Head of Sustainability
Wickes is currently recruiting for a Head of Sustainability role based in our Watford Support Centre with a remit of managing our overarching Responsible Business Strategy and leading on our environmental programmes.
Reporting to the General Counsel & Company Secretary, the successful candidate will work with experts and other key stakeholders based within the business to deliver against our responsible business agenda that enhances business performance and supports the Company’s strategy and long-term interests.
The Role
As Head of Sustainability, you will be responsible for leading the delivery of our Responsible Business Strategy. You will lead on the Environment and support the People and Homes pillars of our strategy, working collaboratively with the HR team and Category Director/commercial team responsible for developing our sustainable products.
Key Accountabilities
- Manage and grow the Responsible Business Strategy across all social, environmental and economic (People, Environment, Homes)
- Lead the promotion and communication of our Responsible Business Strategy and achievements both internally and externally
- Ensure effective governance of all aspects of the sustainability agenda
- Work closely with colleagues across the business to drive the sustainability agenda
- Manage compliance with core aspects of the sustainability programme and identify gaps and priorities for improvement
- Manage and develop appropriate internal controls and measurement systems to support sustainability efforts
- Lead day to day environmental strategy and work with relevant internal stakeholders to deliver, including management of legal requirements, determining key risks and opportunities, managing down costs and completing mandatory and performance reports
- Lead delivery of our 2030 Science Based Targets and future submissions to long term 2040 net zero targets
- Support property and operational team on store and distribution decarbonisation
- Lead on external sustainability reporting (Annual Report, website and other)
- Complete GHG reporting for the mandatory disclosures in the Annual Report
- Lead on TCFD and SASB reporting
- Complete the CDP Climate Change disclosure and other environmental investor / stakeholder disclosures as needed
Skills & Experience - Required
- 5 years’ experience in successfully implementing and guiding sustainability programmes and initiatives at both a strategic and operational level
- Knowledge of and experience working with sustainability frameworks, protocols, targets and disclosures (e.g., UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), CDP, Science-based Targets (SBTs), Taskforce for Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), GHG reporting, Modern Slavery Act (MSA) statement, etc.)
- Understanding of stakeholder sustainability expectations and market trends
- Ability to balance financial goals with increasing external expectations
- Experience influencing and engaging a broad range of internal stakeholders from stores to Board level
- Approachable, curious and resourceful with excellent interpersonal skills
- Experience of leading, often without direct reporting lines, to deliver against targets
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the confidence to handle both complex and sensitive contacts
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to prioritise and multitask
- Commercial outlook and analytical mind
Skills & Experience - Preferred
Degree or higher in sustainability, environmental engineering/science or related discipline
Industry-relevant experience preferred
What can we offer you?
You’ll be supported by some fantastic training and development and have the opportunity to learn, grow and develop
We’ll also equip you with a benefits package that includes
- Competitive bonus
- Save-as-you-earn scheme
- Contributory pension scheme
- Colleague discount
- Discount platform including savings and cash back at numerous retailers, savings on gym membership, cycle to work scheme
Our widely recognised wellbeing strategy is something we’re proud of at Wickes. As part of this, we offer a range of health and wellbeing benefits and support, including an Employee Assistance Programme, financial education & loans, and access to parental, menopause and fertility support.
About Wickes
Wickes’ culture is its best-kept secret; it’s a collaborative, down to earth, fun, and inclusive environment where people feel part of a winning team and this is a key role in our future growth plans. Wickes is a place where we'll ask for your ideas, listen to your opinions and value the contributions you make.
