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 role 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 have a desire to drive sustainability improvements.
You will be based within 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:
For this role, you will need to be on site 4 days a week. Although we can accommodate working from home for this role, flexibility to be on-site will be expected due to business needs.
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
For more information about the job and the person specification, please refer to the job description.
About us
The University of Plymouth won the 'Outstanding Estates Team' award at the the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards in 2024.
Application Process
Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.
Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.
Anticipated Interview Date: Wednesday 21 January 2026
Our Offer
A successful external candidate for this position would be employed by the University of Plymouth Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Plymouth. Employees of the University of Plymouth Services Limited work alongside the University of Plymouth colleagues in delivery of Plymouth’s strategic vision, and will adopt the University of Plymouth’s HR policies and procedures in full unless otherwise stated.
When joining us, you will receive:
A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here.
Additional Information
The University of Plymouth is an inclusive community where everyone is welcomed regardless of their background. To find out more about our inclusive community initiatives, such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter, please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages.