Q: What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission is to coordinate the delivery of the Responsible Business Strategy across all divisions. You will be the tactical lead for the Environmental Management System, ensuring the business remains compliant with ISO 14001 standards through regular internal and external audits. Beyond compliance, you will take ownership of the transition to a new Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) software tool, moving away from legacy Excel processes. This involves validating carbon footprint data and working closely with the Sustainability Data Reporting Manager to turn waste and fuel metrics into actionable insights for divisional leadership teams.

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

The role focuses heavily on the decarbonization of the built environment and the circular economy. Key workstreams include waste reduction strategies and managing the carbon lifecycle of building materials through the implementation of LCA tools. Social and governance aspects are also present through the Responsible Business Strategy , but the core focus remains on environmental compliance and data transparency. You will support the business in meeting its 'Future Homes' obligations, which aim to significantly reduce emissions from new dwellings.

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

One of the primary challenges will be the coordination of diverse divisions , each with its own operational nuances. Ensuring that every regional office adheres to the standardized Environmental Management System requires high levels of persistence and influence without direct authority. Additionally, managing the transition from manual Excel-based reporting to a new software tool can be technically demanding. You will need to maintain data integrity during the migration while simultaneously preparing for rigorous external audits and new regulatory standards.

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

A typical day might begin with a review of divisional waste reports followed by a meeting with a software provider to discuss the LCA tool roll-out. You could spend part of your afternoon preparing documentation for an upcoming ISO 14001 audit or conducting a virtual Management System Review with a regional director. You might also find yourself collaborating with the Supply Chain team to discuss embodied carbon in materials. The role is a mix of high-level project planning at the Newcastle head office and site visits to various UK divisions for hands-on quality checks.

Q: The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will report to the Head of Sustainability and work closely with the Sustainability Data Reporting Manager and the Technical & Innovation team. These internal relationships are crucial for aligning data with innovation goals. External interactions will include third-party auditors , verification bodies, and sustainability consultants. You will also be a key point of contact for divisional leadership and site managers, acting as the bridge that ensures they have the tools and systems needed to meet corporate environmental targets.

Question 1

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

Accepted Answer

The primary mission is to coordinate the delivery of the Responsible Business Strategy across all divisions. You will be the tactical lead for the Environmental Management System, ensuring the business remains compliant with ISO 14001 standards through regular internal and external audits. Beyond compliance, you will take ownership of the transition to a new Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) software tool, moving away from legacy Excel processes. This involves validating carbon footprint data and working closely with the Sustainability Data Reporting Manager to turn waste and fuel metrics into actionable insights for divisional leadership teams.

Question 2

Key learning opportunities for this job

Accepted Answer

This role offers a significant deep-dive into the technicalities of Life Cycle Assessments and the RICS Methodology v2, which are becoming standard in the green building sector. You will gain hands-on experience in carbon footprinting and verification processes that comply with international climate disclosures. Furthermore, the position provides exposure to Power BI and modern sustainability reporting tools. Given the upcoming 'Future Homes Standard', you will be at the forefront of learning how a major developer transitions to low-carbon technologies and regulatory shifts in the construction industry.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The ideal candidate is not necessarily a technical sustainability expert but must be a construction industry specialist who understands how housebuilding businesses operate. You should have a methodical and pragmatic approach to project management, with a clear ability to handle complex documentation and audit processes. Practical experience with EHS or quality management systems is highly valued. Because the role involves regional travel and high-level coordination, a full UK driving licence and strong interpersonal skills for stakeholder management are essential.

Question 4

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Accepted Answer

Focus your application on your ability to implement processes within a fast-paced operational environment rather than just your personal passion for the environment. Mention specific instances where you have managed systems, document controls, or internal audits within a construction or industrial context. Highlighting any experience with software implementation or process improvement will set you apart, as the company is currently modernizing its sustainability data infrastructure. Ensure you demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between corporate ESG targets and practical on-site implementation.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The role focuses heavily on the decarbonization of the built environment and the circular economy. Key workstreams include waste reduction strategies and managing the carbon lifecycle of building materials through the implementation of LCA tools. Social and governance aspects are also present through the Responsible Business Strategy, but the core focus remains on environmental compliance and data transparency. You will support the business in meeting its 'Future Homes' obligations, which aim to significantly reduce emissions from new dwellings.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

One of the primary challenges will be the coordination of diverse divisions, each with its own operational nuances. Ensuring that every regional office adheres to the standardized Environmental Management System requires high levels of persistence and influence without direct authority. Additionally, managing the transition from manual Excel-based reporting to a new software tool can be technically demanding. You will need to maintain data integrity during the migration while simultaneously preparing for rigorous external audits and new regulatory standards.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

A typical day might begin with a review of divisional waste reports followed by a meeting with a software provider to discuss the LCA tool roll-out. You could spend part of your afternoon preparing documentation for an upcoming ISO 14001 audit or conducting a virtual Management System Review with a regional director. You might also find yourself collaborating with the Supply Chain team to discuss embodied carbon in materials. The role is a mix of high-level project planning at the Newcastle head office and site visits to various UK divisions for hands-on quality checks.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Within the sustainability team, there are clear pathways toward regional or group management roles as the function expands in response to increasing climate legislation. As you build expertise in carbon data and LCA tools, you could specialize in technical innovation or sustainability reporting. The 'Earn and Learn' culture at the company suggests support for further professional certifications, such as IEMA or specific carbon accounting qualifications. Exposure to high-level meetings and external auditors also builds the profile necessary for strategic leadership roles.

Question 9

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Accepted Answer

You will report to the Head of Sustainability and work closely with the Sustainability Data Reporting Manager and the Technical & Innovation team. These internal relationships are crucial for aligning data with innovation goals. External interactions will include third-party auditors, verification bodies, and sustainability consultants. You will also be a key point of contact for divisional leadership and site managers, acting as the bridge that ensures they have the tools and systems needed to meet corporate environmental targets.

Group Senior Sustainability Coordinator

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