Sustainability Manager (Circularity)

Wates Group; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Wates Group seeks a Sustainability Manager for a 12-month FTC to embed circular economy principles across projects nationwide. You will lead adoption of DfMA, DfDA and PMV, guiding materials management, waste reduction and resource recovery.

The role spans collaboration with design, procurement and operations to drive sustainable delivery. You will develop tools, standards and guidance, support environmental compliance, and report performance to enable continuous improvement within the group’s

Qualifications

• Degree in sustainability, environmental science, construction, engineering or related field.
• Chartered membership preferred (e.g. CEnv) or working towards.
• Experience with Environmental Management Systems such as ISO 14001.

Responsibilities

• Lead the integration of circular economy, DfMA, DfDA and PMV across projects and divisions.
• Provide technical advice on materials management, waste reduction, reuse and resource recovery.
• Develop practical guidance, tools and standards for sustainable construction adoption.
• Support Touchstone (ISO14001 EMS) development and environmental compliance processes.
• Embed sustainability in sourcing strategies and supply chain engagement.
• Identify innovative solutions to improve environmental performance and whole-life value.
• Support delivery of resource recovery and waste strategy.
• Monitor and report sustainability performance for continuous improvement.
• Conduct site visits to assess implementation and opportunities.
• Engage with industry bodies and partners to share best practices.

Skills

Circular economy

PMV

DfMA

DfDA

EMS ISO 14001

Carbon management

Waste management

Sustainability standards

Modern construction methods

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree in Sustainability/Environmental Science/Engineering

Chartered membership preferred (CEnv)

ISO 14001 auditor training/experience

Job description

Sustainability Manager FTC – 12 mths

Flexible UK Location | Regular travel to project sites and offices

Reimagining Places for People to Thrive

At Wates, sustainability is at the heart of how we deliver lasting value for our customers, communities and the environment. We're looking for a passionate and forward-thinking Sustainability Manager to join our Group Environmental Sustainability team and help drive material circularity with the adoption of circular economy principles, modern methods of construction and resource-efficient delivery across our business.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence how projects are designed, procured and delivered, supporting our divisions to reduce waste, lower carbon emissions, improve resource efficiency and create better outcomes throughout the built environment lifecycle.

The Role

As Sustainability Manager, you'll play a key role in embedding Circular Economy, Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA), Design for Disassembly and Adaptability (DfDA) and Pre-Manufactured Value (PMV) principles across Wates.

Working closely with project, design, procurement and operational teams, you'll provide expert guidance, develop practical tools and standards, and help translate sustainability strategy into meaningful action on projects nationwide.

You'll also support the development of innovative approaches that improve buildability, programme certainty and environmental performance whilst helping Wates achieve its long-term sustainability ambitions.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead the integration of circular economy, DfMA, DfDA and PMV principles across projects and divisions.
• Provide technical advice on materials management, waste reduction, reuse and resource recovery.
• Develop practical guidance, tools and standards to support consistent adoption of sustainable construction approaches.
• Support the ongoing development of Touchstone (our digitised ISO14001 compliant EMS) and environmental compliance processes, including circularity-related requirements.
• Work with procurement and commercial teams to embed sustainability and circularity into sourcing strategies and supply chain engagement.
• Identify and implement innovative solutions that improve environmental performance, programme certainty and whole-life value.
• Support the delivery of Wates' resource recovery and waste strategy.
• Monitor, analyse and report on sustainability performance, providing insight to drive continuous improvement.
• Undertake site visits to assess implementation and identify opportunities to improve environmental outcomes.
• Engage with industry bodies, partners and supply chain organisations to share best practice and drive innovation.

What We're Looking For

Knowledge & Experience

• Circular Economy principles and resource efficiency.
• Pre-Manufactured Value (PMV).
• Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA).
• Design for Disassembly and Adaptability (DfDA).
• Environmental Management Systems (EMS), particularly ISO 14001.
• Carbon management and sustainability reporting.
• Waste management, materials reuse and soils/aggregates management.
• Sustainability assessment frameworks such as BREEAM, WELL, LEED or Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standards.
• Modern methods of construction and emerging industry best practice.
• Experience of working with project teams, supply chain partners and operational stakeholders within the construction and built environment would be highly advantageous.

Qualifications

Degree (or equivalent experience) in Sustainability, Environmental Science, Construction, Engineering or a related discipline.

Professional membership and/or working towards Chartership (e.g. ISEP, CIWM, ICE or similar) – preference will be given to CEnv.

Internal auditor training or experience working with Environmental Management Systems such as ISO 14001.

Skills We Value

• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to influence and drive behavioural change across diverse teams.
• Excellent analytical and reporting capabilities.
• Experience interpreting complex sustainability data and translating it into practical recommendations.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• A collaborative and solutions-focused approach.
• Confidence to challenge constructively and inspire new ways of thinking.
• Ability to work independently while building strong partnerships across the business.

Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks.

To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting.

Our Commitments

Wates is proud to be an employer where anyone can thrive, and we welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every requirement, as we value transferable skills and assess all applications fairly.

We don't discriminate based on a criminal record; all applications are reviewed on an individual basis against the requirements of the role. Some roles may require additional checks, due to the nature of the work. As a Disability Confident Leader, we offer an interview to applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for the role and opt in to the Disability Confident scheme. Reasonable adjustments are available, please contact us at [e-mail].