Sustainability Graduate - Leeds and Northeast - 2027

OCU Group; Rothwell; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

OCU Group is offering a Sustainability Graduate role based in Leeds and the Northeast as part of the 2-year Graduate Programme. You will gain hands-on experience supporting sustainability initiatives, reporting, and stakeholder engagement across operations and projects.

You’ll work with the Sustainability team to develop skills in data collection, environmental performance, and continuous improvement, with opportunities to travel to project sites and grow into greater responsibility.

Qualifications

• Degree in Sustainability or related field with a 2:2 or higher.
• Interest in sustainability, ESG, carbon management or social value.
• Full UK driving licence beneficial for travel across sites.

Responsibilities

• Support sustainability programmes and embedding practices across projects.
• Assist data collection, reporting, compliance and continuous improvement.
• Analyse data, identify trends and support carbon reduction initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and travel as needed.

Skills

Sustainability

Data analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

Degree in Sustainability

Environmental Science

Environmental Management

Geography

Climate Change

Ecology

Renewable Energy

Sustainability and Business

Job description

Sustainability Graduate - Leeds and Northeast - 2027

Department: SHEQ & Growth

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Leeds

Reporting To: Jack Buckley

Description

You’ll play a key role in supporting OCU’s sustainability ambitions and helping the business deliver positive environmental, social and economic outcomes across its operations and projects. Based in the North East, you’ll work as part of our Sustainability team, contributing to initiatives that support responsible business practices, reduce environmental impact and create lasting value for the communities we serve.

You’ll gain exposure to a broad range of sustainability activities, working closely with operational teams, SHEQ professionals, clients and business stakeholders to help embed sustainable practices across the organisation. You’ll support the development, implementation and monitoring of sustainability programmes, assisting with data collection, reporting, compliance and continuous improvement initiatives that contribute to OCU’s sustainability objectives.

As part of the role, you’ll assist with environmental and sustainability reporting, carbon reduction initiatives, waste management programmes, social value projects and the monitoring of key sustainability performance indicators. You’ll help analyse data, identify trends and support the delivery of projects that improve environmental performance, enhance resource efficiency and contribute to net zero and wider sustainability commitments.

The role will involve collaboration with a range of internal and external stakeholders and may include travel to operational and project sites across the region, providing valuable practical experience of how sustainability is integrated into real‑world infrastructure and utility projects. As your skills and confidence grow, you’ll take on increasing responsibility, develop strong stakeholder engagement and project management skills, and become an important contributor to OCU’s sustainability journey.

Perfect for

Graduates who are passionate about sustainability and want to make a positive impact through environmental stewardship, social responsibility and responsible business practices. You’ll be inquisitive, proactive and motivated to drive positive change, with strong analytical, communication and problem‑solving skills.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with data, engaging with stakeholders and developing solutions to complex sustainability challenges. You’ll be keen to develop your understanding of environmental management, carbon reduction, social value, ESG principles and sustainable business practices while working alongside experienced sustainability professionals and operational teams.

You’ll enjoy balancing strategic initiatives with practical implementation, helping to deliver meaningful sustainability outcomes that support communities, protect the environment and contribute to OCU’s long‑term success.

Entry Requirements

You’ll need (or be on track to achieve) a degree in Sustainability, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Geography, Climate Change, Ecology, Renewable Energy, Sustainability and Business, or a related discipline with a minimum 2:2 classification.

An interest in sustainability, environmental performance, ESG, carbon management or social value through academic projects, placements, internships, volunteering or personal development would be advantageous.

A full UK driving licence would be beneficial due to occasional travel across operational and project sites within the region.

Training Programme

Our 2 year Graduate Programme combines structured training with hands‑on experience, giving you real responsibility from day one. You’ll learn directly alongside industry experts in a collaborative, supportive environment. We invest in your continuous professional development, giving you the tools, confidence and clear progression path to build a long term career within OCU.