Head of Sustainability & Resilience

Drive climate action and shape the future of the built environment with IStructE.

About Us: The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE)

Are you passionate about championing sustainability, climate action, and resilience across the built environment?

At IStructE, we are a charity and the professional body for structural engineers worldwide. Our global members design everything from iconic world structures to the essential buildings and bridges we use every day.

Creating safer structures for the public benefit is our core mission. This includes tackling environmental sustainability head-on, positioning structural engineers at the forefront of reducing construction’s impact on climate change and natural resources.

We are deeply committed to inclusion, helping talented individuals from all backgrounds thrive in the profession. We also proudly support members working to protect vulnerable communities in areas prone to natural hazards like earthquakes and extreme flooding. If you want to join an 80-person staff team dedicated to these critical global issues, we would love to hear from you.

The Role

As our Head of Sustainability and Resilience, you will be the Institution’s leading engineering expert on climate action. Working within the Technical Directorate, you will:

• Lead the agenda: Develop policy and influence both staff and members to strengthen the Institution’s global impact.

• Embed best practices: Play a pivotal role in integrating low-carbon design, sustainability, and resilience into the culture and competency of the structural engineering profession.

• Support the community: Guide committees, panels, and members worldwide by producing high-quality guidance and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) resources.

• Advocate globally: Represent the Institution to government bodies and international partners, leading meaningful change within the industry.

What We Are Looking For

To be shortlisted for this position, you must have:

• Professional Qualification: Member (Chartered) Grade (MIStructE) or equivalent in a similar profession.

• Policy Experience: Proven experience in developing and implementing sustainability, climate, and resilience policies within an organization.

• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of sustainability and climate action principles, especially those relevant to the built environment.

• Advocacy Skills: Experience in influencing policy and driving change at various levels is highly advantageous.

What We Offer

We value our team and offer an excellent benefits package to support your health, wealth, and work-life balance:

• 25 days paid annual leave (rising with service), plus bank holidays and flexi-leave

• Generous Pension Scheme (up to 9% employer contributions)

• Comprehensive Health Cover: Private Medical Insurance, Permanent Health Insurance, and a Health Cash Plan

• Financial & Wellbeing Support: Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Programme, and Season Ticket Loan

• Lifestyle Benefits: Cycle to Work Scheme

• Career Growth: Continuous Professional Development and Salary Progression

Working Conditions & How to Apply

We are based on the edge of the City of London in a bright, modern, open-plan office. We are a friendly, inclusive workforce currently operating a hybrid model of office-based and remote working.

For more information, including a full job description and candidate privacy policy, please visit our website.

Important Notes for Applicants:

• Right to Work: Applicants who do not have the right to work in the UK and/or require visa sponsorship cannot be considered.

• Early Application: We reserve the right to close or extend this position depending on application numbers. Applications are sifted upon receipt, so we urge you to apply as soon as possible.

• Reasonable Adjustments: If you require adjustments to complete your application, please contact HR@Istructe.org as soon as possible to discuss your needs.

Diversity & Inclusion The Institution strives to have a diverse and inclusive workforce where we can all be ourselves. We are an equal opportunities employer and deeply value the perspectives that people from different backgrounds bring. Applicants will not be excluded on the grounds of sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, race, marital status, disability, age, religion and belief, or sexual orientation.

Ready to make an impact? If you have the skills and expertise we’re looking for, please apply via the button shown.

(This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit, acting as an Employment Agency.)