Head of Sustainability - 12 months Maternity Cover

University of West London; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK university is seeking a Head of Sustainability for a maternity cover position. The role requires driving sustainability initiatives and leading the Sustainability Department, ensuring compliance and collaboration across the university. Candidates should possess a degree in sustainability or related field and have a strong background in environmental management. This is a full-time or part-time position with a supportive work environment focused on inclusivity.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level in sustainability and/or environmental management.
• Established track record in sustainability.
• Experience working in cross-functional business teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the University’s Sustainability Department and provide strategic direction.
• Drive operational changes to reduce environmental impact.
• Collaborate to deliver initiatives contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Skills

Sustainability knowledge

Environmental Management Systems

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Communication skills

Education

Degree in sustainability or environmental management

Job description

Overview

The University of West London (UWL) is ranked the best modern* university (non-specialist) in London in the Complete University Guide 2025.

We are ranked 30th university in the UK in The Guardian University Guide 2025, Number 1 London university for overall student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2024 and Best university for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.

The UWL community is a diverse body of students and staff who work together to create an environment of success and achievement. We celebrate the diversity of our staff and promote our values in practice through our commitment to inclusivity, progression, and success.

*University status awarded in or after 1992

The Department

UWL has been widely recognised for its leadership on sustainability; ranking third in the People & Planet League overall and first for Carbon Reduction, as well as being named Environmental Corporate of the Year at West London Business 2024 Awards. The University has ambitious sustainability targets framed by the business strategy Impact 2028 and the commitment to become a Net Zero institution (scopes 1 and 2) by 2030.

The Role

Reporting to the Pro Vice Chancellor Property and Sustainability this role is to provide maternity cover for a 12-month fixed term contract as Head of Sustainability; leading the University''s Sustainability Department and providing strategic direction across the three pillars of sustainability: Environment, Social and Economic.

In the context of global efforts and agreements on climate change, growing emphasis on sustainability within higher education and a refreshed Sustainability Strategy at UWL, you will work with staff and students across the University, from key operational staff to our leading academics, as well as external partners, to further our sustainability performance.

This role will lead multiple workstreams to drive operational and behavioural changes throughout the University, reducing the environmental impact of the University's activities, ensuring statutory compliance and collaborating across the University to deliver and report on initiatives which contribute more broadly towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The position is open to both full-time and part-time (0.6+ FTE) candidates.

The Person

• You will be educated to degree level in a subject related to sustainability and/or environmental management.
• You will have an established track record in sustainability, with deep knowledge and understanding across a breadth of sustainability issues. This should include Green House Gas emissions and carbon reduction strategies, Environmental Management Systems, reporting, stakeholder engagement and behavioural change.
• You will be a confident people leader, well versed in managing high-quality teams and upholding a culture of ambition and continuous improvement.
• You will have experience of working in cross-functional business teams and have excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate and positively influence a wide range of stakeholders and colleagues at all levels.
• You will be a self-starter, confident in initiating, progressing and monitoring projects by utilising excellent leadership, organisation and time management skills.
• You will be committed to improving our environment and sustainability within the higher education sector.

How to Apply

To apply click on 'Apply Online' and fill out the application form. Further information about the application process can be found here: 1253

Please email [e-mail] if you need any assistance with the application process.

Interviews are expected to be held in the week commencing Monday 20th October 2025.

For informal enquiries about the position please contact Grace Hunter, Head of Sustainability, [e-mail].

Additional Information

Read more about working at the University of West London at 1253

Our department is under-represented in terms of staff from minority ethnic backgrounds, of LGBTQIA+ identities, and with disabilities. UWL is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter, and is a Disability Confident Employer. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, particularly those mentioned above to increase diversity in our workforce.

Please note we do not reimburse travel expenses for job interview.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

Please be advised that it is expected that appointment within a grade will normally be at the minimum point.

We will intermittently review the applications as part of this open advert, therefore if successful, you will be shortlisted and contacted at any time.

The University of West London reserves the right to close the role prior to this date should a suitable applicant be found.