Environment and Sustainability Advisor

Leighs Construction is a proudly New Zealand-owned and operated company, delivering high-quality outcomes for our clients, staff, and communities for over 25 years. With an inclusive culture and an iconic portfolio of projects across New Zealand, the wider Pacific, and Antarctica, we are committed to creating safe, innovative structures that leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

We are looking for a proactive and collaborative Environment and Sustainability Advisor to join us in our Christchurch based Team.

In this role, you'll work closely with project teams, senior leaders and individuals across the business to ensure our operations meet environmental standards and regulatory requirements, reduce our carbon footprint and promote a culture of sustainability across the business.

You'll be instrumental in advancing Leigh' position as a leader in environmental stewardship and sustainable construction, ensuring our operations not only meet compliance standards but actively work towards them being a part of all operations. This is a hands-on role with real influence, shaping outcomes on high profile builds that leave a lasting positive impact on communities and the environment. 

At the heart of Leighs is a supportive culture, which we believe is the secret sauce to our success. We are driven by our core values, and we aim to deliver work that makes our clients proud while maintaining our exceptionally high standards.

Key responsibilities include

• Providing environmental guidance and advice to project teams to ensure compliance with environmental legislation, industry standards, and best practice.
• Advancing Leighs’ Sustainability Strategy through industry research, data collection, analysis, and action plan development.
• Implementing carbon reduction initiatives across construction projects from our drafted emissions reduction plan
• Developing and implementing project management plans including environmental management, waste minimisation and resource efficiency plans.
• Conducting site audits and inspections to monitor environmental performance, identify risks, and recommend mitigation measures.
• Maintaining our Toitū Envirocare carbonreduce certification by curating emissions reporting and driving ISO 14001 compliance
• Support bid and tender preparations by advising on environmental strategy, risk and opportunity, helping to shape winning proposals with a sustainability lens
• Designing and delivering sustainability and environmental awareness training for all Leighs people.
• Collaborating with stakeholders to embed sustainable practices throughout projects, ensuring environmental considerations are integrated into planning, design, and construction phases.

About You

You’re a relationship builder and strategic thinker with a delivery mindset. You thrive in fast-paced environments and bring clarity, confidence, and precision to your work. You'll also bring

• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
• Ability to influence and build consensus across diverse teams.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret data and support decision-making.
• Logical problem-solving approach with attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, including report writing.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience
We are looking for someone with:

• A degree in in environmental science or related field, with experience in sustainable construction preferred
• At least 3 years’ experience in environmental or sustainability roles, ideally within construction or infrastructure projects in NZ.
• Knowledge of environmental management systems, NZ environmental legislation, and industry rating tools (Green Star, Toitū envirocare and ISO14001) - desirable.
• Experience in large, complex organisations and multi-site projects - desirable.

What we offer:
Joining Leighs means being part of a stable, privately-owned business that is passionate about growth and our people. We are committed to your development and wellbeing, ensuring you Work Safe, Home Safe, and Thrive at Leighs. You’ll work with a passionate, proud, and dedicated team focused on making construction a better place.

What now?
If you're interested in this role, click apply now and become part of our mission to shape a better future. Have questions or need an update? Contact us at HR@leighs.co.nz.

To be considered for this position, applicants must have New Zealand residency or hold a valid New Zealand work visa. All employees must complete a pre-employment medical check, including drug and alcohol testing, and undergo a criminal history check with the Ministry of Justice.

Please note, Leighs is conducting a comprehensive recruitment process for this position, and we are not considering agency referrals at this time.