Sustainability Officer

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

Job summary

A leading organization in the golf sector seeks a sustainability officer to implement and manage its sustainability plan. The role includes promoting sustainable practices, engaging with stakeholders, and contributing to an operational plan, all while supporting the organization's commitment to carbon reduction and environmental management.

Qualifications

• Sufficient educational attainment demonstrating ability to perform the role.
• Interest and experience in sustainability, business management, or environmental science.
• Proven budget management skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of the England Golf sustainability plan 2025-2030.
• Coordinate the education of stakeholders in line with the sustainability plan.
• Assist in collaborating with the R&A on sustainability projects.

Skills

Communication

Analytical skills

Relationship building

Ability to influence

Computer literacy

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 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 the reduction of carbon emissions across the organization, including championships/events, in collaboration with consultants and colleagues.
• Assist the National Golf Centre (NGC) team to implement sustainable practices across the business.
• Identify opportunities to make the workplace greener, especially working with Human Resources.
• Educate and support the Development & Membership team to guide golf clubs on key issues (water, energy, biodiversity).
• Support the England Golf annual awards in the sustainability category.
• Contribute to the sustainability annual operational & financial plan, including local implementation.
• Deputise for the Head of Sustainability as needed.
• 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 GB&I Sustainability group and internal sustainability working group.
• Attend 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 to spend at least 2-3 days every 2 weeks at the headquarters.

Candidate Requirements:

• Sufficient educational attainment demonstrating ability to perform the role to the required standard.
• Understanding of golf facility management and sustainable practices.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with staff, volunteers, and partners.
• Ability to empower and influence others.
• Proficiency in preparing detailed reports.
• Analytical skills for gathering and analyzing information.
• Excellent communication skills, including public speaking.
• Computer literacy in spreadsheets, word processing, and presentation software.
• Friendly, supportive, and customer-focused attitude.
• Ability to communicate clearly and appropriately.
• Confidence and social skills to represent the organization externally.
• Respect for diversity and promotion of equal opportunities.
• Interest and experience in sustainability, business management, or environmental science.
• Proven budget management skills.
• Valid driver’s license for travel requirements.
• Degree in business, environmental sciences, environmental management, engineering, or sustainability.
• Experience in carbon footprinting.
• Knowledge of the structure of national, regional, and county sport organizations.
• Understanding of golf structures (general, club-based).
• Experience working in business, sport, government, or NGO contexts.