Name: Alex Roberts
Job title: Sustainability Manager
Employer: Willmott Dixon
Based: Hertfordshire
Sustainability Manager Alex Roberts has already achieved a lot in his ten years in the industry. After studying Geography at Swansea University and then getting a Masters in Environmental Policy and Management, Alex worked as a Sustainability Co-ordinator for a large housing provider. He joined Willmott Dixon, one of the UK's largest construction companies, as Sustainability Manager in 2015.
“My role supports the business to achieve its sustainability ambitions and embed sustainability in all we do,” says Alex. “Once construction starts, I support onsite teams with sustainability-related activities: this might include effectively managing waste, energy and materials or measuring, monitoring and analysing environmental key performance indicators.”
And what skills has Alex found particularly useful in his position? “You need to be able to influence others to change the way they work, and communicate complex ideas in a simple way. You also need an ability to think strategically to come up with solutions that make business sense. The most unsustainable thing a business can do is implement a project that puts its future at risk.”
Alex believes there's a huge amount of variety in his job. “It sounds like a cliché, but no day is ever the same. One day, I could be carrying out a site visit in my boots in sunshine, wind or rain; the next, I could be in a suit presenting to a customer on our approach to sustainability, or I could be at my computer analysing data. It really is a varied role, in a dynamic, fast-paced industry.
“I’d advise anyone interested in a career in construction to get in touch with construction companies, as many of them will offer work experience opportunities or placements. These are a great way to get an insight into the sector, boost your CV and improve your chances of getting a job in construction the future. Finally, don’t underestimate the diverse nature of professions within the construction industry – there truly is something for everyone.”
