing national sustainability, social value and environmental team.
- Operate efficient and effective environmental, social value and sustainability systems and processes.
- Ensure accurate, timely and decision‑ready sustainability data and reporting.
- Build strong relationships with customers, supply chain partners and industry stakeholders.
- Ensure Willmott Dixon complies with statutory obligations including SRS and SECR as well as demonstrates leadership including achieving CPD A.
- Represent Willmott Dixon externally, raising our profile and shaping sector best practice.
Essential and Desirable Criteria
- Proven senior leadership experience in sustainability.
- Technical expertise across multiple sustainability domains (e.g., carbon, circularity, nature, responsible construction, social value).
- Experience leading and developing multi‑disciplinary teams and building capability across a business.
- Ability to translate strategy into clear programmes and measurable outcomes.
- Excellent communication skills, with confidence representing the business internally and externally.
- Using Microsoft suite of Office programmes; inc, Excel, Word, Outlook and Project.
- Strong commercial acumen and the ability to influence at executive level.
- Construction sector experience with the ability to demonstrate delivery of sustainability related outcomes during the design, procurement and construction of a project.
- Deep understanding of sustainability, social value and/or environmental legislation with a track record of demonstrating compliance.
- Membership of a relevant chartered body.
About Us
With over 170 years of history, Willmott Dixon is a privately owned business with a purpose beyond profit — delivering brilliant buildings, transforming lives, strengthening communities and enhancing the environment for future generations. In 2025, we were recognised by The Sunday Times as one of the Top 10 Big Companies to Work For, ranked in the Top Five of Europe’s 1,000 best workplaces by the Financial Times, and became the first major contractor and developer to win a King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development.
National Head of Sustainability employer: Willmott Dixon
Willmott Dixon is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to sustainability and social value, making it a leader in the construction sector. With a collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and continuous improvement, employees are empowered to drive meaningful change while benefiting from extensive professional development opportunities. The company's recognition as one of the Top 10 Big Companies to Work For and its focus on delivering brilliant buildings and transforming lives make it an inspiring place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land National Head of Sustainability
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that who you know can sometimes be just as important as what you know, so don’t be shy about reaching out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s sustainability initiatives. We want to see your passion for the role, so come armed with ideas on how you can contribute to our 2030 Sustainability Strategy. Show us you mean business!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll need to communicate your vision clearly and confidently. We recommend rehearsing answers to common interview questions, especially those related to sustainability and leadership, so you can shine when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace National Head of Sustainability
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in sustainability and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with our 2030 Sustainability Strategy, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Collaboration Skills:Since this role is all about working with different teams, emphasise your ability to collaborate and influence at all levels. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with diverse groups to drive sustainability initiatives.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your ideas and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Willmott Dixon
✨Know Your Sustainability Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and legislation in sustainability. Be ready to discuss how your technical expertise can align with the company's 2030 Sustainability Strategy. Show them you’re not just knowledgeable but passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led multi-disciplinary teams in the past. Highlight your ability to influence at all levels and how you’ve driven collaboration across different departments. They want to see that you can inspire and lead a talented team.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts on sustainability and social value clearly. Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate your communication skills. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can represent the business both internally and externally.
✨Be Ready to Innovate
Think about new ideas or initiatives you could bring to the table. Prepare to discuss how you can develop new products and services that make sustainability a compelling differentiator. They’ll appreciate your forward-thinking mindset and commitment to continuous improvement.
