Project Sustainability Lead

Laing O'Rourke; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm is seeking a Sustainability Lead to drive the social value and sustainability strategies for Scotland's first Net Zero hospital, the Monklands Replacement Project. This critical position will focus on delivering significant environmental and community benefits while ensuring compliance with ESG objectives and regulatory standards. The successful candidate will manage a growing team of sustainability professionals and engage with various stakeholders to maximize social impact and innovation.

Qualifications

• Experience in sustainability leadership within construction.
• Strong track record in community benefits and local employment strategies.
• Knowledge of environmental sustainability and ESG reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead social value and sustainability efforts on Scotland's first Net Zero hospital.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and manage stakeholder engagement.
• Oversee and drive social value, environmental, and carbon strategies.

Skills

Social Value

Community Benefits

Stakeholder Engagement

Environmental Sustainability

Carbon Management

Leadership

Communication

Strategic Thinking

Education

Degree in relevant discipline

Job description

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Location: Glasgow City Centre (initially), transitioning to Airdrie.

Laing O'Rourke is committed to leading innovation and excellence in the construction industry, with sustainability at the heart of our transformation. As part of this vision, we are delivering Scotland's first Net Zero hospital , the Monklands Replacement Project , setting new standards in environmental and social sustainability.

We are seeking a Sustainability Lead to oversee and drive the project's social value, environmental, and whole life carbon strategies. This role is a key driver in delivering Social Value outcomes , alongside leading on environmental protection and minimising construction embodied carbon emissions. You will work closely with project leadership, delivery teams, and the client to ensure that ESG objectives are met while fostering innovation and engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Social Value Leadership – Ensure community benefits, local employment, apprenticeships, local economic support and educational initiatives are successfully delivered, minimising contractual penalties and maximising social impact.
• Strategic Sustainability Planning – Maintain and improve the Sustainability Delivery appraoch , embedding environmental, carbon, and social value criteria into project decision-making.
• Team Leadership & Pastoral Support – Line manage and support a growing team of five sustainability professionals , including:
• 1 Whole Life Carbon Advisor (currently reporting to the Carbon Lead, but preference to move under Sustainability Lead)
• Stakeholder & Client Engagement – Represent sustainability at client meetings, design consultant meetings, and project leadership forums , influencing decision-making at a senior level.
• Regulatory & Environmental Oversight – Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, consenting (Scottish regulators), project sustainability assessment performance management, ecology management , and subcontractor engagement.
• Supporting Project Delivery – Provide sustainability guidance across the technical, procurement, and construction teams, ensuring sustainability is embedded into the project methodology.
• Community Engagement & Public Communication – project sustainability assessment performance management , public stakeholders, and regulatory bodies to ensure effective engagementand community involvement.

Key Skills & Experience:

• Primary expertise in Social Value , with a strong track record in community benefits, apprenticeships, education initiatives, and local employment strategies .
• Experience in sustainability leadership within a construction or infrastructure setting.
• Strong understanding of environmental sustainability, carbon management, and ESG reporting .
• Experience managing stakeholder engagement , particularly with regulators, community groups, and subcontractors .
• Familiarity with ISO 14001, PAS 2080, and NHS Scotland's SHTN-02-01 (Sustainable Design & Construction Guide) .
• Knowledge of BREEAM, Scottish environmental consenting, and ecology management is beneficial.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills to support a diverse team and engage with senior stakeholders.
• Degree qualified in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience.

Why Join Us?

• Lead Social Value and sustainability efforts on Scotland's first Net Zero hospital , delivering real environmental and community impact.
• Work with an engaged and receptive client , offering opportunities to bring fresh ideas and influence sustainability strategy.
• Be part of a collaborative and growing sustainability team , embedded within a wider construction team that actively prioritises sustainability .
• Unique opportunity to work on a hospital project with infrastructure-level environmental and social challenges .
• Project with strong public investment , delivering long-term benefits for a highly engaged, local community .

If you're a passionate Social Value and sustainability professional looking to make a tangible impact on a landmark project , we'd love to hear from you.