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Sustainability Manager

Laveer Engineering United Kingdom Added on Sep 9, 2026
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As the dedicated Sustainability Manager for the Springfields nuclear fuel manufacturing site, you will take full ownership of translating corporate environmental goals into localized operational reality. You are tasked with building a structured sustainability program from the ground up, focusing on decarbonization, waste reduction, and biodiversity within a complex industrial setting. This is a rare chance to move beyond high-level theory and implement tangible carbon-reduction projects that directly influence the footprint of the nuclear energy supply chain.

This role is vital because it bridges the gap between stringent nuclear safety regulations and the urgent need for ecological transition. By driving resource efficiency and circular economy initiatives at a licensed site, you contribute to the long-term viability of low-carbon energy production. Your work ensures that the site does not just meet regulatory frameworks but becomes a benchmark for industrial sustainability excellence.

This suits someone who possesses the technical confidence to navigate high-hazard environments and the emotional intelligence to influence diverse stakeholders from the shop floor to the boardroom.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission is to design and execute a site-level sustainability strategy for the Preston nuclear facility. You will be responsible for moving from high-level corporate targets to practical, local roadmaps that address carbon footprints, water conservation, and waste minimisation. This involves establishing clear performance metrics and tracking progress through rigorous reporting systems. Beyond strategy, you will provide operational support to engineering and production teams. You will lead feasibility studies for green technologies and ensure that sustainability becomes a standard consideration in daily site activities. You are also tasked with defining the future resource needs and departmental structure for sustainability as the program matures.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Working at a nuclear licensed site offers unparalleled exposure to the intersection of environmental management and high-stakes regulatory compliance. You will gain deep expertise in applying sustainability frameworks like TCFD or Science-Based Targets within a specialized industrial context that demands extreme precision. There is a significant opportunity to develop change management skills by embedding new ESG priorities into established manufacturing workflows. You will also likely gain experience in specific technical areas such as nuclear-grade waste circularity and industrial-scale energy efficiency projects that are unique to the power sector.

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

The ideal candidate brings proven experience in industrial sustainability, preferably within a highly regulated sector such as chemicals, energy, or manufacturing. You should demonstrate a solid grasp of carbon accounting, climate risk assessments, and biodiversity project management. A professional certification from IEMA or a similar body would be highly advantageous. Soft skills are just as critical as technical knowledge. We are looking for a persuasive communicator who can translate complex environmental data into compelling narratives for senior leaders while remaining approachable and practical when working alongside operational engineering teams.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, demonstrate your ability to deliver results within complex, high-hazard environments. Generic sustainability experience is good, but showing you understand the constraints of a regulated site will give you a significant edge. Highlight specific instances where you successfully influenced a team to adopt a greener process despite technical or safety hurdles. Your application should reflect a balance between strategic thinking and hands-on delivery. Avoid purely academic or theoretical descriptions of ESG; instead, focus on the 'how'—how you measured impact, how you secured budget, and how you engaged stakeholders who might have been initially skeptical of sustainability goals.

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

The role will likely center on operational decarbonization and resource efficiency. Given the nature of nuclear fuel manufacturing, there will be a strong emphasis on waste management and potentially circular economy initiatives for industrial by-products. Biodiversity also features in the site strategy, suggesting projects related to the local land and ecosystem around the Salwick facility. Social value and stakeholder transparency will also be key. You will be the bridge between the company and external regulators or local community groups, ensuring that the site's environmental performance is accurately reported and that the facility remains a responsible corporate neighbor in the Preston area.

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

The most significant challenge will be integrating sustainability goals into a facility where safety and regulatory compliance are the absolute priorities. Finding ways to reduce energy or water usage without compromising nuclear safety protocols requires high-level analytical thinking and persistence. Additionally, building a program from the 'foundations' means you may face internal inertia or the need to justify investments in sustainability during tight operational windows. You will need to be resilient and adept at building a business case for long-term environmental value in a fast-paced production environment.

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

A typical day might begin with a site walk-down alongside the engineering team to review the progress of an energy-efficiency upgrade or a waste-segregation pilot. Mid-morning could be spent analyzing carbon data for a quarterly report or preparing a presentation for the Head of Environment regarding future investment needs. Afternoons often involve cross-functional meetings to align site goals with global corporate ESG targets. You might end the day engaging with an external partner—perhaps a biodiversity consultant or a local regulator—to ensure the site's upcoming sustainability projects meet all external expectations and reporting standards.

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

As a founding member of the site's structured sustainability program, you have a direct path to shaping your own career trajectory. Success in this role could lead to broader regional leadership positions within Westinghouse or specialized global ESG roles as the company continues to expand its environmental commitments. You will have high visibility with senior leadership, providing a platform to demonstrate strategic impact. The experience of building a department and defining future resource needs essentially allows you to act as an internal consultant, positioning you for future executive-level sustainability management or environmental director roles.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Your primary internal reporting line is to the Head of Environment, but you will work daily with site senior leadership and production managers. You will also be a key contact for the engineering and safety teams, ensuring environmental projects are technically viable and safe. Externally, you will interact with environmental regulators and supply chain partners to align on standards and reporting. Engaging with local community groups and NGOs is also expected, as you represent the site’s commitment to social value and local environmental stewardship.

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