Q: Key learning opportunities for this job

In this role, you will gain significant exposure to AI-enabled ESG tools , learning how to leverage emerging technology to streamline carbon accounting and data analysis. Given the company's growth, you will be at the forefront of implementing the new UK Sustainability Reporting Standards (UK SRS), providing a masterclass in regulatory transition. Additionally, the role offers a deep dive into sustainable IT infrastructure . You will learn the nuances of decarbonizing cloud and connectivity services, a specialized niche in the sustainability sector that is increasingly in demand as businesses move toward digital-first models.

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

The ideal candidate holds an ISEP-certified Carbon Footprinting qualification and brings a robust understanding of carbon accounting principles. You should have a proven track record of managing EcoVadis submissions and a familiarity with environmental management systems such as ISO 14001 or ISO 50001. Soft skills are just as vital; Wavenet looks for an influencer who can present complex sustainability metrics to senior leadership with clarity. A background in technology or managed services is a distinct advantage, as is professional membership with IEMA or a similar body.

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

The focus is heavily weighted toward environmental governance and decarbonization . Because Wavenet operates data-heavy services, energy efficiency and carbon management are top priorities. You will spend significant time on climate transition planning and emissions reporting to meet both regulatory and customer expectations. Social and governance aspects are also key, particularly responsible sourcing . You will evaluate the ethical standards of technology suppliers, ensuring that the company's growth does not come at the expense of human rights or environmental degradation further down the supply chain.

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

One of the toughest challenges will be Scope 3 data collection . Gathering accurate sustainability metrics from a diverse range of technology vendors requires persistence and technical oversight. You may also face the challenge of embedding sustainability into a fast-paced, sales-driven environment where you must prove that ESG is a revenue enabler. Navigating the evolving regulatory landscape in the UK will also be demanding. Keeping the company ahead of new reporting standards while maintaining day-to-day operations requires high organizational skills and the ability to pivot strategy quickly as laws change.

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

A typical day might begin with a cross-functional meeting to discuss ESG data requirements for a major new client bid. You might then transition to analyzing energy consumption reports to prepare for an upcoming ESOS audit or updating the Carbon Reduction Plan with the latest emissions factors. In the afternoon, you could lead an employee engagement workshop for Environmental Awareness Month or meet with the procurement team to review a new supplier's sustainability credentials. Your day will likely end with a strategy session, perhaps presenting current ESG performance trends to the leadership team.

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

This role is positioned at a strategic leadership level , offering a direct path toward a Head of Sustainability or Chief Sustainability Officer position as the company scales. Wavenet explicitly supports professional development through their Academy and encourages continued learning via the UN Global Compact Academy. Because the role is highly visible and involves interacting with senior executives and major customers, it provides an excellent platform for building a professional reputation in the UK tech-sustainability space. You will have the autonomy to shape the department's future and build a team as the ESG function matures.

Q: The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will report to and collaborate with Senior Leadership to align ESG goals with business strategy. Internally, you will work closely with the Sales and Bid teams to provide subject matter expertise during the tendering process, as well as the Procurement team to manage vendor sustainability. Externally, your main stakeholders include regulatory bodies for carbon reporting, third-party auditors like EcoVadis, and sustainability leads at customer organizations. You will also engage with employees across the business to drive internal behavioral changes and awareness initiatives.

Question 1

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

Accepted Answer

The primary mission is to steer Wavenet’s ESG strategy from data collection to executive decision-making. You will be responsible for the end-to-end management of the EcoVadis assessment, with a clear objective to achieve Gold-level status. This includes managing the Carbon Reduction Plan to ensure the company remains eligible for government procurement and high-level commercial tenders. On the technical side, you will lead the reporting for SECR and ESOS, ensuring all energy and carbon data is verified and compliant. You will also oversee the integration of sustainability into the supply chain, specifically targeting the reduction of Scope 3 emissions by engaging with key vendors and partners.

