Principal Sustainability Consultant

Create Consulting Engineers; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Flexible working arrangements

Enhanced workplace pension

Pet-friendly office

Flexible holiday allowance

Job summary

A sustainability consultancy in Milton Keynes seeks a Principal Sustainability Consultant to lead environmental assessments and projects. This role requires over 8 years of experience in sustainability consultancy, strong client relationships, and the ability to mentor junior team members. The ideal candidate will possess a degree in Engineering or a related field, helping public and private clients with sustainability targets while growing the team and driving innovation.

Qualifications

• 8+ years experience in consultancy, leading sustainability projects.
• Strong knowledge of Building Regulations compliance.
• Experience in conducting lifecycle carbon assessments.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver environmental assessments.
• Lead sustainability projects and consultancy support.
• Develop strong client relationships.

Skills

Client-facing skills

Technical expertise

Collaboration

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Degree in Engineering, Sustainability, Energy, or related subject

Tools

BREEAM Assessor licence

LEED Assessment tools

WELL Certification tools

Job description

We’re looking for a talented and experienced Principal Sustainability Consultant to join our Sustainability team. This senior role will help us deliver a robust package of services to our clients and ensure we continue to provide excellent sustainability, energy and environmental advice.

This is an exciting opportunity to apply your technical expertise and client‑focused approach across a diverse portfolio of projects for both public and private sector clients. You’ll collaborate with like-minded professionals across the UK and play an active role helping to shape a dynamic and growing team.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Plan, coordinate, and deliver environmental assessments (BREEAM, WELL, LEED) from feasibility through to project completion.
• Lead on the day‑to‑day delivery of sustainability projects and provide high‑quality consultancy support to clients and design teams.
• Advising clients and/or the design team on the most cost‑effective and beneficial way to achieve their sustainability targets.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor.
• Prepare validation statements, reports, progress updates, and credit trackers for submission to BRE, and respond to QA review comments to close out non‑conformances.
• Attend and chair – as required – workshops with clients and/or the design teams at key periods such as Detailed Design and Post Construction Review (PCR).
• Undertake site audits during construction, producing accurate records and reports.
• Support bid writing and fee proposals, contributing to the development of new opportunities.
• Mentor and support junior team members to build capability and confidence.
• Play an active role in growing the Sustainability team by driving innovation, delivering technical excellence, and supporting business development.
• Support the integration of sustainability expertise with other environmental and engineering services.

What We’re Looking For

• A degree in Engineering, Sustainability, Energy, or a related subject.
• 8 or more years’ experience in consultancy, with a track record of leading sustainability projects.
• Strong knowledge of Building Regulations compliance and Net Zero carbon strategies.
• Experience in conducting assessments including whole lifecycle carbon and environmental impact assessments.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent client‑facing skills, with experience in developing new opportunities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce high‑quality, clear, and concise reports.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

What Will Help You Stand Out

• A BREEAM Assessor licence (New Construction or Refurbishment & Fit‑Out) and/or BREEAM AP qualification.
• A master’s degree in Sustainable Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Climate Change Management, or a related subject.
• Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv), Chartered Scientist (CSci) or Member/Fellow of the Institution of Environmental Sciences (FIEnvSc).
• Experience in business development and securing new workstreams.
• A working knowledge of social and digital media channels with a view to using these to promote not only your work but also the business.
• Experience delivering CPD or training to internal teams or external audiences.

Why Join Create?

• A competitive salary (based on experience and location) and performance‑based bonus scheme.
• Flexible working arrangements – our guiding principle is simple: if a flexible working arrangement works for you, your manager, and your team, it works for us.
• Pet‑friendly offices – well‑behaved dogs are always welcome.
• Enhanced workplace pension – company makes a 5% contribution.
• Flexible holiday allowance (buy or sell annual leave).
• Role‑related benefits such as a mobile phone and access to a vehicle.
• Two paid professional memberships per year.
• Octopus EV salary sacrifice scheme.
• Cycle to Work salary sacrifice scheme.
• Season ticket loan.
• Clear progression pathways and leadership development.
• Mentoring, CPD and knowledge‑sharing events.
• A collaborative, diverse, and inclusive workplace culture.

How We Define Our Roles

The years of experience outlined below are indicative and serve as a guide. Progression at Create is based not only on time in role but also on technical ability, leadership, and the value you bring to projects, clients, and the wider team.

• Graduate – 0‑2 years’ experience with a relevant degree.
• Engineer / Consultant / Technician – 2‑5 years’ experience in the role or similar with some technical expertise and the ability to work collaboratively with others.
• Senior Engineer / Consultant / Technician – 5‑8 years’ experience in the role or similar with a developing set of skills, clearly identifiable technical expertise and direct experience of managing projects, coordinating with clients and supporting other team members.
• Principal Engineer / Consultant / Technician – 8 or more years’ experience in the role or similar with a robust set of skills, proven technical expertise and an ability to lead projects, coordinate with clients and support other team members.
• Associate Director – 10–15 years’ experience in the role with recognised technical expertise, the ability to lead multiple large projects, coordinate with clients, support and develop other team members and secure future workstreams/projects for the discipline.
• Technical Director – 15 or more years’ experience in the role with recognised technical expertise and authority within the industry. Capable of defining discipline strategy, driving innovation, and ensuring technical excellence across all projects. Proven ability to lead multiple large‑scale or complex schemes, whilst developing and sustaining long‑term client relationships, and actively contributing to business growth.

Diversity and Inclusivity

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups in our industry, and from ex‑armed forces personnel looking to bring their skills and experience into a new career.

If you have specific requirements or need adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know – we’ll do everything we can to accommodate you.

Ready to Apply?

Use the button below to submit your CV and a covering letter telling us why you’re the right fit for this role.

You’re also welcome to include any supporting information – such as example reports or project case studies – that you feel will help us in shortlisting your application.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.