A Sustainability Manager is responsible for developing and implementing strategies that help organisations operate in an environmentally responsible and resource-efficient manner. This role involves assessing environmental impacts, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and developing policies to improve sustainability, such as reducing waste, energy consumption, and carbon emissions. Sustainability Managers also collaborate with various departments, report on sustainability performance, and engage stakeholders including employees, customers, and local communities. They often lead initiatives such as recycling programmes, energy-saving campaigns, and ethical sourcing projects. This career is ideal for individuals who are passionate about environmental issues, enjoy problem-solving, and have strong project management and communication skills.
The average salary for a Sustainability Manager in the UK ranges from £35,000 to £60,000 per year, with senior roles exceeding £70,000.
There has been a 30 percent increase in sustainability-related job postings in the UK over the past five years.
Key sectors include public sector, construction, energy, manufacturing, and retail, with over 3,000 roles advertised annually.
Focuses on ensuring that raw materials and products are sourced, produced, and distributed in environmentally responsible ways within a company’s supply chain.
Works with organisations to reduce their energy consumption, promote the use of renewable energy, and lower their carbon footprint.
Develops and implements programmes that improve a company’s social and environmental impact, including community outreach and ethical business practices.
Focus on subjects such as geography, biology, chemistry or business at GCSE and A-level.
These subjects will give you a solid grounding in the science, ethics and processes behind sustainability. Geography and biology help you understand ecosystems, while business introduces you to how companies operate.
Pursue a degree in environmental science, sustainability, environmental management or a related field.
Many universities in the UK offer specialist courses in sustainability or environmental management. You could also choose related degrees such as geography or environmental engineering, and then specialise through modules or postgraduate study.
Seek internships, placements or voluntary roles with organisations focused on sustainability.
Look for opportunities in local councils, charities, environmental consultancies or even corporate social responsibility departments. These experiences will help you build practical skills and a network in the field.
Stay updated on environmental regulations, best practices and sustainability trends.
Attend industry events, join professional bodies like IEMA (Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment), and read publications such as Environment Analyst. This will help you understand the latest developments and requirements.
Consider postgraduate study or professional certificates in environmental management or sustainability.
Qualifications such as an MSc in Sustainability or environmental management, or membership with IEMA or CIWM (Chartered Institution of Wastes Management), can boost your credibility and knowledge for senior roles.
Look for job opportunities in businesses, local authorities or consultancies as a Sustainability Manager.
You may start as a Sustainability Officer or Assistant and work your way up. Demonstrate leadership, communication and project management skills, as well as your passion for sustainable practices.
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 often oversees complex projects related to environmental initiatives, similar to an IT project manager who manages technical projects within an organisation. Both roles require strategic planning, stakeholder coordination, and a focus on delivering sustainable, efficient results within a structured framework.
You can get into this job through:
You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification in:
You'll usually need:
You could do an apprenticeship, for example:
These apprenticeships can take between 2 and 4 years to complete.
You'll usually need:
You may be able to start with an organisation as an assistant project manager if you've got experience of working in IT.
You could then do further training on the job and take on more management responsibilities.
You could train with a professional body, like the Association for Project Management or the Project Management Institute, to help with your career development.
It might help when looking for work if you have an understanding of agile project management methods.
You can find out more about computing careers and training through The Chartered Institute for IT and techskills.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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