A Sustainability Manager is responsible for developing and implementing strategies that help organisations operate in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner. This includes setting goals to reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and decrease the carbon footprint of a business. Sustainability Managers often work with teams across departments to ensure compliance with environmental laws and to promote best practices in sustainability. They may also report on progress to senior management, engage with stakeholders, and oversee sustainability reporting and certifications. This role is vital in helping businesses address climate change and meet both legal requirements and public expectations for environmental responsibility.
The average salary for a Sustainability Manager in the UK ranges from £35,000 to £60,000 per year, with senior roles in larger organisations sometimes exceeding £70,000.
There are approximately 2,500 to 3,500 advertised sustainability-related management roles annually in the UK, with increasing demand across sectors.
The sustainability sector in the UK is expected to grow by around 8 percent annually between 2023 and 2030 due to increased environmental regulation and corporate commitments.
Focuses on developing and implementing social and environmental policies within a company to ensure ethical and sustainable business practices.
Works to ensure that organisations follow environmental laws and regulations, carrying out audits and assessments to improve sustainability.
Analyses the environmental and ethical impact of a company's supply chain, working to make sourcing, production, and distribution more sustainable.
Complete your GCSEs and consider A-levels or equivalent qualifications in subjects such as Geography, Science, Business Studies, or Economics.
Having a solid academic foundation is key. Focus on subjects that explore the environment, business, and science, as these form the basis of sustainability work. Volunteering for environmental projects or joining eco-clubs in school can also provide valuable experience and strengthen your application for further study.
Obtain a university degree in a related field, such as Environmental Science, Sustainability, Environmental Management, or Business with a sustainability focus.
Many Sustainability Managers hold degrees that provide a mix of environmental knowledge and business acumen. Courses typically cover topics like climate change, resource management, corporate responsibility, and environmental law. Some universities offer sandwich courses with placements, which can help you gain practical experience.
Get hands-on experience by working with environmental organisations, sustainability departments, or charities.
Look for internships or voluntary roles in your university, local government, or NGOs focusing on sustainability. These experiences will help you understand real-world sustainability challenges, expand your professional network, and make your CV stand out to future employers.
Participate in or lead projects involving sustainability, such as recycling schemes, energy audits, or awareness campaigns.
Project management is a crucial skill for Sustainability Managers. Taking on responsibility for projects helps you develop planning, teamwork, and leadership abilities. You may find opportunities through student societies, community groups, or by suggesting initiatives in your workplace or university.
Apply for positions such as Sustainability Officer, Environmental Advisor, or Corporate Social Responsibility Assistant.
Start your professional journey in entry-level roles where you can learn on the job, build your skills, and understand how organisations implement sustainability strategies. Use this time to develop expertise in areas such as carbon reporting, stakeholder engagement, or environmental compliance.
Work towards professional qualifications from bodies like IEMA or CIWM, and consider specialising in areas such as energy management or sustainable procurement.
Professional qualifications demonstrate your commitment to the field and can help you progress into more senior roles. Joining professional bodies offers networking opportunities, access to training, and the latest industry developments. As you gain experience, you may choose to specialise in particular aspects of sustainability within an organisation.
After building up experience and skills, apply for Sustainability Manager roles overseeing sustainability strategy and initiatives.
As a Sustainability Manager, you will take responsibility for creating and implementing sustainability policies, managing teams, and ensuring organisational compliance with environmental regulations. You will also have the opportunity to make a significant impact on your organisation’s environmental footprint and social responsibility.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Sustainability Manager. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A Sustainability Manager shares similar responsibilities with a Facilities Manager, as both focus on overseeing organisational operations related to environmental performance and resource efficiency. They work to implement sustainable practices within facilities, ensuring compliance with environmental standards and reducing the organisation's carbon footprint.
You can get into this job through:
You could take a foundation degree or degree in a subject like:
Employers will often accept other subjects for entry onto graduate training schemes, or for study towards professional industry qualifications.
You'll usually need:
You could apply to do an apprenticeship with a property management company, for example:
These can take between 2 and 4 years to complete and combine workplace training with off-site study.
You'll usually need:
You may be able to start as a management assistant or apprentice in facilities services and work your way up through training and promotion.
Your employer may encourage you to work towards professional qualifications like those offered by the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management.
You could apply for jobs directly if you've got relevant experience. This includes technical skills related to buildings and management.
Qualifications in building services engineering, surveying or health and safety may give you an advantage.
You could join the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
You can find out more about becoming a facilities manager from the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management.
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