Head of Sustainability – Construction

The Vacancy

Head of Sustainability – Construction Division

Location: UK – flexible national role • Contract: Permanent • Reports to: UK Operations Director

Create measurable environmental and social impact at scale.

We’re looking for a strategic, commercially minded Head of Sustainability to shape and deliver an industry‑leading sustainability strategy for Wates Construction. You’ll put excellent environmental performance and social value at the heart of how we win and deliver work – helping us achieve our 2030 and 2045 ambitions while creating real value for customers, communities and our business.

What you’ll do

• Set the direction & deliver outcomes. Lead the FY26 Certainty of Outcome plan across five themes -Climate, Nature, Responsible Construction, Circularity and Social Value -turning strategy into visible results on live projects.
• Lead and grow a high‑performing team. Inspire and develop a multi‑disciplinary sustainability & social value team (c. 26 colleagues) and champion inclusive, purpose‑driven leadership across the division.
• Win work with sustainability. Re‑set market perceptions with a compelling offer; equip business development and BU leadership with data, tools and stories that differentiate Wates and drive profitable growth.
• Raise the bar on compliance & data. Anticipate risk using leading indicators, strengthen lag‑indicator learning, and ensure sustainability data is robust, timely and decision‑ready.
• Advise at Board level. Provide sharp analysis, clear recommendations and thought leadership that steer investment, innovation and delivery across the Construction division.
• Engage and influence. Build momentum internally and externally -bringing customers, partners and the supply chain with us through evidence‑led storytelling and collaborative delivery.

What you’ll bring

• Deep domain expertise in construction‑sector sustainability (environmental and social), ESG or environmental management -combining technical credibility with commercial acumen.
• Proven strategic leadership -setting vision, building capability, and delivering measurable outcomes across complex programmes.
• Hands‑on technical fluency (e.g., carbon management, resource efficiency/circularity, nature/biodiversity, responsible construction, social value).
• Excellent communication -from board‑level insight and tender presentations to mentoring and capability building across teams.
• Qualifications (ideal): Bachelor’s in a related field; a Master’s (e.g., Environmental Management/MBA/CISL) is an advantage. Professional credentials (e.g., ISO 14001, ISSP‑CSP) and familiarity with frameworks such as GRI, UK SRS, UK TOMS and carbon accounting tools are beneficial.

Why Wates Construction

You’ll join a business committed to delivering places that are better for people and the planet -where sustainability is integral to strategy, not a side‑project. Expect the autonomy to innovate, the platform to influence, and the support of leaders who want to make a difference.

What we offer

Competitive salary + car allowance/benefits + bonus

Flexible/hybrid working and family‑friendly policies

Ongoing professional development and chartership support

An inclusive culture that values diversity, wellbeing and growth

Ready to lead real change?

Apply now via our careers page or contact Nikki Reed – Nikki.reed@wates.co.uk

Work for Wates

Wates is one of the UK’s leading family-owned development, building and property maintenance companies.  Founded over 125 years ago, we have a proud legacy in the built environment.

We are driven by our purpose, ‘reimagining places for people to thrive’ and our three promises:

• Thriving places – working with customers, partners and communities to create places that are more sustainable, inclusive, and full of opportunity.
• Thriving planet – protecting nature and taking action on climate change by collaborating and innovating with our partners.
• Thriving people – creating opportunities and relationships so that everyone who works for and with us feels included, invested in and treated with care.

We are proud to be recognised as Gold Investors in People and as a Disability Confident employer.  We also ensure that our recruitment processes do not treat anyone less favourably due to an offending background.