Location
London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£59,526 - £74,040 per year

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 our new 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 at the heart of 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

About Our Service
The Climate Change and Strategic Support division sits within the Environment, Sustainability and Leisure Department. It includes three distinct teams: Climate Change & Sustainability, Programmes & Change, and Performance & Delivery. The division is responsible for a number of Southwark 2030 and Council Delivery Plan priorities including climate change, energy, departmental programmes, projects, transformation, change, and performance management.

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.

Additional Information
Southwark Council is the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes inhabited by 40% of Southwark's residents. The borough is home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues such as The Shard, The Tate Modern, and Borough Market, alongside many social enterprises. Southwark has a young, diverse, and growing population.

We are committed to making our borough just and fair, taking positive action to tackle inequalities through our Southwark Stands Together initiative, which addresses racism, injustice, and inequality. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset, and the passion for Southwark is shared by millions who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, hospitals, and universities.

We particularly welcome applications from members of Black, Asian, and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.

Experience
- Proven experience leading climate change, sustainability, or energy programmes at scale
- Track record of shaping strategy and delivering measurable results
- Experience managing budgets and funding programmes

About You
- Strong people leadership skills with the ability to build rapport and motivate teams
- Political awareness and excellent communication skills to influence at all levels
- Comfortable working in a complex, high-profile environment making clear decisions and securing investment
- A visionary leader who can inspire others and keep Southwark at the forefront of climate action

Qualifications
Not explicitly stated, but strong expertise in climate change, sustainability, or energy management is required.