Position summary

Wates is seeking a Sustainability Manager on a 12-month fixed-term contract to join its Group Environmental Sustainability team and help drive material circularity across the business through circular economy principles, modern methods of construction, and resource-efficient delivery. Working closely with project, design, procurement, and operational teams, the role embeds Circular Economy, Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA), Design for Disassembly and Adaptability (DfDA), and Pre-Manufactured Value (PMV) principles, providing expert guidance, developing practical tools and standards, and translating sustainability strategy into action on projects nationwide.

Why this role matters

This role influences how Wates' projects are designed, procured, and delivered, helping divisions reduce waste, lower carbon emissions, improve resource efficiency, and create better outcomes across the built environment lifecycle. By embedding circularity and modern methods of construction, you help Wates improve buildability and programme certainty while advancing its long-term sustainability ambitions.

Key responsibilities

• Circularity integration: Lead the integration of circular economy, DfMA, DfDA, and PMV principles across projects and divisions.
• Technical advice: Provide technical advice on materials management, waste reduction, reuse, and resource recovery.
• Tools and standards: Develop practical guidance, tools, and standards to support consistent adoption of sustainable construction approaches.
• EMS support: Support the ongoing development of Touchstone (Wates' digitised ISO 14001-compliant EMS) and environmental compliance processes, including circularity-related requirements.
• Procurement and supply chain: Work with procurement and commercial teams to embed sustainability and circularity into sourcing strategies and supply chain engagement.
• Innovation: Identify and implement innovative solutions that improve environmental performance, programme certainty, and whole-life value.
• Waste strategy: Support the delivery of Wates' resource recovery and waste strategy.
• Performance reporting: Monitor, analyse, and report on sustainability performance to drive continuous improvement.
• Site visits: Undertake site visits to assess implementation and identify opportunities to improve environmental outcomes.
• Industry engagement: Engage with industry bodies, partners, and supply chain organisations to share best practice and drive innovation.

Team and stakeholders

You will join Wates' Group Environmental Sustainability team and work closely with project, design, procurement, commercial, and operational teams across the business, as well as supply chain partners and external industry bodies.

Key details

• Contract: Fixed-term, 12 months.
• Location and travel: Flexible UK location with regular travel to project sites and offices.
• Pre-employment checks: Requires a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at offer stage.

Requirements:

• A strong understanding of environmental sustainability within construction, property, or related sectors, including circular economy principles and resource efficiency, PMV, DfMA, DfDA, Environmental Management Systems (particularly ISO 14001), carbon management and sustainability reporting, waste management and materials reuse, sustainability assessment frameworks (such as BREEAM, WELL, LEED, or Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standards), and modern methods of construction.
• Experience working with project teams, supply chain partners, and operational stakeholders in construction and the built environment is highly advantageous.
• Degree (or equivalent experience) in Sustainability, Environmental Science, Construction, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Professional membership and/or working towards chartership (for example ISEP, CIWM, ICE, or similar), with preference given to CEnv.
• Internal auditor training or experience with Environmental Management Systems such as ISO 14001.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and drive behavioural change.
• Excellent analytical and reporting capabilities, including interpreting complex sustainability data and translating it into practical recommendations.
• Strong organisational skills, a collaborative and solutions-focused approach, and the confidence to challenge constructively while working independently and building partnerships.