Sustainability Manager

Senior Sustainability Manager - Public & Life Science Sector
Freelance
Construction - Main Contractor

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Sustainability Manager to join a leading construction contractor, supporting key sustainability initiatives within the Public and Life Sciences sector. This is a fantastic opportunity for a driven sustainability professional to lead and manage sustainability strategies across major projects, ensuring meaningful and measurable outcomes while supporting business growth.

The Role:

As a Senior Sustainability Manager, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring that sustainability targets, compliance, and best practices are met across multiple high-profile projects. You will be responsible for overseeing all sustainability aspects, advising senior leadership, and driving innovation in areas such as carbon reduction, circular economy, responsible sourcing, energy efficiency, and sustainable building certifications (BREEAM, WELL, LEED, NABERS).

This is a hands-on role requiring strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, and project management expertise. You will mentor junior team members, support business development efforts, and represent the company externally, driving the sustainability agenda forward.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead sustainability initiatives on live projects, ensuring legal, client, and industry best practices are met.
2. Drive innovation by researching, implementing, and tracking new sustainability strategies that deliver measurable results.
3. Data management - collect, analyse, and report high-quality data, identifying insights to drive performance improvements.
4. Support bid and business development efforts, contributing technical expertise to bids and proposals.
5. Engage with clients, consultants, and supply chain partners, fostering collaboration and sharing best practices.
6. Mentor and support junior sustainability professionals, ensuring their professional growth.
7. Champion sustainability across projects, ensuring carbon metrics and sustainability KPIs align with business objectives.
8. Represent the company externally, attending industry events, thought leadership activities, and client meetings.

Key Skills & Experience Required:

1. A degree in environmental science, sustainability, engineering, or a related field.
2. Membership of a recognized sustainability or environmental body.
3. Extensive experience (5+ years) in sustainability management within the construction industry, preferably within the public sector.
4. Strong knowledge of sustainability principles, legislation, and certifications (BREEAM AP qualification required).
5. Proven track record in developing and implementing sustainability strategies within construction projects.
6. Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage and influence at all levels.
7. Strong project management and leadership abilities, including mentoring and coaching junior professionals.
8. An ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, accessible language.
9. A proactive and self-motivated approach, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Why Apply?

This role offers a unique opportunity to lead sustainability efforts on high-impact projects while working in a dynamic and collaborative environment. You'll have the chance to influence industry's best practices, drive sustainability performance, and contribute to a more sustainable built environment.

If you are a passionate sustainability professional looking to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today.