Director of Sustainability

Job Purpose The role is accountable for the continued development of the University’s Sustainability strategy (Glasgow Green ) including allied plans such as the Carbon Management Plan and the Biodiversity plan. The postholder will initiate, drive and deliver all sustainability projects with the clear intent of achieving the University’s ambition of net zero operational carbon emissions by 2030. The role will require significant interface with a range of parties including University senior management, University staff and students, Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council and a range of stakeholders. The postholder will lead and develop a dedicated Sustainability team including Project development managers, Delivery managers and policy officers The role will report to the Executive Director of Estates Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and update all University strategies and plans to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030 (and absolute zero thereafter)

• Provide leadership and professional subject matter expertise, guidance, and information all sustainability matters to University senior management

• Lead on deliver the overall programme to de-carbonise the University .

• Develop programmes and associated financial plans and budget for de-carbonisation, renewable energy and carbon reduction projects

• Managing and tracking multiple work streams involved in programme delivery including identifying and mitigating risk

• Lead, motivate and develop the Sustainability team ensuring cohesive and collaborative working and that staff behaviours and attitudes reflect University values. In doing so promote a continuous improvement approach and high levels of staff engagement, ensuring that staff apply appropriate professional standards and demonstrate a culture of ownership and accountability to ensure the delivery of excellent, customer focussed services

• Respond to emerging issues and threats and ensure risk registers and plans are in place

• Keep up to date with industry leading developments to ensure that the University solutions that are implemented are of best quality. Benchmark other similar organisations de-carbonisation initiatives to inform the University plan.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues, University committees and student bodies to deliver the de-carbonisation programme

• Effectively communicate to all stakeholders on decarbonisation plans and progress

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience Knowledge/Qualifications Essential: A1 Degree qualification with a relevant environmental or engineering degree/postgraduate qualification or equivalent A2 Significant experience of senior Sustainability/ environmental roles in large organisations Desirable: B1 Qualification in Environmental Engineering B2 Knowledge of higher education sector B3 Understanding of Scottish Carbon Reduction policy and procedures Skills Essential: C1 Outstanding leadership skills. C2 Outstanding influencing and communication skills. C3 Outstanding numerical skills and financial acumen with an ability to build a business case and manage complex budgets. C4 Strength in written communications. C5 Ability to think logically and with clarity even when under pressure. C6 An ability to produce and implement strategic process. C7 Excellent negotiating, influencing, facilitating and relationship building skills to help introduce new ideas and process. C8 An ability to work under pressure and meet challenging deadlines. C9 Excellent political sensitivity C10 An ability to liaise and co-operate with people across organisational boundaries, skilled at setting expectations, measuring performance and at regular intervals communicating results. C11 Ability to create an environment of accountability for results and actions, inspiring the cooperation of others in promoting change. C12 Ability to lead, influence and motivate teams. Desirable D1 IT literate preferably with databases. Experience Essential: E1 Significant professional experience, having recently held a senior post in a corporate team, consultancy, or corporate public sector. E2 Significant experience of developing and implementing strategy and delivery. E3 Experience in leading and motivating multi-disciplined teams and with a mix of in-house and external members. E4 Experience in developing successful business cases, investment appraisals and analysis and delivering project benefits. E5 Significant experience in developing and delivery innovative, future-focussed solutions.
As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity. As a valued member of our team, you can expect: 1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared. 2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages. 3 A flexible approach to working. 4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/. We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/. We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University. We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.