Environmental Sustainability Manager - Regional Civils - Leeds

Balfour Beatty; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm is seeking a Sustainability & Environmental Manager to oversee sustainability initiatives across civil engineering projects in Leeds. This role involves leading teams, managing environmental compliance, and integrating sustainable practices into operations. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in sustainability management, knowledge of UK legislation, and excellent leadership skills. The firm offers flexible working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

25 days paid annual leave

Family-friendly policies

Pension plan

Volunteering leave

Qualifications

• Proven experience in sustainability and environmental management within construction.
• Strong knowledge of UK environmental legislation and best practices.
• A proactive leader capable of balancing compliance with innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of sustainability and environmental commitments across projects.
• Provide expert guidance on sustainability and environmental practices.
• Engage with clients and regulators to influence positive outcomes.

Skills

Sustainability management

Environmental legislation knowledge

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

Chartered status (IEMA, CIWEM, CEnv)

Job description

About the role

At Balfour Beatty, we're shaping the future of UK infrastructure - delivering projects that connect communities, protect the environment, and drive sustainable growth. As we expand our Regional Civils business, we're looking for a passionate and forward-thinking Sustainability & Environmental Manager to join our team delivery strategic advice and guidance across the business.

In this pivotal role, you will lead the delivery of our sustainability and environmental commitments across a diverse portfolio of civil engineering projects. Working closely with project teams, clients, and stakeholders, you'll ensure that sustainability is embedded in everything we do - from reducing carbon and enhancing biodiversity, to driving circular economy solutions and achieving our net zero ambitions.

What you'll be doing

As a Sustainability & Environmental Manager you will:

• Provide expert guidance and leadership on sustainability and environmental practices across multiple regional civil projects
• Support delivery of Balfour Beatty's Sustainability Strategy and Net Zero Carbon targets
• Lead environmental risk assessments, management plans, and compliance with UK legislation
• Engage with clients, supply chain partners, and regulators to influence positive outcomes
• Champion innovation, best practice, and continuous improvement across the business
• Mentor and support project teams to embed sustainable thinking in day-to-day operations

Who we're looking for

You will have the following:

• Proven experience in sustainability and environmental management within construction, civils, or infrastructure
• Strong knowledge of UK environmental legislation, standards, and industry best practice
• Chartered status or working towards professional membership (IEMA, CIWEM, CEnv, or similar)
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
• A proactive leader who can balance compliance with innovation and ambition

Why work for us

Day in, day out, our teams deliver some of the UK's most ambitious, exciting and meaningful projects; developing, building and maintaining the vital infrastructure that supports national economies and strengthens communities.

Why join us?

As if contributing to and supporting work that makes life better for millions wasn’t rewarding enough, we offer a full range of benefits too. You'll have the freedom to shape the package that's right for you and your life. Here are some of our key benefits:

• Smart working, giving you more flexibility such as staggered start and finish times, with up to 40% remote working, where roles allow.
• 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata)
• Family friendly policies which include 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave and four weeks full pay for paternity/partners leave
• Pension, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and much more

About us

With a strong track record of delivery, our civils teams connect communities through infrastructure projects in the highways, public realm, rail, flood and coastal defence, and industrial sectors across England and Wales.

Diversity and inclusion

At Balfour Beatty we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential components of any successful, happy workplace. Through our Value Everyone Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan, we are growing our diverse workforce and developing our inclusive culture where everyone is able to thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of their identity or background. To find out how we are making this a reality, visit www.balfourbeatty.com/diversityandinclusion

To help and support us with our desired commitment to create an inclusive culture we are members of WISE, enei, Business Disability Forum and the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE). In 2020, we signed the Audeliss and Involve Open Letter to demonstrate our commitment to taking key long term and sustainable actions on Black Inclusion. Balfour Beatty is also a Gold Award holder in the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme and actively encourage applications from Armed Forces personnel, veterans and reservists.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to working with people who have disabilities and long-term health conditions to remove barriers for them in obtaining employment. We are also committed to offering applicants with a disability an interview if they meet the minimum requirements for the role. For more info, visit: https://disabilityconfident.campaign.gov.uk/

We are looking to continually improve our resourcing process and ensure that it is fair and inclusive for all. If you have any feedback on the process, please share this with us at: [e-mail]