Question 2

Key learning opportunities for this job

Accepted Answer

In this role, you will gain significant exposure to AI-enabled ESG tools, learning how to leverage emerging technology to streamline carbon accounting and data analysis. Given the company's growth, you will be at the forefront of implementing the new UK Sustainability Reporting Standards (UK SRS), providing a masterclass in regulatory transition. Additionally, the role offers a deep dive into sustainable IT infrastructure. You will learn the nuances of decarbonizing cloud and connectivity services, a specialized niche in the sustainability sector that is increasingly in demand as businesses move toward digital-first models.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The ideal candidate holds an ISEP-certified Carbon Footprinting qualification and brings a robust understanding of carbon accounting principles. You should have a proven track record of managing EcoVadis submissions and a familiarity with environmental management systems such as ISO 14001 or ISO 50001. Soft skills are just as vital; Wavenet looks for an influencer who can present complex sustainability metrics to senior leadership with clarity. A background in technology or managed services is a distinct advantage, as is professional membership with IEMA or a similar body.

Question 4

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Accepted Answer

To stand out, move beyond generalist ESG knowledge and demonstrate specific experience with public sector procurement requirements and Carbon Reduction Plans (CRPs). Wavenet is a key partner for public institutions, so showing you understand the PPN 06/21 requirements will immediately signal your value. In your application, highlight a specific instance where you moved a company's ESG rating (like EcoVadis) from one tier to the next. Focus on the tangible business outcomes of your sustainability work—such as how it helped win a bid or reduced operational costs—rather than just the ethical motivations.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The focus is heavily weighted toward environmental governance and decarbonization. Because Wavenet operates data-heavy services, energy efficiency and carbon management are top priorities. You will spend significant time on climate transition planning and emissions reporting to meet both regulatory and customer expectations. Social and governance aspects are also key, particularly responsible sourcing. You will evaluate the ethical standards of technology suppliers, ensuring that the company's growth does not come at the expense of human rights or environmental degradation further down the supply chain.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

One of the toughest challenges will be Scope 3 data collection. Gathering accurate sustainability metrics from a diverse range of technology vendors requires persistence and technical oversight. You may also face the challenge of embedding sustainability into a fast-paced, sales-driven environment where you must prove that ESG is a revenue enabler. Navigating the evolving regulatory landscape in the UK will also be demanding. Keeping the company ahead of new reporting standards while maintaining day-to-day operations requires high organizational skills and the ability to pivot strategy quickly as laws change.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

A typical day might begin with a cross-functional meeting to discuss ESG data requirements for a major new client bid. You might then transition to analyzing energy consumption reports to prepare for an upcoming ESOS audit or updating the Carbon Reduction Plan with the latest emissions factors. In the afternoon, you could lead an employee engagement workshop for Environmental Awareness Month or meet with the procurement team to review a new supplier's sustainability credentials. Your day will likely end with a strategy session, perhaps presenting current ESG performance trends to the leadership team.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

This role is positioned at a strategic leadership level, offering a direct path toward a Head of Sustainability or Chief Sustainability Officer position as the company scales. Wavenet explicitly supports professional development through their Academy and encourages continued learning via the UN Global Compact Academy. Because the role is highly visible and involves interacting with senior executives and major customers, it provides an excellent platform for building a professional reputation in the UK tech-sustainability space. You will have the autonomy to shape the department's future and build a team as the ESG function matures.

Question 9

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Accepted Answer

You will report to and collaborate with Senior Leadership to align ESG goals with business strategy. Internally, you will work closely with the Sales and Bid teams to provide subject matter expertise during the tendering process, as well as the Procurement team to manage vendor sustainability. Externally, your main stakeholders include regulatory bodies for carbon reporting, third-party auditors like EcoVadis, and sustainability leads at customer organizations. You will also engage with employees across the business to drive internal behavioral changes and awareness initiatives.

ESG Lead

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

Key learning opportunities for this job

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

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

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

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

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

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

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

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