Head of Climate Change & Sustainability

Southwark Council; England; On-site; GBP 59,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent local authority in England is seeking a Head of Climate Change & Sustainability. In this role, you will lead a motivated team to implement the Climate Change Strategy and oversee energy contracts, ensuring measurable impact. The ideal candidate should have strong leadership, expertise in climate action, and the ability to influence at senior levels. This is a unique opportunity to shape a greener future for the borough alongside vibrant communities. Competitive salary offered up to £74,040.

Qualifications

• Experience leading climate change or sustainability programs at scale.
• Track record of shaping strategy and achieving results.
• Strong people leadership and motivation skills.
• Ability to influence at senior levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Climate Change & Sustainability team.
• Oversee energy contracts for better outcomes.
• Develop innovative projects and secure funding.
• Build partnerships to accelerate climate actions.

Skills

Leadership in climate change

Sustainability management

Energy management

Communication skills

Political awareness

Job description

Southwark is one of London’s most diverse and ambitious boroughs, and we’re determined to lead the way in tackling the climate emergency. Our aim is to do everything we can to become carbon neutral by 2030 while adapting the borough to the impacts of a changing climate.

As our new Head of Climate Change & Sustainability, you’ll be essential to delivering this ambition. You’ll lead a talented team and oversee delivery of our Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, making sure climate action is at the heart of everything we do. It’s a role with real variety, from shaping policy and managing major energy contracts, to building partnership that enables change in our communities.

Responsibilities

• Leading Southwark’s Climate Change & Sustainability team
• Overseeing the council’s energy contracts to secure best value and greener outcomes
• Developing innovative projects and securing external funding to maximise impact
• Building strong partnerships with residents, businesses and London-wide networks to accelerate progress
• Acting as a senior representative for the council on climate change both locally and nationally

Who we're looking for

We’re looking for a leader who can turn bold ambitions into practical action. You’ll bring strong expertise in climate change, sustainability or energy management, alongside the vision to inspire others and the ability to influence at senior levels.

You’ll need to be comfortable working in a complex, high-profile environment – making clear decisions, securing investment, and driving measurable results. Above all, you’ll be someone who can lead with purpose and keep Southwark at the forefront of climate action.

Qualifications

You’ll be able to evidence:

• Experience of leading climate change, sustainability or energy programmes at scale
• A track record of shaping strategy and turning it into results
• Strong people leadership skills, with the ability to build rapport and motivate teams
• Political awareness and excellent communication skills to influence at all levels
• Experience of managing budgets and funding programmes

About our service

The Climate Change and Strategic Support division sits within the Environment, Sustainability and Leisure Department. The division includes three distinct teams: Climate Change & sustainability, Programmes & Change and Performance & Delivery. The division is responsible for a number of Southwark 2030 and the Council Delivery Plan priorities: climate change, energy; departmental programmes, projects, transformation and change; and departmental performance, delivery and business support.

Our climate work spans energy management, climate resilience, community engagement and cross-London partnerships. We’re ambitions about what can be achieved, and we’re proud to be working in a borough that matches that ambition.

This is your chance to shape a greener future for Southwark, for London, and for generations to come.

Additional Information

Southwark Council is the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues such as The Shard, The Tate Modern and Borough Market along with many social enterprises and we have a young, diverse, and growing population.

At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities.

Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together, (which is our work with Southwark’s communities and the council’s staff to tackle racism, injustice and inequality) underpins all that we do.

Advert Details

Salary Range: £59,526 - £74,040
Application Closing Date: 11.59pm on the 26th of October 2025

Guaranteed Interview Scheme

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care or have previously been in care.
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role, in which case we will move the key dates for the process. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.