Principal Sustainability Consultant

01st December, 2025

Principal Sustainability Consultant

Location: Cardiff (South West Region) - Contract: Full-time

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and forward thinking Principal Sustainability Consultant to join a leading UK engineering and sustainability consultancy.

This role is based in Cardiff and forms part of a nationwide sustainability team renowned for delivering innovative, human centred and environmentally responsible design solutions.

About the Role:

As a key member of the sustainability discipline, you will take a leading role in shaping sustainable outcomes across a diverse range of medium to large scale projects. Your work will span all RIBA stages and will involve close collaboration with clients, design teams and internal specialists.

In this varied and influential position, you will:

• Lead sustainability workstreams and act as Project Lead on significant projects.
• Develop and coordinate resource and project plans.
• Facilitate workshops and present complex information clearly and confidently.
• Delegate, manage and review work delivered by colleagues.
• Undertake and support a wide range of detailed analyses, including:
  • Building performance and energy modelling (e.g. Part L, Part O, thermal comfort).
  • Environmental and wellbeing certifications such as BREEAM, HQM and WELL.
  • Energy strategies for planning and design.
  • Whole life carbon assessments and net zero strategies.
• Contribute to internal technical excellence initiatives.
• Mentor and support junior team members with professional development.

This is a rare chance not only to advance your own career, but also to influence the industry's approach to sustainability on a broader scale.

What We're Looking For:

You will bring expertise in sustainability consultancy and a passion for driving positive environmental outcomes. While not all competencies are required, applicants should have strong capabilities in several of the following areas:

Core Competencies:

• Advanced building performance and energy consultancy, including:
  • Part L assessments (e.g., Elmhurst, IES)
  • Part O assessments
  • Thermal comfort analysis
• Proven experience in project leadership and resource planning.
• Track record in mentoring junior team members.
• Experience delivering BREEAM, Home Quality Mark, WELL or similar assessments.
• Knowledge of whole life carbon assessment tools (such as OneClick LCA).
• Experience supporting successful planning applications and working with local authorities.

Advantageous Competencies:

• Operational energy assessment (e.g., TM54, NABERS UK, PHPP).
• Development of holistic sustainability strategies or charters.
• Environmental impact assessment focused on GHG emissions and climate adaptation.
• Circular economy statements.
• Fee proposal development.
• Line management experience.

About You:

• Experienced at Principal level within sustainability consultancy.
• Degree qualified in a relevant field, with professional registration; working towards Chartership (or Chartered status) is advantageous.
• Confident in leading design team workshops and engaging stakeholders.
• Passionate about sustainability and motivated to work in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
• Strong communicator with excellent organisational and problem solving skills.

What's on Offer:

• Structured career pathways.
• Professional and technical development programmes.
• Inclusive networks, social and industry engagement opportunities.
• A comprehensive benefits package, including private medical cover, electric vehicle schemes, stock options and generous annual leave.
• A 9 day fortnight working pattern designed to support work life balance.