Sustainability Officer

JR United Kingdom; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in the golf sector is seeking a Sustainability Support Officer to assist in implementing and managing their sustainability plan. This role involves working closely with stakeholders to promote sustainability initiatives, drive educational efforts, and contribute to an inclusive environmental strategy. Ideal candidates will possess relevant educational qualifications in business or environmental sciences and demonstrate strong communication and relationship-building skills. The position offers a hybrid work setup with potential travel required.

Qualifications

• Degree in business, environmental sciences, or related field required.
• Experience and interest in sustainability and business management.
• Outstanding communication skills and public speaking abilities.

Responsibilities

• Support implementation of the England Golf sustainability plan 2025-2030.
• Educate stakeholders on sustainability practices and support advocacy campaigns.
• Assist the Head of Sustainability on collaborative sustainability projects.

Skills

Communication

Report Preparation

Information Analysis

Education

Degree in business, environmental sciences, or related field

Tools

Spreadsheet Software

Word Processing Software

Presentation Software

Job description

Support the ongoing implementation and management of the sustainability plan, in line with the England Golf Strategy 2025-2030 – strategic goal to ‘educate & influence on sustainability’.

Working Relationships:

Internal:

• Head of Sustainability – regular communication & engagement.
• Development & Membership team (RMs & CCSOs) – communication & support.
• Communication team – to support specific campaigns & engagement.
• Unified Counties, Unions & Associations – communication & promotion.
• Golf clubs – communication with paid workforce & volunteers.

External:

• GB&I sustainability group – stakeholder engagement, including Home Nations.
• The R&A – aligning sustainability planning & messaging.
• Member organisations such as BIGGA, GCMA - to advocate to workforce.
• Other key stakeholders and organisations – as per alignment to the plan.

Main Duties & Key Responsibilities:

• Support the implementation of the England Golf sustainability plan 2025-2030.
• Coordinate the connectivity and education of internal stakeholders, counties, and golf clubs in line with the sustainability plan.
• Contribute to a sustainability promotional & advocacy campaign aligned with the plan, working closely with the communications team.
• Assist the Head of Sustainability in collaborating with the R&A on sustainability projects, including Golf Course 2030.
• Support efforts to reduce carbon across the organization, including championships/events, in collaboration with consultants and colleagues.
• Help the National Golf Centre (NGC) team to identify and implement sustainable practices across the business.
• Identify and implement changes to make the workplace greener, working closely with Human Resources.
• Educate and support the Development & Membership team to provide clear guidance for golf clubs on key issues (water, energy, biodiversity).
• Assist with the England Golf annual awards in the sustainability category.
• Contribute to the sustainability annual operational & financial plan, including cascading the plan at a local level.
• Deputise for the Head of Sustainability as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as reasonably requested.

Dimensions/Resources:

Staff:

• N/A
• Support with budget control where required.

Administrative:

• Participate in external meetings with key stakeholders, groups & organizations.
• Support the GB&I Sustainability group.
• Support the internal sustainability working group.
• Attend team meetings, full staff meetings.
• Present at county/club update meetings & workshops if required.

Location:

England Golf Headquarters, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, with hybrid working or potential to work from home. If working remotely, it is expected that time is spent at the headquarters at least 2 to 3 days every 2 weeks.

Requirements:

• Sufficient educational attainment to demonstrate ability to carry out the role to the required standard.
• Sound understanding of golf facility management and sustainable practices.
• Ability to build and sustain relationships with staff, volunteers, and partners.
• Ability to empower and influence others.
• Proficiency in preparing and producing clear and detailed reports.
• Skills in gathering and analyzing information.
• Outstanding communication skills, including public speaking.
• Computer literacy in spreadsheet, word processing, and presentation software.
• Friendly and willing to support colleagues and customers.
• Ability to explain information clearly, accurately, and appropriately.
• Confidence and social skills to represent the organization externally.
• Commitment to diversity and equal opportunities.
• Experience and interest in sustainability, business management, or environmental science.
• Proven effective budget management.
• Valid driver’s license, as travel is required.
• Degree in business, environmental sciences, environmental management, engineering, or sustainability.
• Experience in carbon footprinting.
• Understanding of the structure of national, regional, and county-based sport.
• Knowledge of golf structures (general, club-based).
• Experience working in business, sport, government, or NGO contexts.