Strategic Operational Lead for Sustainability

Kingston University; London; On-site; GBP 61,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in London is seeking a Strategic Operational Lead for Sustainability to drive its ambitious sustainability goals. This full-time role entails managing environmental compliance and leading sustainable practices across operations, aligning with teaching and research goals. Candidates should bring strong project management and data analysis skills, with a salary of £60,155 per annum.

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of sustainability practices.
• Confident and experienced in leading operational change.
• Ability to deliver tangible improvements in sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of the Environmental Management System.
• Manage the University's sustainability budget.
• Oversee reporting for statutory and voluntary disclosures.

Skills

Sustainability reporting

Project management

Communication

Data analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Experience in environmental compliance and ISO14001

Job description

Kingston University London is seeking to appoint a Strategic Operational Lead for Sustainability to provide maternity cover for a 12-month fixed term. This is a key leadership role within the Estates and Sustainability Team, focused on delivering the University's ambitious sustainability goals through operational excellence, collaboration, and innovation.

As the University continues to implement its Sustainability Plan, this role is responsible for leading delivery of Strand 2 - sustainability through our estate and operations - and ensuring alignment with Strand 1 (teaching, learning, research and knowledge exchange). The postholder will embed sustainable practices across all operational functions, while also contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Accord and supporting wider borough-level action through the Royal Borough of Kingston's Climate Action and Sustainability Plans.

This role will lead and coordinate multiple workstreams, including the successful implementation of the Environmental Management System (EMS) in accordance with ISO14001 standards, measurement and reduction of scope 3 carbon emissions, and the development of key policy and process improvements. The postholder will manage the University's sustainability budget and oversee reporting for a range of statutory and voluntary disclosures, including the Annual Sustainability Report, UN SDG Accord Report, Estates Management Record and sustainability league table submissions such as People & Planet.

The successful candidate will be a confident and experienced sustainability professional with a deep understanding of environmental compliance, ISO14001, sustainability reporting, stakeholder engagement and operational change leadership. They will possess strong project management, communication and data analysis skills, and be able to work strategically while delivering tangible improvements across a complex and evolving estate. This role will appeal to someone passionate about implementing environmental management systems and achieving real-world progress toward sustainable development in the higher education sector.

The Directorate for Finance, HR, and Infrastructure plays a critical role in shaping and supporting the University's strategic and operational success. With a focus on excellence, efficiency, and people-centred practices, it delivers vital services that influence the daily experience of staff and students while enabling long-term institutional growth. These services span financial management, workforce development, and the maintenance of both physical and digital infrastructure - ensuring the University's operations and ambitions are fully supported. With a clear focus on service quality, innovation, and people-first practices, the Directorate operates in close partnership with academic faculties and senior leadership to ensure institutional goals are achieved. It is driven by a commitment to excellence, service, and sustainable progress, promoting a culture where collaboration, innovation and transformation thrive. This is an opportunity to join a proactive, solutions-focused team whose work directly contributes to the University's continued success.

Estates & Sustainability sits within the Finance, Infrastructure and HR Directorate and exists to support Kingston University's academic mission and the goals set out in its strategic plan. It leads on strategic planning, capital development, space management, operational sustainability, energy management, and biodiversity management, as well as statutory compliance and operation of the campuses and premises used by the university. It provides direction for the operation, facilities maintenance, and management of the estate by KUSCO - a wholly owned subsidiary of the University.

This is a full time, fixed term position for 12 months with a starting salary of £60,155 per annum.

This fixed term position is available as a result of maternity leave, and it is expected that you will hold it for the full period. However, should the substantive post-holder on maternity leave exercise their right to return to work earlier, then this appointment will be terminated, subject to a notice period of one month.

Interviews are expected to be held on the 9 th September 2025.

For informal enquiries, please contact Stephanie Todd , Strategic Operational Lead for Sustainability.