Sustainability Manager Environment

University of Leeds; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - GBP 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent UK university located in Leeds is seeking a leader to drive its environmental sustainability initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in sustainability within large organizations, strong management skills, and the ability to engage diverse stakeholders. This role offers the chance to influence significant environmental programs in support of the university's strategic climate objectives. Flexible working arrangements are available, alongside a supportive team environment.

Benefits

26 days holiday plus around 16 Bank Holidays

Discounted gym membership

Access to professional development courses

On-site childcare and shopping discounts

Qualifications

• Experience in delivering sustainability programmes in large organisations.
• Ability to build relationships to engage a diverse community.
• Leadership experience in the context of environmental initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage team members in the Sustainability Service.
• Drive forward key environmental programmes.
• Work with academic and professional colleagues on strategic priorities.

Skills

Environmental sustainability expertise

Management and leadership

Excellent communication skills

Networking and influencing

Job description

Overview

Interviews are expected to be held week commencing 23 March 2026

This role will be based on the university campus, with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

Do you want to play a key role in creating a truly sustainable university? Have you got significant experience in environmental sustainability in large organisations? Do you have excellent management and leadership skills with a passion for developing others?

The University of Leeds is one of the top 80 universities in the world. We have a truly global community, with more than 39,000 students from 170 different countries and over 9,000 staff of 100 different nationalities. Established in 1904, we have a strong tradition of academic excellence, reflected in first-class student education, along with world-leading research that has a real impact around the globe.

We are seeking an exceptional candidate to play a leading role in the delivery of our environmental portfolio in support of the University Strategy “Universal Values, Global Change”, our Climate Plan and our commitment to environmental and social responsibility. Sustainability is at the core of the University of Leeds, with our economic, social, environmental, and cultural responsibilities a priority alongside our commitment to education and research excellence.

With proven experience of delivering sustainability programmes in large, complex organisations, you will have excellent communication, networking and influencing skills, with the ability to build relationships to engage and enable a diverse and vibrant community within the University and beyond.

With leadership at its heart, you will work with a diverse and inclusive team in the Sustainability Service and wider Facilities Directorate to drive forward key environmental programmes. You will work closely with professional and academic colleagues as well as students across strategic priorities including biodiversity, circular economy and travel, whilst ensuring environmental compliance and continual improvement.

The role forms part of the Sustainability leadership team, supporting the strategic direction and ensuring excellent and efficient management of the Service. You will lead and manage team members, providing them with the support, guidance and development required to deliver their programmes and projects, ensuring a collaborative and effective team.

Visa Eligibility

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa .

Benefits

• 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days ayear!
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbingwall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Please see details of the University’s Pre-employment Health Assessment within the Candidate Brief.