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Sustainability Manager (Circularity)

Wates Group United Kingdom Added on Aug 13, 2026
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As the lead for circularity within the Group Environmental Sustainability team, you will take ownership of embedding resource-efficient practices across the company’s vast project portfolio. Your primary focus is to transition from traditional waste management to a holistic circular model, integrating principles like Design for Disassembly and Pre-Manufactured Value into the very fabric of how building projects are conceived and executed.

This role is a critical lever for the built environment’s decarbonization journey. By championing modern methods of construction and material reuse at a major industry player like Wates, you are directly tackling the construction sector’s massive resource footprint. You will bridge the gap between high-level ESG strategy and on-site reality, ensuring that circular economy principles become standard operating procedure rather than an afterthought.

This suits someone who possesses a deep technical understanding of sustainable materials and a natural ability to influence procurement and design teams. You should be comfortable navigating complex project lifecycles to find innovative ways to keep resources in use.

FAQ del ruolo

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission involves embedding circular economy principles into the design, procurement, and delivery phases of construction projects. You will act as a technical lead for resource efficiency, guiding teams on how to implement Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) and Design for Disassembly and Adaptability (DfDA) to ensure building components can be recovered or reused. You will also be responsible for developing practical tools and standards that harmonize sustainability across the group. This includes supporting the digitised ISO 14001 Environmental Management System and translating complex corporate sustainability goals into actionable site-level requirements for project managers and supply chain partners.

Key learning opportunities for this job

In this role, you will gain significant exposure to Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and the emerging standards of Pre-Manufactured Value (PMV), which are becoming central to the industry's future. You will develop a deep expertise in how to apply circularity within a commercial construction context, moving beyond theoretical models to industrial-scale implementation. Furthermore, the position offers the chance to work with sophisticated environmental assessment frameworks like BREEAM and Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standards. You will likely enhance your capability in lifecycle thinking and resource recovery, potentially working toward Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) status if not already achieved.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate brings a technical background in Sustainability, Environmental Science, or Engineering, coupled with specific knowledge of the construction lifecycle. Experience with ISO 14001 and waste management legislation is essential, as is a firm grasp of how materials like soils, aggregates, and timber move through the supply chain. Beyond technical skills, you should be a persuasive communicator capable of challenging traditional building methods. The ability to interpret complex environmental data and turn it into a compelling business case for procurement and operational teams is what will set a candidate apart.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Focus your application on concrete examples of circularity you have implemented in previous roles, such as successful material reuse schemes or waste diversion projects. Mentioning specific familiarity with Touchstone or similar digital EMS platforms will demonstrate you can handle the operational side of the role. Given Wates' focus on 'Reimagining Places for People to Thrive,' emphasize your understanding of how resource efficiency contributes to long-term social and environmental value. Tailoring your resume to highlight experience with PMV or DfMA will align you with their specific strategic priorities in modern construction.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role focuses heavily on the circular economy and resource recovery aspect of the company's ESG strategy. You will be at the forefront of reducing the group's scope 3 emissions by optimizing material sourcing and reducing the carbon intensity of building processes through better design. There is also a strong emphasis on environmental compliance and continuous improvement of the group's environmental performance. By integrating sustainability into the supply chain, you ensure that the company’s subcontractors and partners are aligned with overarching environmental goals.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the main challenges will be driving behavioral change in an industry that often prioritizes speed and cost over circularity. You may face resistance when introducing new design philosophies or procurement standards that require long-term thinking. Another challenge is the geographical spread of projects. Maintaining consistency in environmental standards across various UK sites requires frequent travel and the ability to build trust with local site teams who may have competing priorities on a day-to-day basis.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with reviewing site performance data to identify trends in waste production and resource recovery. You might then lead a virtual workshop with procurement managers to evaluate the sustainability credentials of a new material supplier or discuss DfMA integration with a design team. Afternoons could involve traveling to a construction site to conduct an environmental audit or provide hands-on guidance to site managers. You will likely wrap up by drafting reports or updating tools within the group’s digital management system to ensure all divisions are tracking toward their circularity targets.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

This position offers a pathway into senior sustainability leadership within a major corporate environment. Success in this role demonstrates an ability to manage complex, cross-functional projects and deliver measurable environmental impact, which is highly valued for executive ESG positions. There are also opportunities for industry-wide influence through engagement with external bodies and partners. By leading innovation in circularity at Wates, you can position yourself as a thought leader in the built environment's transition to a more sustainable, resource-efficient future.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact extensively with Project and Design Teams to ensure circularity is built-in from the start. You will also work closely with Procurement and Commercial Teams to embed sustainability into contracts and sourcing strategies, ensuring suppliers meet the group's high standards. Externally, you will engage with Supply Chain Partners to drive innovation and shared best practices. You may also collaborate with industry bodies and regulatory agencies to ensure the company remains at the forefront of environmental legislation and construction standards.

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