Job Title:
Head of Sustainability Role Type:
Permanent, full time Job Location:
Billingshurst, West Sussex Reports To:
Chief Development Officer The company: From day one, Thakeham has been driven by a clear vision: to transform the way people think about new-built developments. Over 20 years later, that ethos is still very much alive, reflected in our numerous awards and reputation in the sector. Today, Thakeham employs close to 250 people and has a forecasted revenue of £199 million in 2024/25. An infrastructure-led community creator and strategic land promoter, Thakeham is committed to partnerships, innovation, and creating amazing places to live and work. We are industry-leading in sustainability and biodiversity. Every Thakeham home completion will be Net Zero Carbon by 2025 and we were one of the first to introduce Zero Bills homes in partnership with Octopus Energy. We pride ourselves on our ‘Infrastructure first’ approach, ensuring communities release the benefits of new development at the outset, rather than later in the process. We deliver social, affordable, and retirement housing for a wide range of housing associations and local authorities. People are Thakeham’s most important asset, and this is reflected in the way we operate. We are proud to be listed in the Top 100 Best Large Companies to Work For 2024. The department: As the Head of Sustainability, you will be responsible for developing and executing the company’s sustainability strategy across all areas of the business. You will work closely with senior leadership and operational teams to implement sustainability initiatives and drive the transition to greener building practices. This is a leadership role that requires a forward-thinking, strategic approach to integrating sustainability into every phase of housebuilding, from design and construction to long-term energy efficiency in our completed homes. The role: Sustainability Strategy:
Develop and execute a comprehensive sustainability strategy aligned with company goals, industry trends, and regulatory requirements. Champion sustainability within the company and act as the primary advocate for green building practices and environmental stewardship. Carbon Reduction and Net-Zero Targets:
Drive initiatives to reduce carbon emissions across all stages of the housebuilding process, setting clear targets for energy efficiency, renewable energy use, and carbon reduction. Lead efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in line with the company’s long-term sustainability goals. Sustainable Materials and Practices:
Research and implement best practices in sustainable construction, including the use of eco-friendly materials, waste reduction techniques, and water conservation strategies. Advocate for circular economy principles in the sourcing and use of building materials. Team Leadership:
Lead a dedicated sustainability team and collaborate with internal departments, such as development management, design, construction, and sales, to ensure sustainability goals are incorporated into all stages of development. Provide training and guidance to staff on sustainability initiatives and best practices. Stakeholder Engagement:
Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, environmental organizations, suppliers, and clients. Act as the point of contact for external sustainability-related matters and represent the company at relevant industry events, conferences, and forums. Innovation and Research:
Stay up-to-date with the latest trends in sustainable construction, renewable energy technologies, and green building materials. Continuously assess opportunities for innovation to improve the sustainability performance of housebuilding projects. Reporting and Metrics:
Develop and manage systems for tracking sustainability performance across the organization, including energy consumption, waste reduction, carbon emissions, and water usage. Prepare detailed sustainability reports for senior management, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies. This list is not exhaustive. Tasks will be allocated to reflect increasing levels of development and experience. The required skills: Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field. Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in sustainability, with previous experience in the construction or housebuilding sector. Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of sustainable building practices, green building certifications, energy-efficient design, and environmental regulations. Familiarity with life-cycle assessment (LCA) and environmental impact assessments is an advantage. Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage a team while collaborating with cross-functional departments and external stakeholders. Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and execute a long-term sustainability strategy, balancing the needs of the business with environmental goals. Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and persuade senior leadership, colleagues, and external partners. Project Management: Strong organisational and project management skills with a proven track record of driving projects to successful completion, on time and within budget. Passion for Sustainability: A deep passion for environmental sustainability and the role of the housebuilding industry in addressing climate change and resource depletion. Desirable to have: Membership in professional sustainability or environmental organisations (e.g., RICS, IEMA, etc.). Knowledge of renewable energy technologies and energy-efficient building systems. Understanding of environmental impact reduction strategies related to construction waste, water conservation, and energy efficiency. The benefits: Competitive salary. Company car allowance. Salary sacrifice car scheme. Annual holiday allowance 26 days increasing to 27 after 3 years service and 28 after 5 years service (plus bank holidays). Life assurance. Private medical insurance. Health screening. Pension scheme. Bonus scheme. Flexible working hours in a modern office environment / Working from Home Policy. Excellent development and progression opportunities for the right candidate. Company social events. Plus a whole range of other employee benefits that we can tell you all about; our employees are rewarded for their performance, attitude, and results. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and treating people fairly. We will treat all job applicants and employees equally regardless of age, race, religious belief, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability. We welcome applicants from all sectors of society and we are committed to promoting an inclusive environment for all.
