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Sustainability Manager

Criterion Capital • United Kingdom • Added on Aug 6, 2026
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As the central figure for sustainability at Criterion Capital, you will own the end-to-end environmental strategy for a diverse real estate portfolio. This role involves more than just oversight; you will actively integrate sustainable design principles into the heart of construction projects, from the earliest conceptual stages through to site delivery and BREEAM certification.

The real estate sector is a primary driver of carbon emissions, and this position offers a direct opportunity to mitigate that impact through sustainable material procurement and innovative building technologies. By shaping both company-wide policies and project-specific targets, you will bridge the gap between high-level ESG goals and practical, on-site implementation within London’s built environment.

This suits someone who thrives in an entrepreneurial setting and possesses the technical confidence to guide architects and contractors alike. You should be prepared to operate as a solo expert initially, with the ambition to build and eventually lead a dedicated internal sustainability function.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission is to serve as the central point of contact for all sustainability matters within the firm. You will be responsible for developing a cohesive company-wide sustainability strategy while ensuring that individual construction projects meet specific environmental performance targets and BREEAM standards. Your day-to-day responsibilities involve collaborating closely with the design team to embed sustainable principles into building concepts. You will also produce regular progress reports, monitor compliance with environmental legislation, and support the procurement team in identifying low-carbon materials and innovative construction technologies.

Key learning opportunities for this job

This role offers significant exposure to the full lifecycle of real estate development, providing a unique perspective on how ESG goals translate into physical assets. You will deepen your technical expertise in BREEAM certification processes and emerging green building standards. Furthermore, because the role includes laying the groundwork for a new department, you will gain invaluable leadership and departmental building experience. You will have the opportunity to influence corporate policy at a high level while staying grounded in the practical realities of site-based project management.

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

The ideal candidate brings at least 2 to 3 years of experience in a sustainability role specifically within the construction or real estate sectors. A deep understanding of the BREEAM assessment process is essential, and holding a BREEAM AP accreditation is highly desirable for this position. Beyond technical knowledge, you must be a proactive communicator capable of managing multiple priorities under tight deadlines. The role requires a flexible and entrepreneurial mindset, as you will need to work independently and demonstrate the leadership potential required to eventually manage a team.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, emphasize your experience in bridging the gap between design theory and site implementation. Highlight specific instances where you successfully influenced a project’s environmental outcome or introduced a sustainable technology that improved a building's performance. Given the entrepreneurial nature of Criterion Capital, demonstrate your ability to work with limited supervision and your ambition to scale a function. Tailoring your application to show a mix of BREEAM technical proficiency and strategic planning capability will make you a much stronger contender.

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

The focus is heavily weighted toward environmental performance in the built environment. This includes reducing embodied carbon through sustainable procurement and ensuring operational efficiency via high BREEAM ratings. You will also be tasked with ensuring regulatory compliance across planning conditions and environmental legislation. The role acts as the link between corporate ESG reporting and the tangible reduction of environmental impact on individual development sites.

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

One of the main challenges will be integrating sustainability requirements into projects that are already operating under tight timelines and budgets. You may face resistance when advocating for newer, potentially more expensive sustainable materials or methods. Additionally, being the first or primary sustainability expert in the business means you will need to establish your own processes and convince internal stakeholders of the long-term value of your initiatives without having a pre-existing department for support.

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

A typical day might begin with a meeting with the design team to review conceptual drawings for a new acquisition, followed by a trip to a construction site to audit environmental practices and support the site manager. In the afternoon, you might shift to data analysis and reporting, tracking project performance against sustainability targets. You will likely spend significant time communicating with external consultants and supply chain partners to ensure BREEAM evidence is being collected correctly.

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

Growth in this role is explicitly tied to the expansion of the sustainability function. The job description highlights the opportunity to build and lead a dedicated sustainability team as the company's ESG needs grow. Success in this position could lead to a Head of Sustainability or Director-level role, giving you the chance to define the long-term ESG roadmap for a major real estate asset manager in the London market.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders, including Criterion Capital’s investors and senior leadership who define the overarching business goals. Internally, you will work most closely with the design, procurement, and site-based project teams. Externally, your network will include BREEAM assessors, architects, planning authorities, and the wider construction supply chain. Your ability to speak the 'languages' of both finance and construction will be key to managing these relationships effectively.

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