Ems Manager

University of Leicester; Leicester Forest East; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Leicester seeks an Environmental Management Systems Manager to lead the university's sustainability programme and EMS implementation across Estates, Campus Services, and academic divisions.

You will develop and embed robust environmental practices, monitor compliance, and collaborate with external auditors and internal teams to drive continual improvement across waste, energy, water and carbon management.

Qualifications

• Relevant degree or vocational qualification with substantial sustainability delivery experience.
• Experience of Environmental Management Systems and membership of a professional body.
• Knowledge of environmental legislation, auditing, health and safety, and sustainability principles.
• Ability to interpret complex environmental data and translate findings into practical recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, implementation and continual improvement of the EMS.
• Support progression through EcoCampus towards ISO 14001 accreditation.
• Undertake environmental reviews, gap analyses and audit programmes.
• Monitor legal compliance and provide expert advice and training.
• Analyse data on waste, energy, water, travel and carbon to inform priorities.

Skills

EMS implementation

Environmental auditing

Data analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Policy development

Sustainability reporting

Education

Relevant degree or professional qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

As Environmental Management Systems Manager, you will play a leading role in advancing environmental sustainability across the University.

You will lead the development, implementation and continual improvement of the University’s Environmental Management System, supporting its progression through the EcoCampus framework towards full ISO 14001 accreditation. Initially working across Estates and Campus Services, the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, and the College of Business, you will help embed effective environmental management practices across the wider University.

You will undertake environmental reviews and gap analyses, develop audit and improvement programmes, monitor legal compliance, and provide expert advice and training to colleagues. You will also analyse environmental performance data across areas including waste, travel, procurement, water, energy and carbon emissions, using your findings to inform recommendations, organisational priorities and sustainability plans.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across Professional Services and academic departments, you will support Environmental Action Coordinators, contribute to environmental policies and procedures, and promote initiatives that encourage positive and lasting behavioural change. You will also engage with external auditors, consultants, contractors and accreditation bodies.

This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of a significant environmental programme and make a tangible contribution to a greener and more sustainable University community.

About you

You will have a relevant degree or vocational qualification, supported by substantial experience in environmental sustainability delivery or project management. You will bring practical experience of Environmental Management Systems, together with membership of, or progress towards membership of, an appropriate professional body.

Your knowledge will include environmental legislation, environmental auditing, health and safety considerations, sustainability principles and the wider social and economic context of environmental management. You will be confident interpreting complex quantitative and qualitative environmental data, identifying areas for improvement and translating your findings into clear, practical recommendations.

An effective communicator and collaborative relationship-builder, you will be able to explain complex or technical information to different audiences. You will have the confidence to influence, persuade and negotiate with staff, students and external stakeholders, including when established attitudes or behaviours need to change.

You will demonstrate sound judgement, initiative, accuracy and attention to detail, alongside the ability to organise competing priorities and meet deadlines. Strong IT skills, including the effective use of spreadsheets and standard Microsoft Office applications, are also essential.

Experience of EcoCampus, higher education, public-sector or multi-site environments would be advantageous, as would experience of working with third-party providers and delivering organisational behaviour-change initiatives. The successful candidate will combine strong environmental management expertise with genuine enthusiasm for sustainability and continual improvement.