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Environment & Nature

Sustainability Manager

View this career for different education levels:

Primary Secondary Post-16

A Sustainability Manager is responsible for developing and implementing strategies that help organisations operate in an environmentally and socially responsible way. This often involves creating policies to reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Sustainability Managers work closely with different departments to promote sustainable practices and report on progress towards environmental goals. They may also engage with stakeholders such as government agencies, community groups, and customers to promote their organisation's sustainability initiatives. Strong communication and project management skills are essential, and a background in environmental science, business, or a related field is often beneficial.

Sustainability Manager

📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for a Sustainability Manager in the UK ranges from £35,000 to £60,000 per year, depending on experience and sector.

Job Growth

Between 2019 and 2024, job postings for sustainability roles in the UK have increased by over 30 percent, reflecting growing industry demand.

Typical Employers

Common employers include large corporations, local authorities, consultancies, and universities, with an estimated 3,500 professionals in related sustainability management roles across the UK.

🚀 Careers in this path

Sustainable Supply Chain Coordinator

Focuses on making sure that a company’s supply chain is environmentally friendly and socially responsible, working with suppliers and logistics teams to reduce waste and carbon emissions.

Energy Efficiency Advisor

Works with organisations to help them use less energy and reduce their carbon footprint by suggesting improvements in buildings, equipment, and processes.

Environmental Policy Analyst

Researches and develops recommendations for policies that promote sustainability, helping businesses or government bodies create greener practices.

Gain Relevant Education

Study Science or Environmental Subjects

Take GCSEs and A Levels in subjects such as Geography, Biology, or Environmental Science.

Choosing science-based subjects at school will provide you with a strong foundation for understanding environmental issues. Geography and Biology are particularly useful, but subjects like Chemistry or even Business Studies can also help. If your school offers Environmental Science, this can be especially relevant.

Complete a Relevant Degree

Go to university and study a degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Environmental Management, or a related subject.

Most Sustainability Managers hold a bachelor's degree in a related field. Some universities also offer courses specifically in Sustainability or Corporate Social Responsibility. You may also consider courses in Business with modules on sustainability, or even degrees in Engineering or Architecture if you are interested in sustainable design.

Build Experience

Volunteer or Intern in Sustainability Roles

Look for opportunities to gain experience through volunteering or internships with environmental organisations or companies with sustainability initiatives.

Experience is highly valued in this field. You can volunteer for local environmental charities or get an internship at a business or council that works on sustainability projects. This will help you learn about real-world challenges and solutions, and begin to build a professional network.

Join Sustainability Projects or Societies

Participate in university or community projects focused on sustainability, such as environmental societies or green initiatives.

Many universities and communities have groups that organise events and projects on topics like recycling, clean energy, and sustainable living. Taking an active role shows commitment to the field and helps you develop project management and teamwork skills.

Develop Professional Skills

Gain Industry Knowledge

Learn about environmental legislation, sustainable business practices, and the latest trends in sustainability.

It is important to stay up to date with UK and international environmental laws and standards, such as ISO 14001. Reading industry publications, attending workshops, and joining professional bodies like IEMA (Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment) will help you stay informed.

Develop Communication and Project Management Skills

Sustainability Managers must be able to explain complex ideas clearly and manage projects from start to finish.

You will need to communicate with people at all levels, from senior executives to junior staff. Practice writing reports and giving presentations. Project management skills can be gained through formal training or by leading smaller projects during your studies or early career.

Progress Your Career

Apply for Sustainability Roles

Look for jobs such as Sustainability Officer, Environmental Advisor, or similar entry-level positions.

Starting in a junior role will allow you to gain practical experience and work your way up. Many large organisations, local councils, and consultancy firms offer entry-level positions focusing on sustainability.

Seek Professional Accreditation

Work towards professional membership or chartered status with an organisation like IEMA.

Professional accreditation demonstrates your expertise and commitment to the field. As you gain experience, you can apply for full membership or chartered status, which can help you progress to more senior positions such as Sustainability Manager or Head of Sustainability.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

A Sustainability Manager and a Production Manager both focus on overseeing processes to ensure efficiency, quality, and adherence to standards. Both roles require strategic planning, implementing improvements, and managing teams to meet organisational goals related to sustainability or production output.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

University

You could do a university qualification in manufacturing.

Some employers may look for a qualification subject related to their particular industry, for example:

  • automotive or aerospace engineering
  • food and drink production
  • pharmaceuticals
  • chemical engineering
  • fashion and textiles management

Getting relevant industry experience during your studies is important. A summer internship or year in industry placement can give you an advantage when looking for work after university.

If you complete a degree, you may be able to join a manufacturing or production management graduate training scheme.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship to get into this career. Examples include:

  • Process Leader Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Project Controls Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
  • Manufacturing Management Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

These can take between 2 and 5 years to complete and are a mix of on-the-job training and off-site study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You might start as an engineering technician or quality control officer in a manufacturing company. You could then move into production management through training and promotion.

Direct Application

You could apply directly to join a management training scheme with a manufacturing company. Employers will set their own entry requirements, for example a university qualification.

You may also be able to join a scheme if you can show you have substantial relevant industry experience.

More Information

Career tips

A knowledge of production methods and international quality standards, like ISO9000, will be helpful.

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