Associate Director - Sustainability

Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey.

We are looking for a talented Sustainability Lead to join our Defence team in Preston, supporting a major long‑term programme operating within air system and Defence environments

You will provide leadership and direction across Responsible Business service delivery, ensuring excellence in client outcomes and alignment with our wider business strategy. The role involves shaping and delivering integrated service offerings, leading work-winning activity, building senior client relationships and driving innovation and thought leadership across the sector, while supporting our commitment to net zero carbon transition.

You’ll Be Responsible For

• Delivering commercial revenue targets aligned to the business plan, translating strategy into sustainable and profitable growth.
• Driving work winning activity, including bid/no-bid decision making and maintaining oversight of client pipelines and opportunities.
• Directing and managing Responsible Business service delivery across the sector, ensuring high quality, outcome focused solutions for clients.
• Developing and implementing sector strategies, integrating Responsible Business across project management, programme management, cost and commercial and advisory services.
• Building and maintaining strong senior relationships with clients, partners and internal stakeholders across the business.
• Championing sector contributions to business priorities, including driving improvements in carbon performance and increasing positive carbon outcomes.
• Managing and developing high-performing teams, providing direction, coaching and mentoring.
• Ensuring projects are appropriately resourced, with forward planning to support sector growth and pipeline delivery.
• Supporting delivery of net zero carbon objectives through proactive identification and management of carbon emissions and reductions.
• Representing Mace externally, raising the profile of the Responsible Business practice through industry engagement and events.
• Sharing knowledge, insights and thought leadership, including case studies and best practice across the organisation.
  
  

You’ll need to have

• Eligibility to obtain and maintain UK security clearance.
• Strong subject matter expertise in environmental and social sustainability, including climate change, social value and biodiversity.
• Proven leadership experience, including managing and developing high-performing teams.
• Experience across project/programme management, business development and commercial delivery.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to operate effectively at all levels.
• Knowledge of sustainability frameworks and standards (e.g. PAS 2080, BREEAM, ISO) and carbon management, including net zero and embodied carbon.
  
  

What’s On Offer

• Car allowance.
• Hybrid working.
• Medical health cover.
• Life insurance.
• Income protection insurance.
• Pension scheme.
• Discretionary annual bonus.
• Family friendly policies.
• 22 days annual leave + 2 Mace days + 3 days Christmas shutdown + 1 additional day leave for every 2 years of service + Bank holidays.
  
  

Our values

Safety first - Going home safe and well: We champion a safe, diverse and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of wellbeing in every team.

Client focus - Deliver on our promise: We own the quality of deliverables, strategic outcomes and build long term relationships with our clients.

Integrity - Always do the right thing: We influence positive outcomes within our industry, while always aligning with our compliance obligations.

Create opportunity - For our people to excel: We champion a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities, inspiring our people and teams to develop.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all the criteria, please apply as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organisation.

We are also open to discussing part time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable with-in the role.