Principal Sustainability Consultant

About us

Hoare Lea is a human-centric and planet-conscious engineering consultancy. We offer intelligent and sustainable solutions to complex design challenges for the built environment throughout the UK and further afield.

We provide a wide range of engineering and consultancy services, including acoustics, air quality, building services (MEP), fire, lighting, security and sustainability to name but a few. Together, our highly skilled teams use technical expertise and problem-solving skills to bring buildings to life. We ensure that whatever the building, its design is outstanding, and its operations meet the needs of the communities it serves.

We are as committed to providing an environment where everyone can realise their unique potential. So, in joining Hoare Lea, you will experience a business that enriches your knowledge, supports your wellbeing, and welcomes your individuality. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in our 9-day fortnight scheme, thriving community groups, varied social and networking events, and extensive professional and technical development schemes. We also offer an extensive benefits package, including private medical cover, an electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, stock options, and 25 days of annual leave (increasing with service), alongside flexible and hybrid working.

Whatever your ambitions or circumstances, our aim is to enable everyone to develop their knowledge, give their best, and enjoy what they do.

About the role

A fantastic career opportunity has arisen for a creative and driven Principal Sustainability Consultant to join the Sustainability discipline in our Central Business Unit. The role will be based in our Birmingham office and will be part of our broader Sustainability discipline which has a presence in every Hoare Lea office across the country.

In this key and varied role, you can expect to:

• Act as Discipline (sustainability) Project Lead for medium to large scale projects at all RIBA stages including the delivery of documents to support outline and detailed planning submissions.
• Act as Workstream Lead, taking ownership on delivery, supporting senior team members in project delivery of large scale projects.
• Develop and coordinate resource and project plans where acting as Discipline Project Lead and support Discipline Project Lead in the development of resource plans where acting as Workstream Lead.
• Lead workshops with the client and design team and communicate information in a clear and concise manor.
• Effectively delegate, manage and review work undertaken by others.
• Be responsible for undertaking and supporting others on a range of detailed analyses, including, but not limited to:
• Energy performance simulations such as Building Regulations Part L, overheating / thermal comfort assessment, operational energy assessment
• BREEAM and other core environmental certifications such as HQM and WELL
• Energy strategies in support of planning (outline and detailed) and design development
• Whole life carbon assessments
• Net Zero carbon
• Support in house Technical Excellence communities in advancing the firms knowledge to allow us to stat at the cutting edge of knowledge in our industry.
• Support the mentoring and training of junior members of the team e.g. in workstream delivery, consultancy and project planning.

What we are looking for

You will have detailed knowledge, competence and qualifications in a selection of the following fields. It is not expected that applicants will have expertise in all of the below topics. Applicants will be expected to have focus areas and detailed knowledge within them and should demonstrate a willingness to gain expertise in other topic areas.

Core competencies:

1. Experience in completing environmental and wellbeing assessments at both design and post construction, such as, BREEAM, Home Quality Mark and WELL Building Standard
2. Whole life carbon assessments aligning to RICS V1/V2 and GLA reporting, including use of online platforms such as OneClick LCA
3. Leading and guiding design teams on implementing circular economy strategies and measures
4. Development and submission to planning of whole life carbon and circular economy statements
5. Development of project specific sustainability strategies.
6. Demonstrable experience in project leadership, including resource planning
7. Demonstrable experience in training/mentoring junior team members
8. Delivery of successful planning applications and experience of local authority collaboration. Experience in the local market and London market would be particularly advantageous.

Advantageous competencies:

1. Building performance knowledge, i.e. building energy performance optimization/parametric assessment
2. Development of holistic sustainable strategies / charters / implementation plans
3. Environmental impact assessment, specifically focusing on greenhouse gas emissions and climate change adaptation
4. Developing fee proposals
5. Line management experience

About you

• Experience working within sustainability consultancy, you will be looking for a new challenge within a practice at the very forefront of our field.
• Qualified and recognized in industry preferably working towards Chartered status. Chartered status would be advantageous.
• You will bring expertise a passion for creating sustainable solutions.
• You will relish being part of dynamic team within a progressive and well-respected firm.
• You will have good communication skills and an enthusiasm for working within a team environment.
• Demonstrable experience working with clients / contractors / architects in a design oriented / consultant role.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills to effectively work to timescales and deadlines for multiple projects at one time.
• Self-awareness, an open mind, and a spirit of generosity
• Experience of supporting others to develop knowledge, skills, and confidence.

How to apply

To apply simply complete a CV profile and submit your application, or for further information please contact jessicamartin@hoarelea.com.

If shortlisted, one of our recruitment team will be in touch to arrange an introductory call (about 30 minutes) to discuss the role and your experience in more detail. From there, successful candidates will be invited to attend a panel interview, either via Microsoft Teams or in person at one of our offices. We aim to provide feedback at each stage of the process.

Adjustments and accommodations

If there are adjustments or accommodations that we can put in place to help you participate and give your best at any stage of the recruitment process (whether relating to disability, neurodivergence or anything else) please let us know.

Data privacy

We have updated our terms and conditions for candidates, click here to find out more.

Recruitment agencies

We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners who assist us when required. We do not acknowledge speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on the list.

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