Associate Director - Sustainability

Mace; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy firm in London is seeking an experienced Associate Director to lead carbon estimation and strategy for major infrastructure programs. The ideal candidate will excel in developing carbon strategies, managing a specialized team, and influencing key stakeholders. Experience in carbon management, sustainability legislation, and business development is essential. This role offers opportunities for hybrid working arrangements and contributes to impactful environmental initiatives.

Qualifications

• Experience leading carbon strategy for infrastructure projects.
• Chartered environmentalist credential or equivalent.
• Knowledge of environmental legislation and UK regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead carbon estimation and strategy development.
• Manage a specialist team for carbon accounting.
• Drive business development initiatives in sustainability.

Skills

Carbon management

Stakeholder engagement

Business development

Technical leadership

Client relationship management

Education

Undergraduate degree in environmental or related discipline

Postgraduate qualification in environmental management or alike

Tools

Whole-life carbon estimation methodologies

Carbon accounting standards

Job description

At Mace, our purpose is to redefine the boundaries of ambition. We believe in creating places that are responsible, bringing transformative impact to our people, communities and societies across the globe. To learn more about our purpose, culture, and priorities, visit our strategy site.

Within our consult business we harness our unique combination of leading-edge practical expertise and project delivery consultancy to unlock the potential in every project.

Our values shape the way we consult, and define the people we want to join us on our journey, they are:

• Safety First - Going home safe and well
• Client Focus - Deliver on our promise
• Integrity - Always do the right thing
• Create Opportunity - For our people to excel

Mace is seeking an experienced and driven Associate Director to lead the carbon estimation and strategy development for a major infrastructure programme. As the carbon lead, you will play a pivotal role in developing and implementing whole‑life carbon estimation methodologies, shaping the programme’s carbon strategy, and driving innovation in low‑carbon solutions.

You will manage a specialist team, working collaboratively with clients, designers, and contractors to ensure accurate and transparent carbon accounting across all stages of the programme lifecycle. This role requires strong technical expertise in carbon management, excellent stakeholder engagement skills, and the ability to influence decision‑making to achieve ambitious sustainability targets. Internally, you will contribute to business growth through work‑winning, bidding leadership, and client relationship development within the infrastructure market.

You’ll be responsible for:

For our clients:

• Managing the development of carbon estimation frameworks and tools for the programme.
• Embedding carbon considerations into design, procurement, and delivery processes.
• Applying the principles of whole‑life carbon and cost assessments to the development of design.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant standards and best practice in carbon accounting.
• Driving continuous improvement and innovation to reduce whole‑life carbon impacts.
• Providing strategic advice to clients and senior stakeholders on carbon performance and reporting.

For our business:

• Managing work‑winning and bidding activities, developing compelling environmental propositions and methodologies for infrastructure clients.
• Driving business development initiatives in the sustainability and infrastructure sectors, identifying opportunities for growth and maintaining strong relationships with key accounts.
• Providing technical leadership and mentoring to consultants and junior team members, fostering a high‑performance culture within the sustainability team.
• Contributing to service development and thought leadership, shaping Mace’s approach to environmental sustainability in the infrastructure sector.
• Supporting delivery of the wider sustainability business plan, working in collaboration with market and service leads to achieve strategic growth objectives.

You’ll also have:

• Undergraduate degree in an environmental, sustainability, or infrastructure‑related discipline (e.g., environmental science, geography, engineering, or similar).
• Postgraduate qualification in a related or adjacent field (e.g., environmental management, climate policy, or infrastructure planning) is desirable.
• Chartered environmentalist (CEnv) or full chartered member of ISEP (formally, IEMA) - or equivalent that reflects carbon management.
• Proven experience leading carbon strategy and compliance on complex infrastructure or capital projects.
• Strong working knowledge of environmental legislation, PAS 2080, ISO 14001, and UK regulatory frameworks.
• Demonstrable experience in client‑facing roles, including influencing senior stakeholders and building long‑term relationships.
• Experience in business development, bidding, and strategic market growth.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all of the criteria, please apply as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organisation.

We are also open to discussing part time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable within the role.