Social Value and Sustainability Lead

Overview

Social Value and Sustainability Lead - Salary: Circa £60,000-£65,000; Location: Cowley Marsh, Oxford - Hybrid (c.2 days per week on site); Contract: Permanent

About the Opportunity

ODS is a purpose-led organisation that delivers facilities management and environmental services across Oxford and the surrounding region. Owned by the public, ODS exists to make a positive difference for people, place and planet.

Building on a strong community foundation, ODS is now entering the next phase of its journey: one that seeks to better define, measure and communicate its Social Value and Sustainability impact. The Social Value and Sustainability Lead will play a central role in achieving this.

Sitting as part of the Leadership Team, this is an opportunity to reset and redefine ODS's approach, creating a joined-up strategy that links community impact, environmental responsibility, and commercial success. You'll embed best practice, shape the narrative, and make sure that the value ODS creates every day is recognised, evidenced, and celebrated.

About the Role

This role will lead the design and implementation of ODS's Social Value and Sustainability strategy, ensuring these principles are woven through every part of the business, from service delivery and supply chain partnerships to bidding and business development.

• Develop and embed a refreshed strategy that aligns with ODS's purpose and growth ambitions.
• Introduce clear frameworks and tools; such as TOMs (Themes, Outcomes, Measures) to capture, measure and report impact.
• Strengthen ODS's commercial position by integrating Social Value into tenders and contracts.
• Translate data into meaningful stories that demonstrate tangible outcomes for communities, customers and partners.
• Act as a visible ambassador for ODS, building partnerships with schools, colleges and local organisations to expand opportunity and inclusion.
• Equip colleagues and suppliers to understand and deliver sustainability and Social Value in their work.
• Advise the Leadership Team on ESG performance, trends and opportunities for improvement.

About You

You'll bring expertise, energy and creativity to this role, combining strategic vision with hands-on delivery. A confident communicator, you'll be adept at turning data and impact into compelling narratives that engage both internal and external audiences.

• Proven experience developing and implementing Social Value or Sustainability strategies at scale.
• Understanding of TOMs or equivalent Social Value measurement frameworks.
• Ability to link Social Value delivery with commercial outcomes and tendering processes.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the confidence to influence at all levels.
• A collaborative and proactive approach, with a genuine passion for delivering impact that matters.

Why Join ODS

ODS is an organisation that does good and means it. You'll be part of a team that's committed to creating tangible social, environmental and economic value across Oxford and beyond. This is an opportunity to lead meaningful change, ensuring ODS's purpose and impact are not just delivered, but clearly seen and understood.

Please contact for further details.