Head of Sustainability - Galway, Ireland

Head of Sustainability.

Head Office, Loughrea, Co. Galway.

The Role:

In the role of Head of Sustainability, your primary duty will be to spearhead and put into action sustainable strategies and projects within our company. You will hold a central position in steering the creation and achievement of our sustainability objectives, guaranteeing our operations are conducted with environmental responsibility and social consciousness at the forefront. This position demands a profound grasp of sustainability principles, outstanding leadership capabilities, and the capacity to instigate transformative change across the entire organization.

About Glanua:

Glanua is an industry leader in providing innovative and sustainable engineering solutions to design, build, operate and maintain critical water and wastewater infrastructure across Ireland and the UK. We are a trusted provider to the municipal and industrial sector where our clients include Ireland and the UK’s largest water utilities, Uisce Éireann (formally Irish Water), Thames Water, Yorkshire Water and Affinity Water.

Glanua is passionate about solving today’s environmental challenges and delivering a decarbonised and sustainable world. We know that to build successful creative teams we need a diverse workforce that can deliver new innovative ways of thinking. We provide an environment where you will have the freedom to develop and grow to your full potential. We champion our core values and uphold the highest standards of Safety and Well-being, Innovation, Integrity, Collaboration, Courage, Agility, Accountability, Diversity and Inclusion in everything we do.

We have a talented team of 450+ people across Ireland and the UK and are rapidly expanding our workforce across several disciplines to meet our ambitious growth plans.

Glanua Limited is an equal opportunities employer.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

The main duties and responsibilities of the Head of Sustainability are outlined as follows:

• Lead our Group Sustainability Strategy, aligned with the organisation's goals and values.
• Driving commercial, technical and sustainability innovation in collaboration with procurement and commercial teams by researching and implementing new technologies, practices, and strategies that enhance our sustainability performance.
• Collaborate with various departments to identify sustainability opportunities and implement initiatives that reduce our environmental impact.
• Work with Sustainability Compliance Officer to Monitor and report on key sustainability metrics, such as energy consumption, waste generation, and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Lead efforts to obtain and maintain relevant sustainability certifications and accreditations.
• Stay updated on industry trends, regulations, and best practices related to sustainability, and recommend appropriate actions to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.
• Engage with stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and communities, to promote sustainability and foster partnerships that drive positive social and environmental impacts.
• Collaborate with the marketing and communications teams to develop and implement sustainability-focused campaigns and initiatives to educate and engage internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage sustainability-related budgets, including cost analysis and forecasting, to ensure initiatives are financially viable.
• Provide leadership and guidance to cross-functional teams, promoting a culture of sustainability throughout the organisation.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as sustainability, environmental science, or business administration. A master's degree is preferred.
• Proven experience in sustainability management, with a minimum of 5 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully implementing sustainability initiatives within an organisation.
• Familiarity with relevant sustainability frameworks and reporting standards.
• Strong knowledge of environmental regulations and compliance requirements.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and communities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Professional certifications in sustainability, such as Certified Sustainability Professional (CSP), are desirable
• Knowledge of relevant industry sectors and their sustainability challenges
• Strong understanding of sustainability principles, environmental stewardship, and corporate social responsibility.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Proven ability to develop and implement sustainability strategies and initiatives, driving measurable results.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to collect, analyse, and interpret data to make informed decisions and recommendations.
• Project management skills to effectively plan, execute, and evaluate sustainability initiatives.
• Knowledge of sustainability reporting frameworks and standards)
• Familiarity with relevant sustainability certifications and accreditations
• Understanding of environmental regulations and compliance requirements
• Strong understanding of net-zero and circular economy.
• Ability to inspire and motivate others to embrace sustainability and adopt sustainable practices.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance sustainability objectives with organizational goals and financial considerations.

What we offer you:

• The opportunity to join an ambitious and growing organisation.
• Monday to Friday working week finishing early on Fridays.
• 22 days annual leave plus 10 bank holidays.
• Competitive base salary with annual salary review.
• Access to EAP – 24/7 365 days confidential employee counselling service, free to avail for employees and their families.

In order to work in Ireland a non-EEA National, unless they are exempted, must hold a valid employment permit. Please review the eligibility and requirements for an employment permit if you are unsure of your eligibility to apply for this vacancy.