Sustainability and ESG Manager

Sustainability & Community Engagement Manager – Data Centres
Freelance or Permanent
Salary Negotiable
We’re working with a leading Tier 1 MEP Contractor with a strong presence across the UK who are looking to appoint an experienced Sustainability & Community Engagement Manager to support two major Data Centre projects across London.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives at the intersection of community engagement, sustainability, and planning compliance.
You’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring projects deliver meaningful social value, meet Section 106 obligations, and maintain strong, transparent relationships with local communities.
 
🔎 The Opportunity
Reporting into the Project / Development Leadership Team, you will act as a key liaison between project teams, local stakeholders, and community organisations.
This role is ideal for someone who can confidently operate in a client-facing, autonomous capacity, balancing on-the-ground engagement with strategic oversight of social value initiatives.
 
🧩 Key Responsibilities
Community Engagement

• Lead engagement with residents, local groups, and stakeholders
• Deliver regular (monthly & quarterly) updates on project progress and opportunities
• Build and maintain trusted relationships within the local community

Section 106 & Planning Compliance

• Support delivery of Section 106 commitments, ensuring obligations are met
• Monitor and report on community and social value outputs tied to planning

Local Employment & Skills

• Promote and communicate local employment and training opportunities
• Collaborate with employment bodies and training providers
• Ensure developments are creating tangible opportunities for local people

Partnerships & Social Impact

• Build partnerships with charities and community organisations
• Identify initiatives that enhance social value and sustainability outcomes

Reporting & Communication

• Produce clear, engaging reports for stakeholders
• Maintain accurate records of engagement activity and outcomes
• Ensure transparent communication across all community initiatives

 
✅ What We’re Looking For

• Strong understanding of UK planning frameworks, particularly Section 106
• Proven experience delivering community engagement or social value initiatives
• Background working with local authorities, community groups, and charities
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

 
⭐ Desirable Experience

• Experience on large-scale infrastructure, commercial, or data centre projects
• Knowledge of UK sustainability and social value frameworks
• Existing network within community organisations or training/employment bodies in London

 
⚙️ Working Arrangement

• Projects based across London
• Flexible working: mix of site visits and remote delivery

 
Please apply through this advert to be considered or alternatively email a copy of your CV to chloe.kearns@peoplegroup.com