Sustainability Lead

Sustainability Leads in science, tech, and manufacturing focus on reducing environmental impact, improving resource efficiency, and embedding sustainable practices across operations through data-driven strategies and collaboration.

What can you expect from this role?

Average salary per year

Experienced

Typical hours

38

Need a lab coat?

Not usually

You’ll work across business functions helping embed sustainability into operations. Expect to:

Conduct carbon footprint and lifecycle assessments

Develop sustainability strategies and action plans

Track and report ESG metrics (e.g. GHG emissions, energy, waste)

Liaise with internal teams and external partners

Ensure compliance with sustainability legislation and standards

Drive behaviour-change programmes across the organisation

Produce reports, case studies, and present to senior leadership

People in these types of job started their career paths after studying courses like the ones below.

Relevant degrees include:
Environmental Science Sustainability Environmental Management Business with sustainability modules

Environmental Practitioner (UK, Level 6 – Degree Apprenticeship) Sustainability Business Specialist Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability Practitioner

Sustainability Analyst or Coordinator roles Graduate schemes in sustainability, ESG, or environment & energy Internships in environmental science, corporate responsibility,…

Sustainability Business Specialist

Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability Practitioner

Sustainability Analyst or Coordinator roles

Graduate schemes in sustainability, ESG, or environment & energy

Internships in environmental science, corporate responsibility, or ESG consulting

People in these types of job possess skills like the ones below.

You'll need:

a strong understanding of environmental science and sustainability frameworks

critical thinking and analytical problem-solving abilities

attention to detail and organisational skills

confidence in working with data and interpreting metrics

excellent communication and teamwork capabilities

project management and strategic planning experience

the ability to influence and engage a range of stakeholders

competence with sustainability reporting tools and office software

Career progression opportunities include

With experience, Sustainability Leads may progress to roles such as:

Head of Sustainability

Director of ESG

Sustainability Consultant

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