Sustainability Officer

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

Job summary

A leading organization in the golf community seeks a Sustainability Officer to support the England Golf sustainability plan for 2025-2030. The role involves collaborating with various stakeholders, implementing green practices, and educating teams on sustainability issues while managing projects aligned with ecological goals. A relevant degree and strong interpersonal skills are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• Sound understanding of golf facility management and sustainable practices.
• Experience in carbon footprinting and budget management.
• Ability to build relationships with staff and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of the sustainability plan and coordinate with stakeholders.
• Contribute to sustainability campaigns and support internal teams on sustainable practices.
• Assist in reducing carbon emissions and promote sustainable initiatives.

Skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Report preparation

Education

Degree in business, environmental sciences, or sustainability

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 to the plan, working closely with the communications team.
• Support the Head of Sustainability in collaborating with the R&A on sustainability projects, including Golf Course 2030.
• Assist in reducing carbon across the organisation, including championships/events, in collaboration with consultants and colleagues.
• Support the National Golf Centre (NGC) team to ensure sustainable practices are identified and implemented across the business.
• Identify changes to make our 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).
• Support the England Golf annual awards in relation to 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:

• Attend external meetings with key stakeholders, groups & organisations.
• Support GB&I Sustainability group and internal sustainability working group.
• Participate in team meetings and 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 headquarters at least 2-3 days every 2 weeks.

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. Preparation and production of clear and detailed reports. Capable of gathering and analyzing information. Outstanding communication skills, including public speaking. Computer literacy in spreadsheets, word processing, and presentation software. Friendly and supportive attitude towards colleagues and customers. Ability to explain information clearly and accurately using appropriate language. Confidence and social skills to represent the company externally. Promote diversity and equal opportunities. Experience and interest in sustainability, business management, or environmental science. Proven budget management skills. Valid driver’s license as travel will be required. Degree in business, environmental sciences, environmental management, engineering, or sustainability. Experience in carbon footprinting. Knowledge of the structure of national, regional, and county-based sport and golf organization structures. Experience working in business, sport, government, or NGO contexts.