Head of Sustainability

As the Head of Sustainability, you will have an integral part to play to manage and direct the Sustainability function to support ZTP achieve its goals. In this role, you will oversee three specialized teams: one focused on ESG Enable, one dedicated to data and reporting and the other looking after our net zero offerings. This role is responsible for ensuring that customer needs and satisfaction are optimised while ensuring ZTP’s objectives and goals are met. Furthermore, this role is responsible for growing and expanding the Sustainability function, including strategic direction, business development, and establishing the team as a core offering within the company. In this role you will design and implement impactful environmental solutions, supporting our clients in reducing carbon footprints, optimising resource efficiency, and embedding sustainable practices. ZTP want their net zero offering to not only meet regulatory standards but to set the industry benchmark for green, future-proof operations. Key Responsibilities: *Lead the Sustainability teams, fostering a high-performance culture. Set goals for the team that align with the Consultancy and wider ZTP goals. *Mentor and develop team members, promoting professional growth and ensuring high performance standards. Provide training to the team, as part of continuous improvement measures. *Effectively manage resource allocation, workload distribution, and project assignments to optimise team productivity and client satisfaction. *Implement a quality assurance process for client deliverables, to ensure accuracy and data completeness. *Develop and implement ZTP’s net zero offering, creating a net zero strategy and tactical plans with clear goals, objectives, and measurements. *Develop and implement energy management strategies to optimize energy usage and reduce costs and carbon. Conduct energy audits and assessments to identify areas for improvement. *Collaborate with clients to develop and implement energy-saving initiatives and projects. *Lead on the development and maintenance of sustainability policies and plans for specifying reductions in carbon and reliance on vital resources including energy, water and oil. *Ensure the delivery of energy consumption data analysis to track performance and identify trends, reports on energy-saving initiatives, and on energy performance and savings. *Provide technical support and guidance to clients on energy-related matters. *Support clients to integrate sustainability into business processes and decision-making. *Monitor and report on sustainability performance metrics, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards. *Engage with stakeholders to promote sustainability awareness and practices. *Identify and pursue opportunities for sustainability innovation and improvement. *Manage environmental reporting and communication with stakeholders. *Identify opportunities and make recommendations for improving ESG workstreams *Lead the development of ZTP’s PPA offering – identify potential energy developers; analyse market trends, regulatory changes, and pricing mechanisms; assess risks, including market, credit, and operational risks, related to PPAs; design PPA structures that align with the needs of both buyers and sellers; present PPA proposals to various stakeholders. *Liaise with ZTP stakeholders to ensure the PPA is contracted, traded and managed. *Develop and update ESG procedures, in line with regulations, guidance and best practice standards. For example, SECR and TCFD disclosures. *Ensure the development of regular and consistent internal and external KPI/SLA reporting. *Conduct external assurance services for clients. For example, verification of GHG emissions to meet ISO 14064. *Project manage Quality Assurance checks and audit trails for client deliverables, to ensure there are no omissions or misstatements. For example, Scope 1, 2 and 3 calculations and reports; climate scenario analysis; and net-zero strategies. *Drive innovation in the teams’ processes, leveraging our software. *Stay updated with industry trends, regulations, best practices and developments, to ensure compliance and competitiveness, and so that the ZTP systems and products are being developed to meet our clients’ requirements. *Drive operational efficiency and effectiveness across the team, optimising processes, systems, and resources to maximise productivity and minimise costs. *Ensure compliance with relevant sustainability regulations and standards. Monitor changes in legislation and industry best practices, advising the business on necessary adjustments to policies and procedures. *Represent the company in environmental forums and with regulatory bodies. *Collaborate with the Sales and Account Management teams to understand client requirements and develop tailored sustainability products and services. *Provide expert advice and guidance to clients to support them in achieving their sustainability goals. *Work closely with Account Management teams to ensure client satisfaction and retention. *Present strategies to clients or prospective clients, explaining complex concepts in a clear and actionable manner. *Develop and maintain strong relationships with energy suppliers to enable the effective delivery of contracted services *Collaborate with the Consultancy Leadership Team to ensure consistently high standards of service and product excellence. Key Skills and Competencies: Essential: *Strong understanding of gas and power markets, including supply and demand dynamics, market participants. *Strong understanding of energy efficiency, and reduction products and services. *Experience of carbon footprint calculations including Scope 1 +2 and SECR reporting *Experience of producing Scope 3 Inventories *Experience reporting & compliance schemes such as CDP *Understanding of renewable energy technologies (solar, wind, storage). Desirable: *Knowledge of regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements in the UK energy market is desirable. Skills & Abilities: *Excellent leadership and people management skills. *Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. *Good financial acumen – proficient in financial modelling and energy forecasting. *Exceptional negotiation and contract management skills. *Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts to non-experts. *Strong planning and prioritisation skills. *Build and manage interpersonal relationships at all levels *Emotional intelligence *Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. *Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential situations with tact, professionalism, and diplomacy *Excellent quantitative and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex information and identify opportunities. *Proactive and think outside the box *Works well under pressure *Critical thinking and problem-solving *Strategic thinking *Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and time management *Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, managing multiple tasks and priorities effectively. Experience Required: Essential: *10 years+ experience in energy. Knowledge of policies, such as Contracts for Difference (CfDs), Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs) and REMA. *2+ years of experience in consultancy or analytical roles, focusing on carbon or broader environmental management. *Experience of creating and leading Net Zero Strategy development and reporting Science Based Targets. *Proven experience in energy management, preferably within the energy sector. *Proven track record in leading teams and delivering strategic initiatives. Desirable: *Minimum 5+ years’ experience as a senior leader (managing multiple teams) Education/ Qualifications & Training: *Degree in Environmental Science, Energy Management, Sustainability, or a related field. – Qualified Energy Manager – ESOS auditor Other Characteristics: *Willingness to accept other duties as assigned *Ability to travel and to work overtime as needed *Demonstrates discretion and the capability to handle sensitive and highly confidential information. Personal Qualities: *Personal style that is in line with the ZTP culture, values and behaviours *Act as a brand ambassador and communicate respectfully and effectively with all stakeholders across the business *Structured problem solving, analysis & methodical mindset *Self-motivated individual with initiative to prioritize workloads and tasks *Commercial awareness *Patient *Creative *Positive attitude to continuously improve *Manage multiple projects at the same time *High degree of independent judgement *Resilience and adaptable to change *Positive attitude ZTP Company Benefits: *Competitive Compensation Package *Annual Leave that increases by 1 day for each year of service (Up to 25 days) *Vision Reimbursement *EAP with Health Assured *Flu Vaccine Reimbursement *Nursery & Childcare Salary Sacrifice Scheme *Pension *Family Friendly Policies *Remote Working *Flexible Working Options *We Work Office Membership *1 Hour Lunch break (1pm to 2pm) *Quarterly Team Get Togethers *Wellbeing Committee *Recognition Scheme *Referral Scheme *Cycle to Work Scheme *1 Day Paid for Volunteering to Support Local Community *Home Office Set Up *Travel Expenses Reimbursed by ZTP *Learning & Development Opportunities *Career Pathways & Promotion Opportunities