Project Sustainability Lead

ENGINEERINGUK; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job description

Monklands Replacement Project

Location: Glasgow City Centre (initially), transitioning to Airdrie.

Laing O'Rourke is committed to leading innovation and excellence in the construction industry, with sustainability at the heart of our transformation. As part of this vision, we are delivering Scotland's first Net Zero hospital, the Monklands Replacement Project, setting new standards in environmental and social sustainability.

We are seeking a Sustainability Lead to oversee and drive the project's social value, environmental, and whole life carbon strategies. This role is a key driver in delivering Social Value outcomes, alongside leading on environmental and carbon management strategies. You will work closely with project leadership, delivery teams, and the client to ensure that ESG objectives are met while fostering innovation and engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Social Value Leadership - Ensure community benefits, local employment, apprenticeships, and educational initiatives are successfully delivered, minimising contractual penalties and maximising social impact.
2. Strategic Sustainability Planning - Develop and implement a Sustainability Delivery Plan, embedding environmental, carbon, and social value criteria into project decision-making.
3. Team Leadership & Pastoral Support - Line manage and support a growing team of five sustainability professionals, including:
1. 1 Environmental Advisor/Senior
2. 2 Social Value Advisors (1 Senior, 1 Graduate)
3. 1 Whole Life Carbon Advisor (currently reporting to the Carbon Lead, but preference to move under Sustainability Lead)
4. Stakeholder & Client Engagement - Represent sustainability at client meetings, design consultant meetings, and project leadership forums, influencing decision-making at a senior level.
5. Regulatory & Environmental Oversight - Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, water consenting (English/Welsh regulators), BREEAM, ecology management, and subcontractor engagement.
6. Supporting Project Delivery - Provide sustainability guidance across the technical, procurement, and construction teams, ensuring sustainability is embedded into the project methodology.
7. Community Engagement & Public Communication - Work closely with the client's community engagement team, public stakeholders, and regulatory bodies to ensure positive social impact and community involvement.

Key Skills & Experience:

1. Primary expertise in Social Value, with a strong track record in community benefits, apprenticeships, education initiatives, and local employment strategies.
2. Experience in sustainability leadership within a construction or infrastructure setting.
3. Strong understanding of environmental sustainability, carbon management, and ESG reporting.
4. Experience managing stakeholder engagement, particularly with regulators, community groups, and subcontractors.
5. Familiarity with ISO 14001, PAS 2080, and NHS Scotland's SHTN-02-01 (Sustainable Design & Construction Guide).
6. Knowledge of BREEAM, water consenting (English/Welsh regulators), and ecology management is beneficial.
7. Excellent leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills to support a diverse team and engage with senior stakeholders.
8. Degree qualified in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience.

Why Join Us?

1. Lead Social Value and sustainability efforts on Scotland's first Net Zero hospital, delivering real environmental and community impact.
2. Work with an engaged and receptive client, offering opportunities to bring fresh ideas and influence sustainability strategy.
3. Be part of a collaborative and growing sustainability team, embedded within a wider construction team that actively prioritises sustainability.
4. Unique opportunity to work on a hospital project with infrastructure-level environmental and social challenges.
5. Project with strong public investment, delivering long-term benefits for a highly engaged, local community.

If you're a passionate Social Value and sustainability professional looking to make a tangible impact on a landmark project, we'd love to hear from you.