Environmental & Sustainability Lead (ESG Lead)

Accept Recruitment; Leicester Forest East; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking an Environmental & Sustainability Lead to drive the company's sustainability initiatives and achieve Net Zero goals. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Environmental Science and significant experience in sustainability or ESG management, particularly within a manufacturing setting. You will design impactful strategies, ensure compliance, and collaborate with various departments to embed sustainable practices across the organization.

Benefits

33 days annual leave

Contributory pension scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in sustainability or ESG management.
• Strong understanding of environmental legislation.
• Experience with sustainability data and reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of the sustainability and ESG strategy.
• Monitor environmental compliance and advise on best practices.
• Manage greenhouse gas emissions reporting.

Skills

Sustainability and ESG expertise

Communication and stakeholder management

Data analysis and reporting

Education

Degree in Environmental Science or related field

Tools

GHG Protocol

CDP

EcoVadis

Job description

Environmental & Sustainability Lead (ESG Lead)

Job Description:

Department: SHEQ
Hours: 37.5 per week
Benefits: 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays), contributory pension scheme

About the Role

Are you passionate about driving real change in environmental and sustainability practices? We're looking for an Environmental & Sustainability Officer to lead our efforts in achieving our Net Zero goals and embedding sustainability throughout our operations and supply chain.

This is a pivotal role where you'll act as the company's subject matter expert on all things environmental and ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance). You'll design and deliver impactful strategies, ensure compliance with legislation, and collaborate across all departments — from production and procurement to marketing and senior leadership — to create measurable, lasting impact.

What You'll Do

• Lead the development and implementation of our sustainability and ESG strategy, aligning it with business goals and Net Zero commitments.
• Oversee and enhance our Environmental Management System (EMS) to maintain ISO 14001 certification.
• Monitor environmental compliance and advise on evolving legislation and best practice.
• Manage greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories, emissions reporting, and carbon reduction initiatives (Scope 1, 2, and 3).
• Support energy efficiency, waste reduction, and recycling programmes across the business.
• Analyse and report on sustainability and ESG data for internal and external stakeholders.
• Embed sustainable principles within procurement and supplier management processes.
• Drive employee engagement through awareness campaigns, workshops, and training sessions.
• Represent the company at sustainability events, forums, and industry networks.

About You

You're a strategic and proactive professional with a genuine passion for sustainability and continuous improvement. You combine strong technical knowledge with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, enabling you to influence and inspire others.

Essential

• Degree (or equivalent) in Environmental Science, Sustainability, or a related field.
• Proven experience in sustainability, ESG, or environmental management within a manufacturing or industrial setting.
• Strong understanding of environmental legislation, carbon accounting standards, and ESG frameworks.
• Experience managing sustainability data and reporting tools (e.g. GHG Protocol, CDP, EcoVadis).

Desirable

• Professional membership of IEMA, CIWEM, or similar recognised body.
• Experience leading ISO 14001 implementation or certification projects.
• Project management and/or grant funding experience.