Sustainability Manager - Nationwide

Head of Sustainability - Nationwide

We are seeking a dynamic Head of Sustainability to lead and implement sustainability initiatives across Chadwicks Group in the Republic of Ireland and MacNaughton Blair in Northern Ireland. This pivotal role offers the flexibility of hybrid working and can be based in either Belfast or Dublin, with travel across the Island of Ireland required. Join us in driving sustainable practices and making a meaningful impact across our companies.

Principle Objective

Reporting to the Finance Director of Chadwicks Group, the Head of Sustainability is  responsible for managing all Chadwicks and MacBlair sustainability programs including overseeing the implementation of sustainability strategies to cover all business operations and projects. The Head of Sustainability will lead research and analysis to be used to develop corporate sustainability strategies to ensure that business practices, products, and services support our social and environmental ambitions and compliant with government rules and regulations.

Knowledge & Experience 

• Practical and proven experience in the key areas of sustainability (in particular climate change, responsible sourcing, product sustainability and community engagement).
• Proven experience of strategy development, implementation and delivery for large organisations
• Adept at leveraging data-driven insights for strategic decision making
• Excellent project management and data collection and analytical skills.
• Skilled in partnering with commercial colleagues and suppliers to foster sustainable sourcing, promoting ethical product development and more sustainable materials
• Championing and motivating colleagues to bring new ideas and try new approaches.
• A natural collaborator, proficient in engaging with various stakeholders, including suppliers, customers, and employees, to build a unified approach towards sustainability.
• Full clean drivers license

Key Responsibilities

• Working with the Leadership team to develop strategy to achieve sustainability agenda including net zero climate change targets

• Lead the education, communication and implementation ESG initiatives across the group

• Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations

• Fostering and championing a culture of sustainability

• Development and creation of clear and measurable sustainability frameworks set to drive our group sustainability goals.

• Work closely with category teams, marketing, store operations, and HR to integrate sustainable practices across all functions

• Project managing key programmes across the sustainability strategy

• Driving positive image and identity for the organisation to all internal and external partners in relation to sustainability.

• Preparation and review of materials for submission to the senior leadership team, sales teams, suppliers, and wider Grafton Group as required

• Ensuring data integrity to ensure data submitted and published standards up to rigorous third party auditing

Desirable Skills

• Knowledge of the building materials sector an advantage
• 3rd level qualification in an environment/energy/science related discipline preferred
• Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Knowledge
• Experience with carbon footprint calculations. Ability to assess and propose strategies to minimize the carbon footprint specific to retail operations.
• Understanding of CSRD, deforestation regulations, supply chain due diligence, green claims, packaging regulation, and product safety and quality.

Essential Competencies

• Proven track record in leading sustainability strategies driving sustainable performance  Strong data analytical and presentation skills
• The ability to build relationships across a broad range of stakeholders
• Drive, enthusiasm, and flair, combined with resilience and rigour
• Positive can-do attitude
• Ability to prioritise workload
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work within a senior leadership team
• The flexibility and willingness to learn
• The ability to implement change
• Excellent organisation skills and attention to detail
• Excellent communication/presentation skills, both oral and written  
• Strong project management, data collection and analytical skills
• Ability to simplify complex issues into simple communications and plans

Contract Type

• Permanent full time
• Full time 39-hour contract
• Working week Monday to Friday (Hybrid Working)
• Belfast or Dublin, with travel across the Island of Ireland required

Our Benefits Include

• Car Allowance or Company Car
• Competitive Basic Salary
• Private Health Care
• Sick Pay Scheme
• Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave
• Pension Scheme
• Colleague Saving Scheme
• Profit Share Scheme
• Colleague Discount
• Educational Assistance
• Wellness initiatives

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Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification.  At Chadwicks Group we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways.  You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

DISCLAIMER: Chadwicks Group reserves the right at any time to change, delete, or add to any of the provisions of this Role Profile at its sole discretion and it is the colleagues responsibility to familiarise themselves with these changes. Furthermore, the provisions of this Role Profile are designed by Chadwicks Group to serve as guidelines rather than absolute responsibilities and duties.