Environment Manager

The University of Plymouth is recognised as an innovative leader in higher education for sustainability, across teaching and learning, research and our university operations. Having declared a climate emergency in 2019 and developed a Climate Action Plan to achieve ambitious targets, we’re seeking a enthusiastic and skilled Environment Manager to drive forward transformative sustainability projects, maintain and strengthen our Environmental Management System (EMS), and help shape a greener future across our campus community.

About the role

The Environment Manager’s role will lead on taking forward our sustainability projects in the areas of resource and waste management, biodiversity, sustainable food (including Fairtrade), green travel, and procurement. The role will ensure continuous improvement against our action plans and targets, supporting with the gathering and analysing of data for our sustainability metrics and reporting.

This role has a focus on maintaining our ISO 14001:2015 EMS including internal auditing, compliance reviews, and supporting with external audits. This will involve collaborative working across the University departments, including on-site audits and checks for compliance with policies.

To perform this role to a high standard you will understand sustainability issues and have experience of delivering and taking the lead on sustainability projects. The roles requires an enthusiastic individual, with analytical skills but also the ability to think creatively and work with others to develop new solutions. You will have knowledge of EMS and relevant environmental compliance experience. You will be able to communicate clearly and effectively and be comfortable meeting and interacting with colleagues and students from across the University. You will be passionate about climate change and wanting to drive sustainability improvements.

You will be based in the Sustainability Team in Estates and Facilities and report into the Head of Sustainability, working closely with the Energy Manager, Building Systems Manager (BMS) and the Estates and Projects Support Assistant.

You will:

• Lead on taking forward sustainability projects in the areas of resource and waste management, biodiversity, sustainable food (including Fairtrade), green travel, and procurement.
• Lead and coordinator of ISO 14001 Environment Management System and accreditation
• Monitoring, management and analysis of key sustainability data for internal and external reporting

This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week on a permanent basis.

For this role, you will need to be on site 4 days a week.

There is an essential requirement within this role that you will be required to travel to and work at different University sites and/or other business locations that may not be easily accessible by public transport. Please refer to the job description for further information.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Jackie Lee: by email at jackie.lee@plymouth.ac.uk

What we’re looking for

• Educational attainment at further education level (or a demonstratable equivalent experience).
• Strong knowledge of environmental, sustainability and climate changes issues.
• Internal auditor trained (or working towards) in ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work collaboratively with diverse teams.
• Confident with data analysis, interpretation and report writing.

Anticipated Interview Date:  Wednesday 21 January 2026

Closing date:  12 midnight, Monday 5 January 2025

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