Job Description

Job Title

Sustainability Manager/Senior Sustainability Manager

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. 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

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Sustainability Manager/Senior Sustainability Manager to lead and drive our sustainability strategy across our housebuilding operations.

You will work closely with senior leadership and operational teams to implement sustainability initiatives and drive the transition to greener building practices. You'll work across pre development, design, construction, and supply chain functions to embed sustainability into every stage of our development process.

The role

The successful candidate will

Lead the implementation of the company's sustainability strategy across new housing developments, ensuring alignment with net zero and biodiversity goals Support the departments in creating sustainable developments, integrating best practices when it comes to the homes and the resilience of the sustainable communities Manage systems for tracking sustainability performance across the organisation, including resource consumption, waste reduction, Scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon emissions, water usage and other sustainability KPI's. Prepare detailed sustainability reports for senior management, stakeholders, regulatory and other reporting bodies Collaborate with procurement teams to assess and improve the sustainability performance of our supply chain and building materials Drive forward biodiversity, ecology, and green infrastructure enhancements in line with local and national planning policies Stay up to date with the latest trends in sustainable construction, renewal energy technologies and sustainable building materials Support sustainability innovation and trials of new technologies, materials, or construction methods to enhance environmental performance Prepare sustainability reports for internal and external stakeholders, including clients, investors, and regulators Engage and train staff across the business on sustainability issues, helping foster a sustainability-first culture Represent the business in industry working groups, lead team members or consultants, and contribute to board-level sustainability planning
This list is not exhaustive. Tasks will be allocated to reflect increasing levels of development and experience.

The required skills

Degree in Sustainability, Environmental Management, Construction, Engineering, Architecture, or related discipline 5yrs+ experience in sustainability within housebuilding, construction, or the built environment Strong understanding of residential building regulations, planning frameworks, and sustainability standards (e.g., Future Homes Standard, BREEAM, Passivhaus, LETI, NHBC) Strong understanding of net zero carbon strategies, biodiversity net gain, and the sustainability assessments within planning applications Ability to influence and collaborate with diverse stakeholders -- from technical teams and contractors to local authorities and communities Strong project management, analytical, and communication skills Passionate about sustainable construction and making a tangible impact in the housing sector
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.

#happytotalkflexibleworking

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.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Additional pay:

Bonus scheme
Benefits:

Company events Company pension On-site parking Private medical insurance Work from home
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Billingshurst RH14 9GN