Head of Sustainability & Environment

Description

Working closely with the Group Sustainability Director and senior UK leadership teams, you’ll ensure compliance, inspire innovation, and place sustainability at the heart of how OCU wins work, delivers projects, and leaves a positive legacy.

As the Head of Sustainability & Environment, you will act as a strategic leader, trusted advisor, and passionate advocate for sustainability across the UK business.

• A senior leadership role, offering the opportunity to influence real change at scale. You’ll lead the development and delivery of our UK Sustainability Action Plan, embedding environmental excellence, social responsibility, and long-term sustainable growth across all UK operations and projects.
• Building strong external relationships with regulators and stakeholders including the EA, SEPA, DEFRA, and relevant NGOs.
• Developing and continually improving the UK Environmental Management System, maintaining ISO 14001 compliance and Group standards.
• Leading, developing, and inspiring a high-performing team of sustainability and environmental professionals.
• Leading UK ESG and sustainability reporting, supported by robust digital systems and aligned with Group and client requirements.
• Partnering with operational and commercial leaders to ensure projects and contracts are appropriately resourced for sustainability success.
• Owning and delivering the UK decarbonisation plan, aligned with OCU’s Science-Based Targets and long-term climate commitments.
• Chairing the UK Sustainability Taskforce, providing clear governance, accountability, and momentum.

Requirements

At OCU, sustainability isn’t a side project it’s fundamental to how we operate, grow, and deliver for our clients and communities. We are proud to be at the forefront of environmental responsibility across the UK’s infrastructure and utilities sectors, and we’re now looking for an exceptional Head of Sustainability & Environment to help drive our ambition even further, based in Stockport or Borehamwood - hybrid working and travel UK wide.

• A proven track record of developing and delivering sustainability and decarbonisation strategies.
• Extensive experience implementing, managing, and auditing ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems.
• Strong leadership and influencing skills, with the confidence to engage at all levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present to senior stakeholders.
• A degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, or a related discipline.
• Practitioner (or higher) membership of the Institute of Sustainability & Environmental Professionals (ISEP).

Benefits

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance