Sustainability Manager
Overview
This career guide aims to help anyone who is interested in becoming a Retrofit Assessor with the knowledge and tools they need to successfully pursue and secure a position in this field.
What is a Sustainability Manager?
A Sustainability Manager is responsible for leading an organization's efforts to adopt sustainable practices. They develop strategies to minimize environmental impacts, improve energy efficiency, manage waste effectively, and ensure the company meets environmental regulations. In this role, you'll collaborate with different teams, stakeholders, and sometimes external partners to achieve sustainability goals.
What training is required?
To become a Sustainability Manager, you typically need one of the following:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, or a related field.
- Certified Sustainability Professional (CSP) certification.
- Training in Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001).
What career progression is available?
Sustainability Managers help organisations reduce their environmental impact and meet sustainability goals. They develop strategies around energy use, waste, carbon emissions, and supply chains — making sure policies turn into real-world action. The role involves working across departments, tracking performance, and engaging staff, suppliers, and stakeholders in creating positive change.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, or a related field
- Certified Sustainability Professional (CSP) certification
- Training in Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001)
Senior Sustainability Managers lead on the design and delivery of organisation-wide sustainability strategies. They oversee teams, manage complex projects, and advise senior leadership on how to meet environmental and social targets. This role often involves reporting on progress, staying ahead of legislation, and building partnerships to drive long-term change across supply chains and operations.
Extensive experience in:
- Sustainability
- Leadership
- Advanced certifications (such as Advanced ESG Courses or GRI Professional Certification Programmes.)
What transferable skills do I need?
Managing and motivating people to achieve goals.
Analysing data to make informed decisions and improvements.
Clearly presenting information to diverse audiences.
Successfully managing resources, timelines, and outcomes.
Building professional relationships that support business goals.