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Head of Sustainability Role Type:
Permanent, full time Job Location:
Billingshurst, West Sussex Reports To:
Chief Development Officer The company: From day one, Thakeham has been driven by a clear vision: to transform the way people think about new-built developments. Over 20 years later, that ethos is still very much alive, reflected in our numerous awards and reputation in the sector. Today, Thakeham employs close to 250 people and has a forecasted revenue of £199 million in 2024/25. An infrastructure-led community creator and strategic land promoter, Thakeham is committed to partnerships, innovation, and creating amazing places to live and work. We are industry-leading in sustainability and biodiversity. Every Thakeham home completion will be Net Zero Carbon by 2025 and we were one of the first to introduce Zero Bills homes in partnership with Octopus Energy. We pride ourselves on our ‘Infrastructure first’ approach, ensuring communities release the benefits of new development at the outset, rather than later in the process. We deliver social, affordable, and retirement housing for a wide range of housing associations and local authorities. People are Thakeham’s most important asset, and this is reflected in the way we operate. We are proud to be listed in the Top 100 Best Large Companies to Work For 2024. The department: As the Head of Sustainability, you will be responsible for developing and executing the company’s sustainability strategy across all areas of the business. You will work closely with senior leadership and operational teams to implement sustainability initiatives and drive the transition to greener building practices. This is a leadership role that requires a forward-thinking, strategic approach to integrating sustainability into every phase of housebuilding, from design and construction to long-term energy efficiency in our completed homes. The role: Sustainability Strategy:
Develop and execute a comprehensive sustainability strategy aligned with company goals, industry trends, and regulatory requirements. Champion sustainability within the company and act as the primary advocate for green building practices and environmental stewardship. Carbon Reduction and Net-Zero Targets:
Drive initiatives to reduce carbon emissions across all stages of the housebuilding process, setting clear targets for energy efficiency, renewable energy use, and carbon reduction. Lead efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in line with the company’s long-term sustainability goals. Sustainable Materials and Practices:
Research and implement best practices in sustainable construction, including the use of eco-friendly materials, waste reduction techniques, and water conservation strategies. Advocate for circular economy principles in the sourcing and use of building materials. Team Leadership:
Lead a dedicated sustainability team and collaborate with internal departments, such as development management, design, construction, and sales, to ensure sustainability goals are incorporated into all stages of development. Provide training and guidance to staff on sustainability initiatives and best practices. Stakeholder Engagement:
Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, environmental organizations, suppliers, and clients. Act as the point of contact for external sustainability-related matters and represent the company at relevant industry events, conferences, and forums. Innovation and Research:
Stay up-to-date with the latest trends in sustainable construction, renewable energy technologies, and green building materials. Continuously assess opportunities for innovation to improve the sustainability performance of housebuilding projects. Reporting and Metrics:
Develop and manage systems for tracking sustainability performance across the organization, including energy consumption, waste reduction, carbon emissions, and water usage. Prepare detailed sustainability reports for senior management, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies. This list is not exhaustive. Tasks will be allocated to reflect increasing levels of development and experience. The required skills: Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field. Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in sustainability, with previous experience in the construction or housebuilding sector. Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of sustainable building practices, green building certifications, energy-efficient design, and environmental regulations. Familiarity with life-cycle assessment (LCA) and environmental impact assessments is an advantage. Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage a team while collaborating with cross-functional departments and external stakeholders. Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and execute a long-term sustainability strategy, balancing the needs of the business with environmental goals. Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and persuade senior leadership, colleagues, and external partners. Project Management: Strong organisational and project management skills with a proven track record of driving projects to successful completion, on time and within budget. Passion for Sustainability: A deep passion for environmental sustainability and the role of the housebuilding industry in addressing climate change and resource depletion. Desirable to have: Membership in professional sustainability or environmental organisations (e.g., RICS, IEMA, etc.). Knowledge of renewable energy technologies and energy-efficient building systems. Understanding of environmental impact reduction strategies related to construction waste, water conservation, and energy efficiency. The benefits: Competitive salary. Company car allowance. Salary sacrifice car scheme. Annual holiday allowance 26 days increasing to 27 after 3 years service and 28 after 5 years service (plus bank holidays). Life assurance. Private medical insurance. Health screening. Pension scheme. Bonus scheme. Flexible working hours in a modern office environment / Working from Home Policy. Excellent development and progression opportunities for the right candidate. Company social events. Plus a whole range of other employee benefits that we can tell you all about; our employees are rewarded for their performance, attitude, and results. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and treating people fairly. We will treat all job applicants and employees equally regardless of age, race, religious belief, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability. We welcome applicants from all sectors of society and we are committed to promoting an inclusive environment for all.
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