Overview
Are you ready to shape the future of sustainability across a major UK operation ?
At OCU, sustainability isn’t a side project it’s fundamental to how we operate, grow, and deliver for our clients and communities. We are proud to be at the forefront of environmental responsibility across the UK’s infrastructure and utilities sectors, and we’re now looking for an exceptional Head of Sustainability & Environment to help drive our ambition even further, based in Stockport or Borehamwood – hybrid working and travel UK wide.
Working closely with the Group Sustainability Director and senior UK leadership teams, you’ll ensure compliance, inspire innovation, and place sustainability at the heart of how OCU wins work, delivers projects, and leaves a positive legacy.
About the role
As the Head of Sustainability & Environment, you will act as a strategic leader, trusted advisor, and passionate advocate for sustainability across the UK business.
- A senior leadership role, offering the opportunity to influence real change at scale. You’ll lead the development and delivery of our UK Sustainability Action Plan, embedding environmental excellence, social responsibility, and long-term sustainable growth across all UK operations and projects.
- Chairing the UK Sustainability Taskforce, providing clear governance, accountability, and momentum.
- Leading UK ESG and sustainability reporting, supported by robust digital systems and aligned with Group and client requirements.
- Owning and delivering the UK decarbonisation plan, aligned with OCU’s Science-Based Targets and long-term climate commitments.
- Leading, developing, and inspiring a high-performing team of sustainability and environmental professionals.
- Partnering with operational and commercial leaders to ensure projects and contracts are appropriately resourced for sustainability success.
- Developing and continually improving the UK Environmental Management System, maintaining ISO 14001 compliance and Group standards.
- Building strong external relationships with regulators and stakeholders including the EA, SEPA, DEFRA, and relevant NGOs.
About you
You are a credible, influential sustainability leader who combines technical excellence with a genuine passion for making a difference.
- Practitioner (or higher) membership of the Institute of Sustainability & Environmental Professionals (ISEP).
- A degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, or a related discipline.
- Extensive experience implementing, managing, and auditing ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems.
- A proven track record of developing and delivering sustainability and decarbonisation strategies.
- Strong leadership and influencing skills, with the confidence to engage at all levels.
- A coaching and mentoring mindset, committed to developing high-performing teams.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present to senior stakeholders.
- A structured, analytical, and solutions-focused approach.
- A genuine commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable growth.
Driven by values, powered by inclusion.
At OCU, our values guide everything we do: integrity, collaboration, respect, innovation and one company united. They shape how we work with our clients, communities, and each other. We believe that inclusion is more than a principle — it’s the foundation of our success. By embracing equity and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive, we create a workplace where diverse perspectives are valued, and everyone feels they belong.
Together, we build stronger teams, deliver better outcomes, and grow in ways that reflect the communities we serve. If you want to be part of a culture where values matter and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do apply now and help us shape the future together.
If you are invited to progress in the recruitment process, will you require any reasonable adjustments to support you? Please let us know so we can ensure the process is accessible and fair for you. Any information you share will be treated confidentially and will only be used to support you during the recruitment process.
