Environmental Sustainability Lead

Confidential

  • Sector Local Government
  • Client Confidential
  • Job Type Interim
  • Salary/Remuneration Competitve day rate or 12 month FTC Circa £70,000
  • Reference GSi131114
  • Closing Date TBC

12 month day rate interim position or fixed term contract opporutnity to lead and shape the sustainability, climate and environmental quality agenda of a prominate and ambitious City.

Essential duties

As Interim Environmental Sustainability Lead, you will:

  • Provide strategic leadership for the Council’s Environmental Sustainability and Environmental Quality teams.
  • Lead the development and delivery of major programmes including zero carbon initiatives, biodiversity strategies, air quality planning, Local Area Energy Planning (LAEP), heat networks, EV infrastructure and climate adaptation.
  • Oversee the delivery of multiple concurrent projects, ensuring alignment to corporate objectives, performance expectations, and statutory requirements.
  • Build strong partnerships across the area, anchor institutions, community groups, and national agencies.
  • Act as the Council’s expert advisor—supporting Cabinet Members, senior officers and stakeholders.
  • Manage budgets of c.£20m and champion innovation, income generation and value‑for‑money service delivery.
  • Provide strategic client leadership to ODS regarding waste and recycling services.
  • Lead a high‑performing team of c.20 staff, fostering engagement, collaboration and excellence.

Experience required

We are looking for a senior leader with:

  • A strong track record shaping and delivering complex environmental sustainability, climate or energy programmes at scale.
  • Credibility operating at strategic level with political acumen, partnership-building skills and the ability to influence diverse stakeholders.
  • Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering high‑impact operational and strategic outcomes.
  • Strong financial and commercial capability, including programme funding, business case development and contract/commissioning expertise.
  • Deep understanding of environmental policy, emerging national frameworks and best practice in local government sustainability.

This interim appointment will provide stability, expertise and direction, ensuring momentum on key programmes and supporting a talented team through a period of organisational change.

About the employer

Our client is seeking an experienced and influential Interim Environmental Sustainability Lead to drive an ambitious sustainability, climate and environmental quality agenda at a pivotal moment for the organisation.

This high‑impact role will lead the development and delivery of their strategic environmental sustainability programmes, guiding complex, multi‑stakeholder projects across decarbonisation, biodiversity, air quality, energy systems, EV infrastructure, and climate resilience.


You will be the Council’s senior expert voice, shaping strategy, advising senior leaders and members, and ensuring the authority continues to demonstrate national leadership on environmental sustainability.

Flexible working offered

Part time considered 

 

Contacts

Sally Wilson: 07384 117 080

Continue to full details and apply

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