David Ward

Associate Director - Sustainability (UK)

dward@climate17.com +44 (0)7761 800201

My recruitment journey began over 8 years ago, where I had the privilege of working at Virgin’s Talent Academy in Crewe. This gave me a unique insight into the corporate world, what true world-class looks like in a business and also, the realisation of what having an ethos of ‘people power’ can achieve.

I decided to start a new life on the South Coast and move closer to nature and the sea. I started to move towards more technical recruitment covering aviation, nuclear and manufacturing engineering. As my knowledge and expertise grew, I took another challenge with an SME and covered multiple verticals including environmental disciplines, risk, SHEQ, transport and civil & structural engineering.

As the sustainability agenda began to escalate and people were becoming more aware, I became more knowledgeable and started to think more deeply towards the good of the planet.

Climate17 got in touch; from the beginning it was obvious that the ethos and values that had guided me were synergistic with their beliefs. Work had become much more than a job and the possibility of making some indents towards the good of the planet whilst retaining my core values was evidenced.

I now look after a large and diverse sustainability practice, covering energy efficiency, reporting, compliance and benchmarking, right through to corporate sustainability who are in the race to deliver on the Net Zero agenda, SBTs, ESG, TCFD, GRI, etc. 

Whilst not working, I spend time with my young family, seeking adventure, walking in nature, self - discovery and I also paint and play guitar…with the odd poem thrown in too.
 

Our impact in their words

  

“Climate17 makes finding and attaining the perfect role look easy.”

"David has been there every step of the way, from taking the time to understand my career goals and past experience, targeting the right companies, securing interviews on my behalf and supporting me through the process of resigning and onboarding. David is professional, perceptive and efficient. I would definitely use Climate17 again in the future."

- Sustainability Consultant

“A very big thank you to David Ward from Climate17 for his support, insight and astuteness.”

"Sustainability, is so fast-moving, involving multiple disciplines within this field making it incredibly hard going for recruiters. However, David took the time to understand the person I am, what I am about and how I want to progress, likewise for clients. The right level of support to me continued throughout the process and is much appreciated. Thank you."

- Associate Sustainability Consultant – Global Property Strategist

“You couldn’t find a better a recruitment company.”

"Working with David at Climate17 has been a pleasure, from the moment we talked on the phone, to finding the right job for me and where I am in my career. Always professional, jovial and caring."

- ESG and Sustainability Manager – The Ansor Group

“My experience with Climate17 exceeded all of my expectations.”

“David Ward didn’t just find me an incredible new opportunity, but offered professional and friendly guidance throughout the whole process. From his calming influence before interviews to being an excited ear after, I credit my success in securing my new position to David and his talent for purpose-led recruitment.”

- Sustainability Manager – International Broadcaster

“I am the People Director for a business becoming a leader in the cleantech and renewables industry.”

"We have had several exciting opportunities for experienced, dynamic and innovative individuals to join a successful, acquisitive SME business on a rapid growth curve. We have been working closely with David and the team, who have been instrumental in providing talented candidates."

- People Director – The Ansor Group

“David is such a genuine and authentic recruiter; it has been a pleasure to work with him.”

"David recently supported us in the search for a Sustainability Manager. His knowledge, contacts and insights were highly impressive. He is dedicated to being an SME in the Sustainability and Environment space, he gives a truly unique candidate and client experience. I would not hesitate if you are looking to utilise David’s expertise to hire into your business."
 

- Talent Acquisition Partner – The Yum Yum Group

“David was very proactive and made sure he really understood the role, as well as the culture of the company before connecting us with very strong candidates.”

"He helped us through the whole recruiting process and we are very happy with the outcome."

- Head of Sustainability – International Broadcaster

Sign up to our newsletter

Jobs, insights, resources and more. A fortnightly update, straight to your inbox.