Sustainability Manager (Maternity Cover)

Stepnell; Southampton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Stepnell is seeking an ambitious Sustainability Manager to join on a 12-month fixed-term contract starting in December 2026. The role will lead ISO 14001/50001 systems, data collection, and regulatory compliance across projects to drive continuous improvement.

You will coordinate audits, SECR reporting, WLCA studies, and engage with site teams and stakeholders to deliver measurable value across our construction portfolio.

Qualifications

• Experience managing sustainability strategy and compliance in construction or built environment.
• Proven carbon accounting experience and ISO system knowledge (ISO 14001/50001).
• ISEP membership is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 systems, ensuring documentation and updates.
• Lead preparation for audits and certifications including ISO 14001/50001 and other verifications.
• Manage SECR reporting and CRP updates for public sector frameworks.
• Drive Whole Life Carbon assessments across regional projects (WLCA).
• Support bids, proposals, and site teams with sustainability inputs.
• Lead internal sustainability forums and training.

Skills

Sustainability strategy

Environmental compliance

Corporate carbon accounting

Leadership & communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Sustainability or Environmental Management

ISEP membership (preferred)

Tools

SmartWaste

Job description

Stepnell are looking for an ambitious experienced Sustainability Manager to step into a key 12-month fixed-term contract starting in early-December 2026. Maximising your chances of a successful application to this job by ensuring your CV and skills are a good match.

Key Responsibilities

• Management Systems: Oversee operational compliance and continuous improvement for our certified ISO 14001 system (Environmental) and ISO 50001 (Energy Management) (Energy) management systems, ensuring Business Management System (BMS) documentation is up to date. Maintaining our BMS documentation where required.
• Corporate Audits & Certification: Lead preparation and evidence management for our annual corporate audits, recertifications and verifications including ISO 14001, ISO 50001, ISO(phone number removed). Act as a trusted advisor to the wider SHEQ Team for sustainability and environment.
• Regulatory Compliance: Lead preparation and evidence management for our statutory ESOS Phase 4 compliance. Ensure business-wide understanding and adherence to evolving statutory sustainability and environmental legislation and industry best practices.

Carbon Emissions and Energy Data Collection

• Emissions Tracking: Lead corporate carbon data capture across all operational boundaries (Scopes 1, 2, and 15 Scope 3 categories), co-ordinating our network of regional SmartWaste Champions.
• SECR and PPN 006 Reporting: Produce our annual Streamlined Energy & Carbon Reporting (SECR) submission and update our PPN 006 Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) to protect our bidding gateways on public sector frameworks (e.g., SCAPE, CWM).
• KPIs & Reporting: Maintain monthly sustainability KPI reporting and prepare technical inputs for the annual Group Sustainability Report and internal Sustainability & Social Value Forum.

Project Delivery & Team Support

• Whole Life Carbon (WLCA): Drive project-level Whole Life Carbon Assessments (A1-A5) across regional projects, ensuring commitments are met on major framework schemes.
• Work-Winning & Bids: Provide expert technical input and qualitative responses for pre-construction proposals, framework bids, and client tenders.
• Supply Chain & Waste Management: Manage waste contractor SLAs, conduct quarterly performance reviews, and drive circular economy initiatives (e.g., material off-cut return schemes).
• Engagement & Training: Lead internal sustainability forums, SmartWaste Champion teams, support site teams and deliver against the Sustainability and Social Value Strategy.

Priorities for the 12-Month Term

• Annual Corporate Verification: Successfully lead the annual ISO (phone number removed) verification audit and compile SECR emissions data prior to reporting deadlines.
• ISO Audit Management: Oversee external recertification audits for ISO 14001 and ISO 50001.
• WLCA Rollout: Deliver mandatory A1-A5 Whole Life Carbon Assessments on SCAPE projects (>£5M) and support regional teams to complete 2 WLCAs per region per year.
• Baseline Standards: Establish zero avoidable waste and water intensity baselines and define operational reduction targets.
• Energy Reviews: Conduct the annual corporate ISO 50001 energy review, evaluating EnPIs and site/office intensity metrics.
• Data Automation: Manage SmartWaste API integrations and maintain data integrity across all live project sites.

Key Requirements

• Experience: Experience in managing sustainability strategy, environmental compliance, and corporate carbon accounting within the construction or built environment sector.
• Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Sustainability, Environmental Management, or related discipline. Professional membership of ISEP (or equivalent) preferred.
• Technical Expertise: Proven hands-on experience with environmental management systems (ISO 14001, ISO 50001), carbon verification (ISO (phone number removed), and software platforms like SmartWaste.
• Communication: Strong leadership and communication skills with the confidence to interface with board members, regional directors, site teams, and supply chain. Ability to build strong inter-personal relationships with Stakeholders