Environmental Manager

VSL International Ltd.; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in the UK seeks a Senior Environmental Manager for the Sizewell C project. The role involves environmental management compliance, strategy development, and stakeholder engagement across site operations in Ipswich. The ideal candidate will have experience in legislative compliance, strong communication skills, and the ability to influence project standards. Join us in delivering sustainable construction practices for the future.

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of environmental legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Proven experience in large-scale environmental management.
• Excellent communication skills for reporting and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of the Environmental Management System (EMS) in compliance with ISO 14001.
• Provide technical guidance on environmental issues.
• Engage with stakeholders and maintain relationships with regulators.
• Monitor environmental performance and produce reports.
• Lead environmental training and site compliance checks.

Skills

Environmental management

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory compliance

Risk assessment

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Environmental Management or related discipline

ISO 14001 Auditor qualification

Job description

Overview

As part of Bouygues Construction's Public Works division, VSL International participates in the construction of major technical structures and guarantees their structural safety and durability: transport infrastructure (bridges, tunnels), industrial and energy production structures, and commercial buildings.

VSL's Business Is Based On Four Areas Of Expertise

• Structural systems and technologies
• Civil engineering
• Foundations and soil engineering
• Preservation, structural repairs, renovation and optimization of structures.

VSL has 4,000 employees at 25 locations worldwide (Asia and Oceania, Middle East, Europe, Latin America, Canada).

Project

Sizewell C (SZC) is at the heart of the UK’s clean energy revolution. This ground-breaking nuclear power plant project in Suffolk will play a vital role in delivering a sustainable future. Backed by EDF and the UK Government, Sizewell C is a once-in-a-generation project with significant opportunities to innovate, grow, and deliver excellence.

Position

We are seeking a Senior Environmental Manager to lead environmental management activities for the Sizewell C project as part of the Geotechnical Subcontract Alliance (GSA). You will ensure full compliance with legal, contractual, and client requirements across all construction phases. The role is responsible for developing and implementing environmental strategies that protect the environment, minimise impacts, and support the delivery of major ground engineering and civil works. As Senior Environmental Manager, you will drive continuous improvement, embed environmental performance within project planning and operations, and act as the key point of contact for regulators, external stakeholders, and the client on all environmental matters.

Main Responsibilities

• Environmental Management System & Compliance
  • Lead development, implementation, and monitoring of the project Environmental Management System (EMS) in line with ISO 14001 and client requirements.
  • Ensure all environmental obligations (contractual, DCO requirements, permits, licences) are identified, understood, and met by the project team and subcontractors.
  • Oversee environmental risk identification, assessment, and implementation of effective control measures across all project phases.
• Technical Advice & Incident Management
  • Provide expert advice and technical guidance on ecology, water management, land use, waste, materials, noise, air quality, and carbon.
  • Lead environmental incident management, including investigation, reporting, corrective actions, and communication with senior leadership and relevant external bodies.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
  • Establish and maintain strong relationships with regulators, statutory bodies (Environment Agency, Natural England, local authorities), and other stakeholders.
  • Represent the project in environmental forums, client meetings, audits, and regulatory inspections.
  • Support bid submissions, technical queries, and stakeholder engagement activities related to environmental management.
  • Support the coordination of technical engineers and draftspersons in the UK.
• Supply Chain & Subcontractor Oversight
  • Lead engagement with subcontractors and supply chain partners to ensure consistent compliance and best practice across interfaces and scopes.
  • Oversee and coordinate third-party environmental surveys, assessments, and specialist consultancy input.
• Monitoring, Reporting & Improvement
  • Define and monitor environmental performance indicators.
  • Produce accurate monthly and quarterly reports for senior leadership and the client.
  • Develop and implement project-specific environmental improvement plans aligned to biodiversity, sustainability, and carbon reduction commitments.
  • Capture, share, and embed lessons learned and improvement opportunities.
• Training, Awareness & Team Support
  • Lead the delivery of environmental training, briefings, and awareness sessions to project and subcontractor teams.
  • Ensure environmental controls are embedded into site activities through monitoring regimes, method statements, permit systems, inspection programmes, and audits.
  • Conduct regular site visits to verify compliance, coach operational teams, and support effective implementation of environmental controls.

Education

• Degree-level qualification in Environmental Management or related discipline.
• ISO 14001 Auditor qualification (or equivalent).

Experience

• In-depth knowledge of environmental legislation and regulatory requirements within major infrastructure/construction environments.
• Proven experience delivering environmental management on large-scale or complex projects.
• Stakeholder engagement skills, including regulator and client interface.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to produce reports under pressure.
• Capability to influence behaviours and standards across teams and supply chain. Strong problem-solving, analytical capability, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Essentials

• Legal right to work in the UK.
• Willingness to be based in Ipswich at our site office.

Interested? Apply now and let's build the great structures of tomorrow together!