Head of Environment and Sustainability

United Living Group; England; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits package

Opportunities for career progression

Job summary

United Living Group is seeking a Head of Environment & Sustainability to lead and implement an environmental strategy across operations in the UK. This role emphasizes minimizing environmental impact while supporting long-term infrastructure resilience and regulatory compliance in water and gas projects.

With responsibilities covering sustainability strategies, compliance, and team leadership, candidates should possess extensive experience and strong qualifications in sustainability practices. The position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for career progression.

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience in environment/sustainability roles within infrastructure or construction.
• In-depth knowledge of UK environmental legislation and standards.
• Experience implementing and managing environmental policies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive sustainability strategy.
• Ensure full compliance with environmental regulations and standards.
• Drive environmental awareness and training programmes.

Skills

Environmental Protection

Carbon Reduction

Sustainable Infrastructure Delivery

Stakeholder Engagement

Leadership

Education

Chartered or working towards membership of IEMA, CIWEM

Postgraduate qualification (MSc)

Tools

ISO 14001

Job description

Head of Environment & Sustainability

Our Utilities Infrastructure business is looking for a Head of Environment & Sustainability to lead and embed a forward‑thinking environmental and sustainability strategy across our operations. This role will drive sustainable delivery across water and gas infrastructure projects, ensuring we minimise environmental impact while supporting long‑term infrastructure resilience and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive sustainability strategy aligned with the organisation’s values, with a strong emphasis on environmental protection, carbon reduction, and sustainable infrastructure delivery across water and gas networks.
• Create and implement robust environmental policies and practices that embed sustainable, low‑impact working methods across pipeline, civils, and utilities operations.
• Ensure full compliance with environmental regulations and industry standards within the utilities sector. Conduct audits and prepare detailed sustainability and environmental performance reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal teams, supply chain partners, clients, and regulatory bodies to promote sustainability initiatives and deliver environmentally responsible infrastructure solutions.
• Monitor, analyse, and report on key sustainability metrics including carbon emissions, energy use, waste, and environmental performance across water and gas projects.
• Lead the implementation of a carbon accounting system to capture Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, enabling data‑driven decisions and supporting science‑based targets and net‑zero commitments.
• Identify and mitigate environmental risks associated with pipeline, civils, and utilities activities, ensuring minimal ecological impact and sustainable project delivery.
• Drive environmental awareness and training programmes to embed a strong sustainability culture across the organisation and project teams.
• Research and implement innovative technologies and practices to enhance sustainability performance, particularly in water and gas infrastructure delivery.

Essential Qualifications

• Chartered or working towards membership of IEMA, CIWEM or equivalent.
• 10+ years’ experience in environment/sustainability roles within infrastructure or construction.
• Strong expertise in EIA, carbon reduction, climate resilience, biodiversity net gain.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams and influencing senior stakeholders.
• In‑depth knowledge of UK environmental legislation and standards.
• Experience implementing and managing ISO 14001.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Commercial awareness and ability to embed sustainability into project delivery.

Desirable Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification (MSc or equivalent).
• Experience working on major infrastructure programmes or frameworks.
• ESG reporting and sustainability strategy development experience.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for career progression aligned with the company’s growth.
• Immediate interview for qualified candidates.