Environment Manager

Plymouth University; Plymouth; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university in Plymouth is seeking an enthusiastic Environment Manager to lead sustainability projects and maintain its Environmental Management System. The ideal candidate will possess strong knowledge in environmental issues, project management skills, and proficiency in data analysis. Candidates should be comfortable working collaboratively and engaging with various stakeholders. This role requires onsite presence four days a week, supporting the university's commitment to a greener future.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Employee assistance programme

Development opportunities

Flexible working

Retailer discounts

On-site nursery

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of environmental, sustainability and climate change issues.
• Internal auditor trained (or working towards) in ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Lead sustainability projects in resource/waste management, biodiversity, and green travel.
• Manage and analyze key sustainability data for reporting.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 14001:2015 EMS.

Skills

Environmental knowledge

Data analysis

Project management

Collaborative teamwork

Education

Further education level or equivalent experience

Tools

ISO 14001 EMS

Job description

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The University of Plymouth is recognised as an innovative leader in higher education for sustainability, across teaching and learning, research and our university operations. Having declared a climate emergency in 2019 and developed a Climate Action Plan to achieve ambitious targets, we’re seeking a enthusiastic and skilled Environment Manager to drive forward transformative sustainability projects, maintain and strengthen our Environmental Management System (EMS), and help shape a greener future across our campus community.

About the role

The Environment Manager will lead on taking forward our sustainability projects in the areas of resource and waste management, biodiversity, sustainable food (including Fairtrade), green travel, and procurement. The role will ensure continuous improvement against our action plans and targets, supporting gathering and analysing of data for our sustainability metrics and reporting.

This role focuses on maintaining our ISO 14001:2015 EMS including internal auditing, compliance reviews, and supporting external audits. This will involve collaborative working across the university departments, including on‑site audits and checks for compliance with policies.

To perform this role to a high standard you will understand sustainability issues and have experience of delivering and leading sustainability projects. The role requires an enthusiastic individual with analytical skills, the ability to think creatively and work with others to develop new solutions. You will have knowledge of EMS and relevant environmental compliance experience. You will be able to communicate clearly and effectively and be comfortable meeting and interacting with colleagues and students from across the University. You will be passionate about climate change and have a desire to drive sustainability improvements.

You will be based within the Sustainability Team in Estates and Facilities and report into the Head of Sustainability, working closely with the Energy Manager, Building Systems Manager (BMS) and the Estates and Projects Support Assistant.

You will

• Lead on taking forward sustainability projects in the areas of resource and waste management, biodiversity, sustainable food (including Fairtrade), green travel, and procurement.
• Lead and coordinate ISO 14001 Environment Management System and accreditation.
• Monitor, manage and analyse key sustainability data for internal and external reporting.

For this role, you will need to be on site 4 days a week. Although we can accommodate working from home, flexibility to be on‑site will be expected due to business needs.

There is an essential requirement within this role that you will be required to travel to and work at different University sites and/or other business locations that may not be easily accessible by public transport.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role, please contact Jackie Lee by email at [e-mail].

What we're looking for

• Educational attainment at further education level (or a demonstratable equivalent experience).
• Strong knowledge of environmental, sustainability and climate change issues.
• Internal auditor trained (or working towards) in ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work collaboratively with diverse teams.
• Confident with data analysis, interpretation and report writing.

About us

The University of Plymouth won the “Outstanding Estates Team” award at the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards in 2024.

Application Process

Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.

Anticipated Interview Date

Wednesday 21 January 2026

Our Offer

A successful external candidate for this position would be employed by the University of Plymouth Services Limited, a wholly‑owned subsidiary of the University of Plymouth.

When joining us, you will receive:

• Generous annual leave: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays & closure days.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Cycle to work & electric car scheme.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Development opportunities.
• Enhanced family leave.
• Flexible working.
• Retailer discounts.
• On‑site nursery.

A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here.

Additional Information

The University of Plymouth is an inclusive community where everyone is welcomed regardless of their background. To find out more about our inclusive community initiatives, such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter, please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion web pages.