Job description
Head of Sustainability (Government Sector)
Client
A rare and high-level opportunity has arisen for a Head of Sustainability to join our Client's senior leadership team within a major government organisation. Operating across a large and complex estate, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping long-term sustainability strategy, carbon planning, environmental compliance and ESG performance. This is a strategically important position within a high-profile public body, working closely with internal stakeholders, senior government representatives and wider external partners. Due to the sensitive nature of the organisation's work, the successful candidate will be required to undergo Counter-Terrorism Security Checks (CTC) prior to appointment.
The Ideal Person
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate strategic leadership with the ability to drive the development and implementation of the Sustainability Strategy, Carbon Change Plan and Communication & Engagement Strategy. You will have experience ensuring sustainability priorities are embedded across the full asset management process and successfully delivered through capital projects and operational teams. Strong compliance expertise is required, with a clear understanding of energy management, carbon, climate change and wider environmental legislation, including experience developing and implementing accredited management systems. You will demonstrate proven stakeholder engagement, working effectively with internal teams, senior leadership, the Client team and wider organisational stakeholders. You will have the ability to oversee sustainability-related databases and systems such as BEMS, manage sustainability risks and produce high-level reporting for compliance, audit and executive visibility. A track record of innovation in developing solutions to address sustainability risks and challenges within large, complex environments is also essential.
Education & Qualifications
Candidates should hold a suitable Level 6 qualification such as a Bachelor's degree in environmental science, sustainability, engineering, energy or a related field, along with a Level 7 qualification such as a Master's in Sustainability or an MBA with an ESG focus. Relevant technical accreditations are required, including BREEAM Assessor, Environmental Auditor or Energy Auditor, alongside chartered professional membership of an appropriate body such as CIBSE, IEMA or RICS.
Experience
Applicants will typically have 7 to 10 years' experience in sustainability management, ESG strategy or related fields, with leadership experience gained within corporate, public sector, facilities management, estate management or energy-related environments.
Responsibilities
As Head of Sustainability, you will lead a wide range of sustainability, climate and carbon management functions to support organisational objectives. You will drive strategic-level sustainability and ESG direction for a major government estate, oversee compliance with environmental and energy legislation and develop accredited management systems. You will manage sustainability integration across asset management and project delivery, engage with senior leaders, internal stakeholders and external partners at all levels, maintain and develop sustainability data systems and oversee reporting and analysis. You will also identify and manage sustainability-related risks across the organisation and champion innovation and continuous improvement within the sustainability function.
Remuneration
The role offers a salary of up to £60,000 per annum plus an excellent public-sector benefits package.
For further information on this vacancy, or to discuss other Sustainability or Built Environment roles in Northern Ireland, please apply via the link provided or contact Dan Orr in the strictest confidence.
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''The team at VANRATH were extremely helpful in helping me find my new role. They kept me up to date on my application and provided excellent advice throughout the interview process. Overall the process could not have gone smoother or any quicker and I would definitely recommend reaching out to them if you are on the lookout for a new role.''
''I was contacted by VANRATH in regards to a job I had applied for. They were extremely helpful and gave me a number of positions to apply for. They had interviews set up in a number of hours and I secured a position within days. They kept we well informed throughout the process and has continued to touch base after I have started my new role. Couldn't recommend enough.''
