UK Head of Sustainability

White Arkitekter is recruiting for a head of sustainability to join its team in London.

Reports to: director of London studio/partner
Work mode: full-time (in-office/hybrid), part-time considered if connected to another relevant position

White Arkitekter, founded in 1951 in Gothenburg, is one of Scandinavia's leading architectural practices with around 600 employees. The London studio, established in 2015, focuses on sustainable urban masterplans, affordable housing, healthcare and cultural buildings, blending Scandinavian expertise with UK needs, focusing on enabling sustainable life through intelligent, holistic design. In 2023 we won Dezeen Awards "Architect of the year" for being "a leading voice in the drive towards more sustainable buildings".

Role overview:

White Arkitekter London office is looking to appoint a sustainability leader for the UK market, to drive our sustainability ambitions, provide sustainability best practice to lead and support with projects, research, innovation, business development and communications.

The practice is seeking an experienced candidate who will sit across a range of projects integrating sustainability into every aspect of the design process. The individual will work closely with senior management and project teams to implement sustainable and regenerative practice across our portfolio.

Applicants should be familiar with relevant sustainability policy, practice, software and calculation methodologies with a comprehensive understanding of operational carbon and embodied carbon. You should be comfortable with public speaking, networking and be able to present the company projects and ethos to clients and at industry events.

The successful candidate should have a background in architecture and sustainable design to align with our ambitions for an integrated approach to design and research. You should be able to support to define the practice goals on carbon reduction and environmentally responsible design methods.

Key responsibilities:

• Set sustainability goals for each project and monitor progress.
• Offer innovative, sustainability-focused solutions for design and construction.
• Serve as the main point of contact for clients on sustainability issues and attending key meetings.
• Collect and manage sustainability data and assist with certifications like Passivhaus, BREEAM and LEED.
• Develop methodologies and lead post-occupancy evaluations; collate data.
• Contribute to project design processes promoting regenerative practice and sustainable, nature-based solutions.
• Contribute to business development.
• Represent the practice at industry events.
• Support the creation of competitive design solutions, bid and tender documentation.
• Keep teams updated on sustainability policies, research and regulations.
• Promote sustainable design principles internally and externally.
• Engage with industry networks and lead internal research projects to advance sustainability.
• Provide training and share knowledge across the practice.
• Be a thought leader, support White Arkitekter's UK goals.

Skills and experience:

• At least five years of experience in architecture and sustainable design.
• Bachelor's or master's degree in sustainability, architecture, urbanism or related field.
• Familiarity with UK legislation and sustainability standards.
• Ability to lead current and future sustainability initiatives with in-house and external teams.
• Excellent communication skills, including public speaking.
• Self-motivated with a passion for design, sustainability and client satisfaction.
• Intellectual curiosity, eagerness to engage with others and willingness to contribute.

This is a full-time position, based in our London office or part-time in connection with another relevant role.

All candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.

White Arkitekter is an equal opportunities employer - equality, diversity and inclusion is at the core of our business. We advocate equal opportunities, creating an inclusive working environment for all.

This description reflects the core activities of the role but is not intended to be all-inclusive and other duties may be required in addition to changes in the emphasis of duties as required from time to time. There is a requirement for the post holder to adopt a flexible approach to the role.

If you have any questions about the recruitment process please contact HR Business Partner Thomas Pompe at email: .