Head of Sustainability (Government Sector)

VanRath; Northern Ireland; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Head of Sustainability for a major government organisation in Northern Ireland. This pivotal role involves shaping strategy, ensuring compliance with environmental legislation, and engaging with stakeholders. The ideal candidate has 7-10 years of experience in sustainability and holds relevant qualifications. Competitive salary up to £60,000 plus excellent public-sector benefits accompany this strategic position.

Benefits

Excellent public-sector benefits package

Qualifications

• 7-10 years experience in sustainability management or ESG strategy.
• Experience in corporate, public sector, or energy-related sectors.

Responsibilities

• Lead numerous sustainability and carbon management functions.
• Drive strategic sustainability and ESG direction.
• Oversee compliance with environmental and energy legislation.
• Manage sustainability integration across asset management.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Stakeholder Engagement

Innovation

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental science, sustainability, engineering, or related field

Master's in Sustainability or MBA with ESG focus

Technical accreditations (e.g., BREEAM Assessor)

Job description

Head of Sustainability (Government Sector)

CLIENT

A rare and high-level opportunity has arisen for a Head of Sustainability to join our Client's senior leadership team within a major government organisation. Operating across a large and complex estate, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping long-term sustainability strategy, carbon planning, environmental compliance and ESG performance. This is a strategically important position within a high-profile public body, working closely with internal stakeholders, senior government representatives, and wider external partners. Due to the sensitive nature of the organisation's work, the successful candidate will be required to undergo Counter-Terrorism Security Checks (CTC) prior to appointment.

The Ideal Person

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

Strategic Leadership

Ability to drive the development and implementation of the Sustainability Strategy, Carbon Change Plan and Communication & Engagement Strategy.

Alignment & Integration with Asset Management

Experience ensuring sustainability priorities are embedded across the full asset management process and successfully delivered through capital projects and operational teams.

Compliance Expertise

Strong understanding of energy management, carbon, climate change and wider environmental legislation, including experience developing and implementing accredited management systems.

Stakeholder Engagement

Proven experience engaging with internal teams, senior leadership, the Client team, and wider organisational stakeholders.

Data & Reporting

Ability to oversee sustainability-related databases and systems (such as BEMS), manage sustainability risks and produce high-level reporting for compliance, audit and executive visibility.

Innovation

A track record of developing innovative solutions to address sustainability risks and challenges within large, complex environments.

Education & Qualifications

• A suitable Level 6 qualification (Bachelor's degree) in environmental science, sustainability, engineering, energy or related field.
• A Level 7 qualification (e.g., Master's in Sustainability or MBA with ESG focus).
• Relevant technical accreditations such as BREEAM Assessor, Environmental Auditor, Energy Auditor.

Professional Membership

• Chartered professional membership of an appropriate body such as CIBSE, IEMA or RICS.

Experience

• 7-10 years experience in sustainability management, ESG strategy or related fields.
• Leadership experience within corporate, public sector, facilities management, estate management or energy-related settings.

Responsibilities

As Head of Sustainability, you will have numerous responsibilities including:

• Leading a wide range of sustainability, climate and carbon management functions to support organisational objectives.
• Driving strategic-level sustainability and ESG direction for a major government estate.
• Overseeing compliance with environmental and energy legislation, and developing accredited management systems.
• Managing sustainability integration across asset management and project delivery.
• Engaging with senior leaders, internal stakeholders and external partners at all levels.
• Maintaining and developing sustainability data systems and overseeing the production of reporting and analysis.
• Identifying and managing sustainability-related risks across the organisation.
• Championing innovation and continuous improvement within the sustainability function.

Remuneration

Up to £60,000 per annum + an excellent public-sector benefits package.

For further information on this vacancy, or any other Sustainability or Built Environment role in Northern Ireland, please apply via the link below or contact Dan Orr in the strictest confidence.