The Berkeley Group is a developer of residential-led mixed-use schemes, with a passion for creating successful, sustainable places.
We focus on London and the South East where our knowledge, experience and proven track record, give us a competitive advantage in the planning and delivery of our schemes. Our projects range from detached houses in the countryside to multi-phase large scale regeneration projects in London.
Berkeley East & West Thames is one of the divisions of the Berkeley Group that focuses predominantly on large scale urban regeneration projects, improving previously neglected areas of London for the future. The division has three major regeneration schemes, Royal Arsenal Riverside, Kidbrooke Village and Southall Waterside and delivers over 400 homes each year. We have offices in Kidbrooke, Woolwich and Southall.
Job Description
The Graduate Sustainability Advisor will be working with the Sustainability Manager on our projects in Kidbrooke, Royal Arsenal Riverside and any new ones coming forward.
Location
Based out of the Berkeley East Thames head office in Woolwich Arsenal, SE18, with frequent visits to Kidbrooke, SE3. The role will also involve some travel to other Berkeley offices and construction sites across London and the South East.
Please note that Berkeley East Thames operates core working hours of 8:00-5:30.
The role will be varied, focusing not only on environmental issues, but also the social and economic impacts of our project and business activities. The Graduate Sustainability Advisor will be expected to support the project team in complying with environmental regulations and Berkeley’s environmental standards, as well as meeting the Berkeley Group’s Our Vision commitments. These are reviewed every 2 years and are designed to improve the sustainability of all business activities, from reducing water and energy use in our operations, to ensuring our projects are designed to integrate with the local community and enable sustainable lifestyle choices.
A typical working week may include; walking around the construction sites to check that operations are carried out in line with environmental best practice; collating electricity meter readings and fuel tickets for company reporting; working with the project team to identify and implement innovations to reduce waste generation; working with the project team to apply Berkeley’s community development framework; running a training session to increase awareness of sustainability issues within the build team.
Key areas of responsibility
- Adopt a proactive approach to improving performance and promoting sustainability to all staff
- Raise awareness of sustainability and the Group’s Our Vision commitments via both formal and informal training of staff
- Work with project teams throughout the whole development process (from land buying to design, product specification and construction, through to sales and customer service) to ensure Group sustainability standards and commitments are met
- Undertake frequent visits to construction sites to assess compliance with the in-house environmental management system and make recommendations for improvement
- Assist in the collation, analysis, quality assurance and reporting of data (such as waste volumes and utility and fuel use) to enable the assessment of performance against sustainability targets
- Keep up-to-date with the sustainability agenda, new legislation and best practice guidelines and understand how they may affect the company
- Prepare guidance to assist project teams in managing sustainability
- Attend meetings with senior management to discuss sustainability performance
- Work as part of the Group and cross-divisional Sustainability Forums to share knowledge, drive good practice and implement the Our Vision commitments
- Compile written reports on sustainability performance
Requirements
The right candidate will hold a degree in a relevant subject and be able to demonstrate motivation and enthusiasm in promoting sustainability. You must also be confident, articulate and resilient in your approach, with the ability to apply sustainability principles in a commercially focussed manner.
Key skills
- Good knowledge of sustainability issues, ideally within the construction/house building industry.
- Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
- Confidence in working with people at all levels in an organisation
- The ability and enthusiasm to motivate people to change their behaviour
- The ability to work independently and manage your own workload
Benefits
£27,000 p.a. and a contributory pension scheme (subject to satisfactory probation period)
To Apply
Please submit your cover letter, CV and answers to the following questions to giorgia.franco@berkeleygroup.co.uk.
- Why do you want to work in the house building industry and why the Berkeley Group? (300 words maximum)
- What are your key skills, experience and traits that make you suitable for a sustainability role within Berkeley? (300 words maximum)
- Which of the Berkeley Group’s new developments is your favourite and why? (300 words maximum)
- Give an example of when you have been challenged (300 words maximum)
The closing date for applications is midnight Wednesday the 4 July 2018. Application emails should include ‘Graduate Sustainability Advisor – BEWT’ in the title.
Please note that applications which do not include a cover letter and answers to the four questions will not be considered.
Selected applicants will be invited to interview. Those successful at the first interview will be required to undergo a second interview, including a presentation, before being offered a role.
