Environment Manager

University of Plymouth; Plymouth; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A higher education institution in Plymouth seeks an Environment Manager to lead sustainability projects focused on resource management, biodiversity, and climate change initiatives. This role involves coordination of ISO 14001:2015, monitoring key sustainability data, and ensuring compliance with environmental policies. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, experience in sustainability, and excellent communication abilities. The role requires a hybrid work model with on-site presence 4 days a week.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Pension scheme

Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Development opportunities

Enhanced family leave

Flexible working

Retailer discounts

On-site nursery

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in delivering sustainability projects.
• Internal auditor training or progress towards ISO 14001.
• Strong ability to communicate with diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead sustainability projects related to waste management and green travel.
• Coordinate ISO 14001 accreditation efforts.
• Monitor and report on sustainability data compliance.

Skills

Knowledge of environmental and sustainability issues

Data analysis

Project management

Ability to work collaboratively

Education

Further education qualification or equivalent experience

Tools

ISO 14001 EMS knowledge

Job description

About the role

The Environment Manager’s role 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 with the gathering and analysing of data for our sustainability metrics and reporting.

This role has a focus on maintaining our ISO 14001:2015 EMS including internal auditing, compliance reviews, and supporting with 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 taking the lead on sustainability projects. The role requires an enthusiastic individual, with analytical skills but also 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 wanting to drive sustainability improvements.

You will be based in 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.

Key responsibilities

• 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.
• Monitoring, management and analysis of 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 for this role, 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. Please refer to the job description for further information.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then 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 changes 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. 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.

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. Employees of the University of Plymouth Services Limited work alongside the University of Plymouth colleagues in delivery of Plymouth’s strategic vision, and will adopt the University of Plymouth’s HR policies and procedures in full unless otherwise stated.

Benefits

• 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

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.