Location
City of London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Competitive salary and benefits package

About the Role
RSSB is seeking a dynamic and experienced Natural Environment Principal to lead the UK rail industry’s response to climate, nature, and sustainability challenges. As part of the Sustainable Development team, you will manage and deliver RSSB’s programme supporting the Natural Environment topics of the Sustainable Rail Blueprint, including climate adaptation, waste and circularity, water, and nature and biodiversity. This newly created role reports to the Sustainable Development Director and will initially lead one direct report, with potential to expand the team.

You will oversee key industry initiatives such as ‘Prepared for a Changing Climate’, ‘Zero Waste’, ‘Railway for Nature’, and ‘Protect and Conserve Water’. Leading and growing the technical team, you will ensure delivery against industry ambitions and chair Technical Working Groups to keep the industry informed of policy, regulatory developments, and stakeholder expectations.

Building and maintaining strong relationships with external stakeholders, you will bring expert perspectives and best practices from other sectors into rail. You will maintain up-to-date expertise in climate adaptation, biodiversity, nature, and resource management, proactively shaping the environmental agenda across industry forums. You will also identify and lead research projects aligned with industry needs.

Collaboration is key, working closely with colleagues across emissions management, social sustainability, and wider sustainability teams to drive cohesive outcomes. Representing RSSB externally, you will act as a subject matter expert, speaking at events and supporting communications.

RSSB values work-life balance and offers flexible working arrangements, including hybrid office and home working. The role comes with a comprehensive benefits package including 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, private medical and dental cover, season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme, volunteer leave, performance-related bonus, pension, and more.

Experience
- Expertise in sustainable development or environmental management with a relevant university degree or professional status (e.g. ISEP) or equivalent industry experience.
- Demonstrable knowledge in one or more Natural Environment topics: climate adaptation, nature and biodiversity, water, waste and circularity, preferably in transport or infrastructure.
- Understanding of environmental and sustainability issues at technical, policy, and industry levels.
- Experience processing complex data and synthesising information for diverse audiences.
- Proven ability to communicate effectively and adapt to change.
- Experience building professional relationships and influencing stakeholders.
- Ability to make timely, informed decisions and demonstrate accountability.
- Commitment to customer service and team collaboration.
- Inclusive leadership style with experience in talent development and fostering an inclusive environment.

About You
- Collaborative and credible expert able to work across an evolving industry.
- Proactive in shaping agendas and delivering outcomes.
- Strong communicator with impact and influence.
- Adaptable and resilient in navigating uncertainty.
- Customer-focused and committed to shared goals.

Qualifications
- Relevant university degree in environmental science, sustainability, or equivalent.
- Professional status with the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professions (ISEP) or comparable.

Desirable
- Experience of Natural Environment topics within the rail sector.
- Line management experience including coaching and developing junior colleagues.
- Experience working closely with government departments, particularly the Department for Transport.