Level 6 Project Manager - Sustainability Apprentice

AstraZeneca; Macclesfield; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A global pharmaceutical company is seeking a Level 6 Project Manager - Sustainability Apprentice in Macclesfield. This 36-month opportunity offers a starting salary of £24,570 plus benefits and a relocation package. The role involves leading projects aimed at achieving sustainability goals and contributing to various business areas. Candidates should have a strong background in communication and collaboration, as well as the required qualifications. Open and closing dates for application are from January 12 to February 15, 2026. Start date is on September 7, 2026.

Benefits

Relocation package

11% benefits fund

Bonus

Qualifications

• Keen to learn with a genuine curiosity.
• Able to act independently and contribute in a team.
• Good attention to detail and a proactive approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects and daily tasks to meet sustainability goals.
• Work with teams to reduce environmental impacts.
• Develop communications and training materials.

Skills

Enthusiastic individuals

Team collaboration

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

5 GCSEs Grades 9–4 including Maths and English

3 A levels at grade B/B–B or above

Level 3 qualification (BTEC Diploma DMM)

Job description

Level 6 Project Manager - Sustainability Apprentice

Macclesfield, UK

Starting base salary of £24,570+ 11% benefits fund + bonus

At AstraZeneca, we put patients first and strive to meet their unmet needs worldwide. We’re deeply committed to our strategy of being a great place to work. For us, that includes fostering an environment where everyone can be among inclusive, supportive individuals with curious minds.

A company that genuinely follows the science and values individuals at all levels, you’ll be backed and encouraged to speak up, ask questions, and share ideas to push the boundaries of science and continuously learn and explore.

Make the start of your journey a lifechanging one

As part of our Early Talent Programme, you’ll be involved in projects and learning opportunities that have real impact from day one.

Being part of our journey and helping us to provide life changing medicine to patients all over the world and transform lives for the better. Making important contributions and embracing our values to deliver on our purpose. Because regardless of role or level, we all have an important part to play in making a positive difference.

About the Apprenticeship Programme

Every project, in any given context, whether large or small, needs to be managed to ensure its success. A successful Project Manager understands what needs to be achieved, how it can be achieved, how long it will take and how much it will cost and works with the project team to achieve the desired outcomes. Project Managers are responsible to the sponsor/owner for the end‑to‑end delivery of a project. They have responsibility for delivering the project within defined objectives, taking decisions to manage partner expectations by leading a multi‑skilled, cross‑disciplinary team to deliver the project on time, cost and quality requirements. Using their unique knowledge, skills and leadership behaviours project managers will lead the social, legal and environmental implications of their project. In addition, they will lead a variety of collaborations with the organisational entities involved in the project, reporting to the project sponsor and working within the requirements of the programme and portfolio as appropriate. A project manager must also have the competencies to contribute to benefits management and realisation, consolidating appropriate metrics to report ensuring that identified business benefits are achieved. Increasingly, organisations employ Project Managers to transform processes or implement change to become more efficient and effective. This may require leading interdisciplinary teams within various organisational structures and across organisations. Project Managers bring resources with suitable skills and experience together in a coordinated and motivated team, with clearly defined reporting lines, roles, responsibilities and authorities. Strong communication skills are a must as you plan, capture, report, coordinate and support the governance process during meetings and update documentation associated with projects as given by the sponsor/owner in line with local requirements.

About the Global Sustainability Function

In this role, you will work in the Global Sustainability function alongside approximately 80 colleagues who develop and deliver AstraZeneca’s sustainability strategy. The strategy covers three areas – Climate and Nature Action, Health Systems Resilience and Health Equity.

The function is based in several locations all around with hubs in USA, UK, Sweden, Poland and Mexico.

In this role you will take responsibility leading projects and conducting day to day tasks to help AstraZeneca deliver upon its sustainability goals. Examples include:

• Working with leaders across the business to help them reduce the environmental impact of their activities
• Working with the Procurement function to continuously improve the sustainability of our external supplier base
• Generating data and information to be used to help business units prioritise their sustainability improvements
• Helping create content for communications and training

There is an opportunity to tailor some aspects of the role to meet the specific interests of the successful candidate – for example being part of our digital sustainability transformation.

It is expected that within the role the successful candidate will have the opportunity to spend time within different business areas (eg. Operations and Supply Chain) to enable them to deliver their goals.

Training and Development

AstraZeneca will sponsor you through your Project Manager Degree at Northeastern University London.

The apprenticeship combines working, earning a full‑time salary, with fully funded part‑time university learning (on average 1 day/week). This will give you the opportunity to gain a Level 6 qualification, just as you would if you went to university full‑time, with the advantage of gaining relevant work‑life skills and the excitement of helping to develop new medicines whilst taking your first steps towards a rewarding career.

We truly value Early Talent– their thoughts, ideas and contributions. Throughout the programme, you’ll be encouraged and inspired to speak up, have a voice and make an impact.

Skills and Capabilities

• Enthusiastic individuals who are keen to learn and with a genuine curiosity
• Able to act independently but also to work and contribute in a team environment
• Good organisational skills with an excellent attention to detail & a proactive approach to problem solving
• The ability to work on multiple tasks and understanding how to prioritise and keep stakeholders informed
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills

Entry Requirements

5 GCSEs Grades 9‑4 including Maths and English. To have achieved or predicted to achieve a minimum of 3 A levels at grade B/B‑B or above, or Level 3 qualification (BTEC Diploma DMM). Business, Economic or STEM subjects are desirable.

Benefits, open and close dates

This is a 36‑month fixed‑term contract opportunity based at Macclesfield with a starting base salary of £24,570 + 11% benefits fund + bonus. At AstraZeneca, we aim to set you up for success and we recognise the challenges that starting a new job can bring. We therefore offer a relocation package to help with the costs and process of moving for candidates who currently live more than 60 minutes from the site location for this Apprenticeship.

Opening date of advert: 12th January 2026. Closing date of advert: 15th February 2026. Successful candidates will be asked to attend a virtual Assessment Day during week commencing 16th March 2026.

Start date for the apprenticeship programme is 7th September 2026.

Equal Opps

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry‑leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non‑discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.

These positions are not open to those already educated to Bachelors degree level or above – for which we have specific Graduate Programmes, see our website for more details https://careers.astrazeneca.com/students.

#EarlyTalent

Date Posted: 12‑Jan‑2026

Closing Date: 14‑Feb‑2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.