Sustainability Manager Job Description and Role Profile

The Sustainability Manager plays a central role in developing and implementing an organisation's sustainability strategy. Candidates with demonstrable experience in environmental management, sustainability reporting and stakeholder engagement should apply.

Sustainability Manager Job Profile

The Sustainability Manager is responsible for leading sustainability initiatives that reduce environmental impact, ensure regulatory compliance and support long term business resilience. This role translates strategic objectives into measurable targets and operational plans across the organisation.

The post holder will co‑ordinate cross functional teams, prepare sustainability reports and monitor progress against carbon, waste and resource efficiency targets. The role requires strong analytical skills, practical project delivery experience and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

Sustainability Manager Job Description

The Sustainability Manager designs, implements and evaluates sustainability programmes that align with corporate strategy and regulatory requirements. This includes developing policies, setting performance indicators, conducting impact assessments and ensuring transparent reporting to internal and external stakeholders. The role operates within a business context that demands measurable outcomes, continuous improvement and effective risk management.

Working closely with operations, procurement, finance and communications teams, the Sustainability Manager drives initiatives that lower greenhouse gas emissions, conserve resources and embed circular economy principles. The post holder prepares data driven reports for senior leadership, supports external disclosures and manages third party audits or assessments where required.

Expectations include setting realistic targets, maintaining up to date knowledge of legislation and best practice, and delivering programmes on time and within budget. The role may involve occasional travel to sites or partners and requires clear documentation of policies, procedures and progress against commitments.

Sustainability Manager: Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain and implement the organisation's sustainability strategy and annual action plans.
• Establish measurable sustainability targets and key performance indicators across carbon, energy, waste and water.
• Lead carbon footprint assessments, baseline calculations and ongoing monitoring of emissions performance.
• Prepare and manage sustainability and ESG reporting for internal stakeholders and external disclosures.
• Conduct environmental compliance reviews and ensure alignment with statutory requirements and industry standards.
• Advise procurement and supply chain teams on sustainable sourcing and supplier engagement.
• Design and deliver employee engagement programmes to promote sustainable behaviours and awareness.
• Manage sustainability projects from concept to delivery, including budgets, timelines and risk registers.
• Coordinate third party assessments, audits and certifications relevant to sustainability performance.
• Analyse data to identify improvement opportunities and produce clear management reports and dashboards.
• Provide expert input to capital projects to ensure lifecycle environmental impacts are considered.
• Build and maintain relationships with regulators, industry bodies and community stakeholders.
• Support communications teams in preparing sustainability content for stakeholders and publications.
• Monitor emerging sustainability trends, legislation and best practice to inform continuous improvement.

Sustainability Manager: Requirements and Qualifications

• Degree in environmental science, sustainability, engineering, economics or related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of practical experience in sustainability, environmental management or ESG roles.
• Proven experience in sustainability reporting and knowledge of common reporting frameworks and standards.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills with experience in data collection and performance monitoring.
• Project management experience with the ability to manage multiple initiatives concurrently.
• Good working knowledge of environmental legislation and compliance requirements relevant to the sector.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for reporting and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to influence and collaborate with senior leaders and cross functional teams.
• Experience in conducting carbon footprinting and lifecycle assessment techniques.
• Practical experience of implementing resource efficiency, waste reduction and circular economy measures.
• Professional certifications in sustainability or environmental management are desirable.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and a solutions focused approach.