Sustainability Officer - Circular Economy (74837-0825)

University of Warwick; Coventry; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university in Coventry is seeking a Sustainability Officer to drive circular economy initiatives and promote sustainable practices across campus. The ideal candidate has a degree and is passionate about innovation and collaboration. This full-time role includes various responsibilities from project management to stakeholder engagement. Benefits include a competitive salary and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Attractive pension scheme

30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure

Generous parental/adoption leave policy

Onsite childcare facilities

Excellent learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Genuine enthusiasm for circular economy initiatives.
• Ability to engage with various stakeholders.
• Experience in project management is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Implement waste reduction and circular economy initiatives.
• Collaborate with technical specialists and academic researchers.
• Champion sustainable behavior change and manage initiatives.

Skills

Enthusiasm for innovation

Understanding of circular economy systems

Stakeholder engagement

Project and operations management

Education

Degree in a relevant field

Job description

Location

University of Warwick Campus, Coventry

Department

Estates - Energy & Sustainability

Position Type

Permanent

Salary

£35,608 to £46,049 per annum

About the Role

For informal enquiries, please contact Gemma Wilkins (Head of Sustainable Campus Operations) at [e-mail].

The University of Warwick is a vibrant community of over 7,000 staff and over 28,000 students. The Sustainability Officer (Circular Economy) is a key role within the Energy and Sustainability team. It provides an opportunity to enact real change at scale and to improve the campus environment for both people and planet.

You will work with a wide range of colleagues, collaborating with technical specialists, academic researchers, students, professional services and external partners to implement waste reduction and circular economy initiatives across the breadth of the University\'s operations.

This role is varied and encompasses elements of project and operations management, stakeholder engagement, events, supporting education and research, and championing sustainable behaviour change.

Flexible Working

We will consider applications for part-time or other flexible working arrangements (e.g. job share), despite the position being advertised as full-time.

About You

The ideal candidate will have genuine enthusiasm for innovation and the possibilities presented by circular economy systems. They will understand how to close the loop and can draw on best practice, learning from others both within higher education and beyond to implement tangible changes on campus.

They will identify new ways of working and challenge established norms in a productive and positive manner. They will bring a fresh perspective and be an advocate for sustainable change through building business cases and engaging with stakeholders at all levels.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the continued delivery of our award-winning Donation Drive initiative, Repair Café and related projects enabling the reuse of surplus items.

The role requires a degree of manual handling in the collection and sorting of donated items, with full training and safety equipment provided. Candidates must be flexible to accommodate occasional evening and weekend working planned in advance to deliver specific projects.

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

About the Department

The Energy and Sustainability team works with colleagues across the University to deliver Warwick\'s Way to Sustainable strategy. This is an opportunity to join a friendly and dedicated team of passionate people who want to make a real difference, both locally on our campus and beyond.

About the University

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 67th in the world and 10th in the UK. 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. Find out more about us on our website.

How to Apply

CLOSING DEADLINE: Sunday 2nd November 2025 at 11:55pm (GMT)

To apply, please click "Apply" below and submit an application form by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV and a cover letter.

Your CV should include:

• Your education and employment history (including your most recent employment).
• Any other relevant experience (e.g. volunteering, extracurricular, etc.).

Your cover letter should explain:

• Your motivations for applying to the role.
• Using examples, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the job description (PDF attached below).

All essential criteria must be met by candidates who are invited to interview.

You are welcome to include details of any career breaks (e.g. parental leave, caring responsibilities, sick leave).

For guidance on writing a cover letter, see here.

• Interview Date: TBC
• Start Date: TBC

Please note a pplication forms must be submitted before the stated deadline - you will not be able to submit after 23:55 (even if you opened the form earlier).

Only applications submitted via our official careers portal will be considered.

What we Offer

We provide a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

• An attractive pension scheme.
• 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
• Onsite childcare facilities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. For more information, see here.

We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick and our awards and accreditations. We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.

Safeguarding & DBS

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with.

• Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice.
• The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults).
• All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction.

Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.

Job Description: see attached PDF (JD - Sustainability Officer - Circular Economy (74837).pdf).

Right to Work in the UK

If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, please follow the linked information about obtaining the right to work in the UK.

Notes: This description has been reformatted for readability and to meet formatting standards.