Location
London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£59,526 - £74,040

About the Role
Southwark is one of London’s most diverse and ambitious boroughs, determined to lead the way in tackling the climate emergency. Our aim is to become carbon neutral by 2030 while adapting the borough to the impacts of a changing climate.

As the Head of Climate Change & Sustainability, you will be essential to delivering this ambition. You will lead a talented team and oversee delivery of our Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, ensuring climate action is central to everything we do. This role offers real variety, from shaping policy and managing major energy contracts to building partnerships that enable change in our communities.

Your key responsibilities will include:
- Leading Southwark’s Climate Change & Sustainability team
- Overseeing the council’s energy contracts to secure best value and greener outcomes
- Developing innovative projects and securing external funding to maximise impact
- Building strong partnerships with residents, businesses and London-wide networks to accelerate progress
- Acting as a senior representative for the council on climate change both locally and nationally

The Climate Change and Strategic Support division sits within the Environment, Sustainability and Leisure Department and includes three teams: Climate Change & Sustainability, Programmes & Change, and Performance & Delivery. The division is responsible for Southwark 2030 and Council Delivery Plan priorities including climate change, energy management, programmes, projects, transformation, and business support.

Our climate work spans energy management, climate resilience, community engagement, and cross-London partnerships. We are ambitious about what can be achieved and proud to work in a borough that matches that ambition.

This is your chance to shape a greener future for Southwark, London, and generations to come.

Experience
- Leading climate change, sustainability or energy programmes at scale
- Shaping strategy and delivering measurable results
- Managing budgets and funding programmes

About you
You are a strong leader who can turn bold ambitions into practical action. You bring expertise in climate change, sustainability or energy management, with the vision to inspire others and influence senior stakeholders. You are comfortable working in a complex, high-profile environment, making clear decisions, securing investment, and driving measurable outcomes. Political awareness and excellent communication skills are essential to influence at all levels.

You will have strong people leadership skills, able to build rapport and motivate teams effectively.

Qualifications
Relevant qualifications or equivalent experience in climate change, sustainability, energy management or related fields are expected.