About the role
We have an exciting opportunity for an inspiring environmental sustainability champion to lead our environmental sustainability work to ensure that it is prioritised across Sustrans.
Environmental sustainability is engrained in Sustrans’ vision and mission. We aspire to be pioneers in environmental best practice within our sector. We have identified ambitious targets for carbon reduction, are developing a far-reaching biodiversity plan, are seeking opportunities to follow circular economy best practice and are identifying how and where we need to adapt our infrastructure to take account of likely future climate change.
As the Head of Environmental Sustainability, you will lead work with other senior colleagues to ensure environmental sustainability is prioritised across Sustrans. You will lead change by influencing colleagues throughout the organisation. You will be responsible for developing targets for environmental performance and agreeing these with leadership teams and supporting them in embedding environmental sustainability throughout Sustrans’ operations.
You will lead work to implement an overarching environmental strategy, feeding into Sustrans’ wider strategy and will oversee the delivery of a relevant action plan to deliver our ambitious objectives in this area. The plan includes steps to continue to improve the sustainability of our operations, construction and procurement processes, as well as to provide expert advice to colleagues working in other areas and embed a culture of environmental sustainability across the organisation.
This role will require occasional travel and work at locations across the UK but can be based from home, anywhere in the UK within reasonable distance of one of our hubs.
About you
You will be strategically focused and have proven experience of achieving impactful environmental improvements within a large and complex organisation. We will look for evidence of your experience in developing and implementing a strategic sustainability framework including effective systems, controls, measurement, reporting and governance mechanisms.
You will be a skilled communicator and build relationships easily, allowing you to work effectively with and influence senior leaders, and a range of internal and external partners, to deliver transformational change at an organisational level.
You will combine your experience and knowledge with the enthusiasm and passion of our colleagues, supporters and volunteers to accelerate progress towards Sustrans delivering a net positive impact on the environment.
We aim to be a truly inclusive employer and welcome applications from people from all parts of the community, in particular from under-represented groups. Sustrans is committed to reducing inequality, valuing diversity and enabling inclusion.
Why work for us?
At Sustrans we're all here to change things, working towards a vision of a society where the way we travel creates healthier places and happier lives for everyone.
You will be part of an incredible community of talented, creative problem solvers who are as passionate about environmental sustainability as you are, all working together to change things for the better.
We act locally and think big – you will be questioning the status quo and daring to imagine a different world. You will work on exciting, impactful projects that will stretch and empower you and you'll be rewarded by seeing the difference you make to people, communities and the planet.
We believe including everyone is central to who we are and what we want to achieve. We welcome difference and pride ourselves on creating a culture where you can be yourself and where your wellness is supported.
You will be guaranteed to make friends for life and work with a team that is incredibly flexible, supportive, ethical and fun.
What we offer
Wellbeing
28 days’ leave per annum plus bank holidays for full-time working
Ability to buy an extra week of annual leave (pro-rata for part-time staff)
Staff volunteer days
24/7 free, impartial and confidential support service
We are members of the Green Commute Initiative and Cycle Scheme who both offer cycle to work schemes
Financial
Group Personal Pension scheme with a 5% or 6% of basic salary contribution being matched by Sustrans.
Bike, computer and season ticket loans.
Discount benefits.
London Weighting Allowance of £4,195 for all those living within a London Borough (32 local authority districts plus the City of London).
Death in service benefit - 3 times annual salary.
Family Friendly
Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
Flexible Working practices (full time hours are 37.5 per week, Monday - Friday)
Additional information
Closing date for the receipt of completed applications is 12:00, 26 November 2023.
Interviews will take place via MS Teams during the week commencing 04 December 2023