Q: What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The manager will focus on embedding the company's environmental and sustainability strategy across all operational divisions. This includes leading specific initiatives for biodiversity protection and ensuring that all land management practices align with the latest ecological standards. From a technical perspective, the role involves supporting carbon reporting and reduction plans specifically aligned with PAS 2080 . You will also be responsible for maintaining absolute compliance with environmental legislation and permits, overseeing audits, and ensuring that the business stays ahead of regulatory changes.

Q: How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal profile holds a degree in Environmental Science and possesses or is very close to achieving PIEMA qualification. A strong foundation in UK environmental legislation is essential, coupled with the ability to translate legal terminology into operational checklists for field teams. Experience in outdoor operational environments , such as infrastructure or environmental services, is highly valued. The candidate should be a confident communicator capable of engaging with workers on-site as effectively as they do with senior management during strategy reviews.

Q: What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

A major focus will be on integrated biodiversity management , given the company's core business as a landscape specialist. You will ensure that maintenance activities across thousands of sites contribute to nature-positive outcomes rather than just compliance. Furthermore, the role is pivotal for decarbonization efforts . You will actively work on the science-based targets initiatives (SBTi) and help drive carbon reduction through client-facing projects, such as supporting EV charging infrastructure and sustainable land management bids.

Q: What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

The most significant challenge will be the geographical spread of operations, requiring consistent influence and oversight across diverse field teams in the UK and Ireland. Maintaining consistent standards across such a high volume of sites is a complex logistical task. Additionally, balancing the 12-month timeframe of a contract role with the urgent demands of net-zero transition and carbon reporting deadlines requires high efficiency. You will need to quickly gain the trust of long-standing operational staff to implement new environmental best practices effectively.

Q: How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with a compliance review or supporting a new bid with subject matter expertise on biodiversity. Midday could involve a site visit or a virtual meeting with operational leads to provide guidance on a specific environmental permit or legislation change. Afternoons are often dedicated to data analysis for carbon reporting or internal audits of the environmental management system. The role is a hybrid mix of strategic office tasks and field-based interactions, meaning no two days will look exactly the same in terms of location or focus.

Q: The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact heavily with the HSQE function and operational managers to integrate sustainability into day-to-day safety and quality workflows. Collaborative efforts with site teams are essential for verifying environmental protection measures on the ground. Externally, you will engage with clients and regulatory bodies , often acting as the technical expert during tenders or environmental inspections. You may also coordinate with subcontractors and supply chain partners to ensure they meet Ground Control's high environmental expectations.

Question 1

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

Accepted Answer

The manager will focus on embedding the company's environmental and sustainability strategy across all operational divisions. This includes leading specific initiatives for biodiversity protection and ensuring that all land management practices align with the latest ecological standards. From a technical perspective, the role involves supporting carbon reporting and reduction plans specifically aligned with PAS 2080. You will also be responsible for maintaining absolute compliance with environmental legislation and permits, overseeing audits, and ensuring that the business stays ahead of regulatory changes.

Question 2

Key learning opportunities for this job

Accepted Answer

Candidates will gain hands-on experience in implementing sustainability within a B Corp certified environment, providing unique insights into high-standard corporate accountability. You will develop deep expertise in PAS 2080 and its application to infrastructure and maintenance projects. Exposure to a wide variety of sectors—including rail, utilities, and landscape construction—offers a broad perspective on how different industries tackle environmental risks. Additionally, the role provides a platform to refine strategic auditing skills under established ISO 14001 frameworks.

Question 3

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

Accepted Answer

The ideal profile holds a degree in Environmental Science and possesses or is very close to achieving PIEMA qualification. A strong foundation in UK environmental legislation is essential, coupled with the ability to translate legal terminology into operational checklists for field teams. Experience in outdoor operational environments, such as infrastructure or environmental services, is highly valued. The candidate should be a confident communicator capable of engaging with workers on-site as effectively as they do with senior management during strategy reviews.

Question 4

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Accepted Answer

Focus your application on concrete examples of where you have improved operational environmental performance. Because this is a maternity cover, the company is likely looking for a 'plug-and-play' candidate who can demonstrate immediate competency in carbon reporting and audit support. Highlight any specific knowledge of Net Zero frameworks or experience working in multi-site businesses. Demonstrating an understanding of the specific challenges within the landscaping or external maintenance industry will significantly set you apart from generalist applicants.

Question 5

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

Accepted Answer

A major focus will be on integrated biodiversity management, given the company's core business as a landscape specialist. You will ensure that maintenance activities across thousands of sites contribute to nature-positive outcomes rather than just compliance. Furthermore, the role is pivotal for decarbonization efforts. You will actively work on the science-based targets initiatives (SBTi) and help drive carbon reduction through client-facing projects, such as supporting EV charging infrastructure and sustainable land management bids.

Question 6

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

Accepted Answer

The most significant challenge will be the geographical spread of operations, requiring consistent influence and oversight across diverse field teams in the UK and Ireland. Maintaining consistent standards across such a high volume of sites is a complex logistical task. Additionally, balancing the 12-month timeframe of a contract role with the urgent demands of net-zero transition and carbon reporting deadlines requires high efficiency. You will need to quickly gain the trust of long-standing operational staff to implement new environmental best practices effectively.

Question 7

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

Accepted Answer

A typical day might begin with a compliance review or supporting a new bid with subject matter expertise on biodiversity. Midday could involve a site visit or a virtual meeting with operational leads to provide guidance on a specific environmental permit or legislation change. Afternoons are often dedicated to data analysis for carbon reporting or internal audits of the environmental management system. The role is a hybrid mix of strategic office tasks and field-based interactions, meaning no two days will look exactly the same in terms of location or focus.

Question 8

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

Accepted Answer

While this is a fixed-term contract for maternity cover, it offers high-level visibility across all business lines, from arboriculture to winter gritting. This creates an extensive internal network and a deep understanding of multi-sector sustainability challenges. The role serves as a significant career accelerator due to the company's reputation as a Sunday Times Best Place to Work and its B Corp status. Success in this role demonstrates an ability to manage complex ESG goals within a leading environmental services firm.

Question 9

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Accepted Answer

You will interact heavily with the HSQE function and operational managers to integrate sustainability into day-to-day safety and quality workflows. Collaborative efforts with site teams are essential for verifying environmental protection measures on the ground. Externally, you will engage with clients and regulatory bodies, often acting as the technical expert during tenders or environmental inspections. You may also coordinate with subcontractors and supply chain partners to ensure they meet Ground Control's high environmental expectations.

Environment and Sustainability Manager

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