Environment and Sustainability Lead

Government Recruitment Service; Southampton; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency is seeking an Environmental and Sustainability Lead to develop and manage sustainability strategies and environmental compliance. The role focuses on driving carbon reduction initiatives and engaging stakeholders in sustainability efforts across the organization. The ideal candidate should have significant experience in environmental management and the ability to influence cross-functional teams. This position is based in Southampton and offers flexible working options and a generous benefits package.

Benefits

Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of salary

25 days annual leave, increasing with service

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Experience in environmental management and sustainability.
• Strong leadership skills and strategic influence.
• Ability to drive compliance with environmental legislation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the MCA’s Sustainability Strategy.
• Act as the subject matter expert on environmental management.
• Report on sustainability performance for Annual Accounts.

Job description

Overview

The Environmental and Sustainability Lead develops and manages the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s Environmental Management System, driving compliance with legislation and delivering carbon reduction initiatives. Acting as the Agency’s subject matter expert, the role leads strategy, reporting, and stakeholder engagement to meet Net Zero and Greening Government targets. It combines technical leadership with strategic influence, shaping sustainable practices across the organisation and representing the MCA in government-wide environmental matters.

The Health, Safety, Environment, and Sustainability (HSES) Team sits within the Corporate Services Directorate of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), based at Southampton. This specialist team provides strategic advice, guidance, and oversight across all aspects of environmental, and sustainability management, health and safety. They engage with stakeholders across the organisation and represent HSES matters at senior management levels. Although the Environmental and Sustainability Lead role has no direct reports, it operates with significant influence driving initiatives, shaping policy, and leading cross-functional working groups to deliver on government commitments such as Net Zero and the Greening Government agenda. It’s a dynamic, high-impact environment focused on meaningful change.

Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays and a privilege day for the King’s birthday
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

Read more in the Benefits section below!

Find out more about what it’s like working at: Maritime and Coastguard Agency - Department for Transport Careers

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the MCA’s Sustainability Strategy to meet Net Zero and Greening Government targets.
• Act as the Agency’s subject matter expert on environmental management and sustainability.
• Design, implement, and maintain the Environmental Management System (EMS) for continuous improvement.
• When ready, drive ISO 14001 accreditation for the Agency’s EMS.
• Identify, assess, and oversee carbon reduction projects, including feasibility and cost-benefit analysis.
• Report on sustainability performance for Annual Accounts and government commitments.
• Liaise with the Department for Transport and other bodies on sustainability matters.
• Manage utility contracts and energy audits to support sustainable procurement and monitoring.