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 **Sustainability & Environmental Advisor**to join us in our **Christchurch based Team.**

As the Sustainability & Environmental Advisor, you’ll work closely with project teams and senior leaders to drive sustainability and environmental stewardship across our construction projects. You will play a key role in ensuring our operations meet environmental standards, reduce our carbon footprint, and promote a culture of sustainability across the business.

This role offers the chance to influence projects that will 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**
- Advancing Leighs’ Sustainability Strategy through industry research, data collection, analysis, and action plan development.
- Supporting carbon reduction objectives across construction projects, including measuring, reporting, and setting achievable targets.
- Developing and implementing waste minimisation and resource efficiency plans.
- Providing environmental guidance and advice to project teams to ensure compliance with environmental legislation, industry standards, and best practice.
- Conducting site audits and inspections to monitor environmental performance, identify risks, and recommend mitigation measures.
- 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**
- _ To thrive in this role, you will bring:_
- Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement 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 environmental or sustainability science, or equivalent experience.
- 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 (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?**

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.

Permanent Full Time

**Job no**:IBAM50140

**Location**:Christchurch

**Closing Date**:Sunday, 5 October 2025