Principal Sustainability Consultant - Defence - #1721952

• Full-time

At Turner & Townsend we’re passionate about making the difference – we are committed to delivering Sustainable Net Zero outcomes for our clients, helping our people to realize their potential, and doing our part to create a prosperous society. Every day we help our major global clients deliver ambitious Net Zero programmes from over 112 offices worldwide.

We are seeking experienced and highly motivated sustainability specialists at Principal level to work in our Sustainability Unit to support service delivery across a range of programmes in our Defence & Infrastructure division. The roles will seek to offer high impact consultancy support across the wide range of sustainability services as part of our expanding capability offering.

These positions offer exciting opportunities to work with our high-profile clients as part of a large cross-cutting team within Turner & Townsend. The roles are based in the Sustainability Business Unit of Turner & Townsend.

Responsibilities (Duties)

Successful candidates will provide support and expert input into cross-cutting sustainability programmes. At Principal level, responsibilities may include any of a combination of the following:

• Provide Principal level consultancy, project management and delivery services in one or more of the following disciplines: Net Zero Carbon, Planning and Sustainability Appraisal/Environmental Impact Assessment, Design for Environment/BREEAM, Circular Economy, Climate Resilience, Natural Capital, Sustainable Procurement, Social Value, Life Cycle Analysis and Sustainability Training/Culture & Behaviours.


• Effectively manage the provision of sustainability services to deadlines and budget as part of a cross-functional team within Turner & Townsend and with partner consultancies.


• Provide a leading role in supporting our clients to develop and deliver sustainability strategies across projects and programmes throughout the asset lifecycle, including scoping, business case, procurement, contract management/troubleshooting, monitoring & verification.


• Develop internal stakeholder relationships with other parts of Turner & Townsend, liaising with Key Account Managers and Sector Leads with a view to developing business opportunities and strategic pursuits.

Minimum Requirements

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant subject.


• Security clearance for working in the Defence sector highly desirable (with current or lapsed clearance).


• Professionally qualified member of a recognised institution, ideally at Chartered level (e.g. IEMA / CIBSE / CIWEM or similar).

Knowledge / Experience

A covering of the knowledge and skills below is required, though candidates aren’t necessarily expected to have experience in all areas.

• Significant experience of delivering sustainability support for clients is essential ideally with experience in the defence sector.


• Experience of working in Real Estate and/or manufacturing/industrial sectors, in particular for energy.


• Strong understanding of the defence sector operation and challenges when it comes to reducing carbon emissions from the defence estate.


• Good working knowledge of relevant environmental legislation and climate and sustainability issues.


• Familiarity with Energy Performance Contract, tendering and contract management (desirable).


• Experience of working in multi-disciplinary teams and matrix management organisations on major projects and programmes.


• Excellent communication including writing and presentation skills – including ability to communicate with clients and other key stakeholders on global, national and regional issues.


• Able to build strong, professional client relationships and proactively identifies and resolves client’s issues.


• Confident leading and working alone or as part of a team, with ability to adapt as required.


• Attention to detail in service delivery, communications and ways of working with others.

The successful candidates will need to be able to competently deliver sustainability consultancy advice. For this you’ll need experience and understanding in one of some of the following subject matters in UK/Global client support programmes:

• Net Zero programme management, baselining, strategy & action plans.


• Carbon accounting and cost management, Embodied carbon.


• Energy efficiency & renewables.


• Sustainability Certification – BREEAM, LEED, WELL.


• Natural capital delivery and biodiversity assessment and planning.


• Climate Resilience and risk planning.


• Support to planning through EIA/Sustainability Appraisal.


• Sustainable Procurement and Social Value.


• Environmental Management Systems and ISO14001.


• Sustainability Behavioural change, capacity building, training and cultural change campaigns.

Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.