Head of Sustainability
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.
Our people enjoy excellent rewards and working conditions in an exciting and growing business. We offer exciting career opportunities, and are keen to develop, guide and support our employees, regardless of what stage they are in their careers.
We value diversity and encourage people to bring their full authentic selves to work. A Gold Armed Forces Covenant signatory and supporter of armed force’s charity Building Heroes, Thakeham operates a Talent for Development outreach campaign for military veterans and college leavers.
Work and fun should not be mutually exclusive and Thakeham offers a range of social events such as quiz nights, BBQs and all staff parties. We run informal lunch and learns and take on charity challenges such as the Housebuilder Challenge. We encourage people to volunteer in their communities, offering two paid days per year to do so. Where roles allow, our summer hours policy in June, July and August allows people to enjoy longer weekends with their loved ones. A flexible approach to working is available all year round.
At Thakeham we build communities, together.
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
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
- 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
- Carbon Reduction and Net Zero Targets: Drive initiatives to reduce carbon emissions across all stages of the development 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 Development: Support the departments in creating sustainable developments, integrating best practices when it comes to the homes and the resilience of the sustainable communities
- Sustainable Materials and Practices: Research and implement best practices in sustainable construction, including the use of low carbon materials, waste reduction techniques, and water conservation strategies. Support the Safety, Health, Environmental and Quality (SHEQ) team in implementing these
- Team Leadership: Lead a dedicated sustainability team and collaborate with internal departments, such as development management, design, procurement, 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 partners, industry bodies, 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 sustainable building materials. Continuously assess opportunities for innovation to improve the sustainability performance of housebuilding projects
- Reporting and Metrics: Manage systems for tracking sustainability performance across the organisation, including resource consumption, waste reduction, Scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon emissions, and water usage. Prepare detailed sustainability reports for senior management, stakeholders, regulatory and other reporting 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 net zero carbon strategies, biodiversity net gain, and the sustainability assessments within planning applications. Familiarity with life-cycle assessment (LCA) and third-party development sustainable certifications
- 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 nature recovery
Desirable to have
- Membership in professional sustainability or environmental organisations (e.g., SocEnv, IEMA, etc.)
- Knowledge of water neutrality, SUDs, placemaking, and design codes
- Understanding of environmental impact reduction strategies related to construction
The benefits
- Competitive salary
- Company car allowance
- Salary sacrifice car scheme
- Annual holiday allowance 26 days increasing to 27 after 3yrs service and 28 after 5yrs 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.
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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.
