Sustainability Specialist

Punch Pubs & Co; Burton-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Punch Pubs & Co is seeking a Sustainability Specialist to drive environmental and social initiatives within the pub industry. This entry-level position offers the chance to contribute to meaningful sustainability projects while engaging with teams and communities, supporting the vision of Doing Well by Doing Good.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Permanent contract

Flexible working from home options

Performance-based bonus

25 days holidays plus bank holidays

Career progression and development opportunities

Subsidised staff canteen

Well-being benefits and Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Understanding of sustainability metrics and frameworks, such as UN SDGs.
• Experience in ESG initiatives and reporting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Implement sustainability plans and activities aligned with UN SDGs.
• Track and report on sustainability metrics like carbon reporting.
• Engage with internal teams and external partners on sustainability projects.

Skills

Sustainability Reporting

Project Management

Engagement

Communication

Education

Graduate or early-career professional

Job description

We're on the lookout for a passionate and proactive Sustainability Specialist to help us bring this vision to life. This is a fantastic opportunity for a graduate or early-career professional who's ready to make a real impact—especially someone who understands the unique role pubs play in communities.

Role Purpose

At Punch Pubs & Co., we are dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment and society. Central to our ethos and one of our core values as a business is our value, Doing Well by Doing Good (DWBDG), which aligns seamlessly with our ESG strategy underpinned by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We have committed to four of the 17 SDGs and established twelve ambitious targets that form the foundation of our KPIs, reported annually through our Punch Promise (ESG) report.

As a Sustainability Specialist, you will be instrumental in tracking, reporting, and advancing our sustainability initiatives. You will work closely with the ESG Lead to ensure that DWBDG remains an integral part of our culture and progression as a business, fostering authentic engagement and driving meaningful change at Punch and in our pubs.

Accountabilities

• Implement Sustainability plans and activities.
• Align company goals with global frameworks like the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Support the creation, development, and overall management of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) initiatives. Support in the production of our annual ESG report - The Punch Promise.
• Monitor and report on sustainability metrics such as:

• Carbon reporting (Scope 1, 2, and 3)
• SECR (Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting)
• ESOS (Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme)
• TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures)
• GRI (Global Reporting Initiative)
• Regulatory compliance

Stay up to date with environmental laws and sustainability regulations. Ensure the company meets all legal and voluntary reporting requirements along with the ESG lead.

Engage key members of the Punch team, Publicans, and external providers and suppliers. Work with the Communications Team to support the coordination of internal DWBDG working groups.

Collaborate with suppliers, partners, and community organizations to create/develop ESG projects across the business. Play a key role in growing and engaging our Publican network (Pub Heroes) — supporting the coordination and content creation for quarterly meetings to foster stronger relationships and promote awareness and behavioral change.

Support employee engagement activities such as:

• Volunteering, biodiversity projects, and mental health campaigns.
• Work experience
• Eden Projects big lunch

Drive cultural change and education by inspiring and motivating employees, Publicans, and Management Partners to adopt sustainable practices. Advocate for embedding DWBDG principles into all aspects of the business, fostering a shared commitment to sustainability.

Key relationships

• Head of PR and Brand Communications (Line Manager)
• Strategic Corporate Affairs & ESG Lead
• Marketing & Communications Director
• PR and Communications Team
• Marketing Department

What's in it for you?

• Competitive salary
• Permanent contract
• Office-based with flexibility to work from home occasionally
• Performance-based bonus
• 25 days holidays, plus bank holidays, with options to buy and sell
• Career progression and development opportunities
• Subsidised staff canteen
• Pay Day Drinks
• On-site Training Academies
• Free parking
• Pension and life assurance
• Well-being benefits and Employee Assistance Programme
• Retail and Leisure Discount Scheme
• Pub Discount Scheme
• Long Service Awards