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Sustainability Manager

Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland • United Kingdom • Added on Sep 10, 2026
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This role centers on translating complex environmental data into actionable insights for the Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions portfolio. You will take full ownership of the sustainability data framework, managing everything from Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) to internal training programs. By bridging the gap between technical metrics and commercial application, you ensure that sustainability becomes a competitive advantage for the British Gypsum and Isover brands.

In a sector where construction materials account for a massive share of global carbon emissions, your work provides the transparency needed to decarbonize the built environment. You will play a pivotal role in elevating product circularity and resource efficiency by providing the robust data that architects and contractors require to meet net-zero targets. This isn’t just about reporting; it’s about enabling the transition to light and sustainable construction through precise, verified environmental performance.

This suits someone who possesses a strong analytical mindset and a passion for technical standards like Life Cycle Assessments. You should be comfortable navigating both factory-level data and high-level strategy to drive market-leading certifications.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The core of this role involves overseeing the lifecycle of environmental data, from collection at the plant level to the publication of verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). You will be responsible for managing the sustainability certification roadmap, ensuring that brands like British Gypsum and Isover remain compliant with industry standards such as BES 6001. Beyond data management, you will translate technical metrics into commercial intelligence. This involves benchmarking performance against competitors and providing market insights that help the business make informed strategic decisions. You will also design and lead training initiatives to ensure both internal teams and external customers understand the value of sustainable product systems.

Key learning opportunities for this job

A candidate in this position will gain deep expertise in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies and the evolving landscape of green building certifications like BREEAM and LEED. Working within a global leader like Saint-Gobain provides exposure to large-scale industrial sustainability practices and complex supply chain auditing processes. You will also sharpen your skills in digital data integration, learning how to embed sustainability metrics into core business systems and customer-facing digital tools. The role offers a unique vantage point on how sustainability serves as a driver for innovation and market differentiation in the manufacturing sector.

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

The ideal candidate holds a degree in an environmental, sustainability, or design discipline and possesses a solid understanding of sustainability regulations and standards. You should have a proven track record in project management, specifically handling multi-stakeholder data collection processes across different manufacturing sites. Technical proficiency in analyzing complex datasets to identify trends is essential. Experience with green building certifications and a working knowledge of LCA software or frameworks will significantly set an applicant apart. Soft skills are equally important, as you must communicate technical findings to non-expert audiences through training and marketing content.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, demonstrate your ability to go beyond the numbers. Use your application to show how you have previously turned technical data into a narrative that supports business growth or customer engagement. Mentioning specific experience with EPDs or the BES 6001 standard will immediately signal your readiness for the role. Tailor your resume to highlight your cross-functional collaboration skills. Saint-Gobain is a large matrix organization, so providing examples of how you have worked with production teams, marketing, and external auditors will be highly viewed. Show that you understand the specific challenges of the construction materials industry regarding carbon and resource efficiency.

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

The role focuses heavily on the Environmental Product Footprint of interior solutions. You will be at the heart of the company’s 'Making the World a Better Home' purpose by providing the transparency required for sustainable construction. This includes calculating embodied carbon and assessing the environmental impact of materials like plasterboard and insulation. You will also focus on circular economy principles and responsible sourcing. By managing certifications like BES 6001, you ensure that the materials used are ethically and sustainably procured, contributing to the broader corporate goals of resource efficiency and climate change mitigation.

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

One of the primary challenges will be the coordination of data collection across multiple plants and teams. Ensuring data accuracy and consistency in a manufacturing environment requires persistence and high attention to detail. You may also face the challenge of keeping up with rapidly changing UK and international environmental regulations. Another challenge lies in stakeholder engagement. You will need to influence teams who may prioritize production volume over data reporting. Successfully advocating for the long-term value of sustainability data in a fast-paced commercial environment will require strong communication and negotiation skills.

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

A typical day might begin with a meeting with plant managers to review data collection progress for an upcoming EPD renewal. You might then shift to analyzing market trends to help the sales team respond to a specific customer inquiry about system performance or carbon intensity. In the afternoon, you could be developing a training module for the internal sales force or preparing for a BES 6001 audit. The day often concludes with strategic planning for the digital integration of sustainability metrics, ensuring that the company's online tools provide the most up-to-date environmental information for architects and designers.

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

Given the scale of the Saint-Gobain Group, there are significant opportunities for lateral moves into different business units or global sustainability roles. Success in this role could lead to a Senior Sustainability Manager position or a specialized role in ESG reporting and digital transformation. You will have the chance to lead high-visibility projects that impact the entire UK and Ireland region. As the construction industry increasingly prioritizes low-carbon materials, your expertise in EPDs and product data will make you a vital asset for future leadership roles within the company's sustainability or commercial functions.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact daily with plant and production teams to gather technical environmental data and with the central Life Cycle Analysis Team. On the commercial side, you will work closely with marketing and sales departments to ensure sustainability claims are accurate and compelling. External stakeholders include certification bodies and auditors, as well as customers ranging from architects to large contractors. You will also represent the brand at industry forums and during external training sessions, acting as a technical ambassador for Saint-Gobain's environmental performance.

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