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Sustainability Specialist - Carbon

ScottishPower United Kingdom Added on Jul 24, 2026
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This role centers on the precise execution of carbon management and sustainability strategy within the Energy Networks division. Over a one-year period, you will take ownership of the annual environmental reporting cycle, ensuring that greenhouse gas emission data is both accurate and aligned with international best practices. You will act as a technical advisor, translating complex carbon accounting methodologies into actionable initiatives that reduce the operational footprint of the UK’s energy infrastructure.

The position is critical because energy networks are the backbone of the green transition. By refining how carbon is measured and managed at ScottishPower, you directly influence the decarbonization of the national grid. Your work ensures that the massive investments currently being made in renewable energy are matched by high-integrity reporting and a robust culture of environmental responsibility across the electricity distribution system.

This suits someone who blends technical carbon accounting expertise with the communication skills needed to influence senior management. You should be comfortable navigating regulatory reporting requirements while advocating for long-term sustainability goals in a fast-paced utility environment.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The core of this role involves facilitating the Energy Networks Environmental and Sustainability Strategy through rigorous carbon management. You will be responsible for the end-to-end process of annual environmental reporting, which includes collecting, verifying, and analyzing complex greenhouse gas data to ensure regulatory compliance and transparency. Beyond data, you will lead specific change projects designed to embed carbon considerations into every level of business decision-making. This involves identifying potential gaps in existing sustainability plans and proposing remedial actions to the executive team to ensure the business stays on track for its net-zero ambitions.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Working within one of the UK's largest utilities provides deep exposure to regulatory reporting frameworks specific to the energy sector. You will gain hands-on experience in digitizing carbon data and applying advanced accounting methodologies across a diverse infrastructure portfolio. There is also a significant opportunity to develop as a subject matter expert within the broader Iberdrola Group. Engaging with international working groups allows for the exchange of best practices in climate strategy and high-level corporate social responsibility on a global scale.

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

The successful candidate should possess a degree in an environmental or business-related discipline and exhibit strong technical proficiency in carbon accounting. Experience in managing sustainability data and translating technical insights for non-technical audiences is essential for success in this divisional role. We are looking for a professional who can influence at a senior level. You should have a proven track record of negotiation and stakeholder management, alongside the ability to coach and mentor district managers on practical sustainability applications.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, emphasize your specific experience with GHG Protocol methodologies and your ability to manage large-scale data verification projects. ScottishPower values candidates who can demonstrate how they have previously used carbon data to drive behavioral change or operational improvements within a complex organization. Prepare to discuss how you would align sustainability goals with a business's wider investment and operational plans. Showcasing an understanding of the UK energy transition and the specific challenges of grid-scale decarbonization will help demonstrate your readiness for this specialist position.

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

This role is heavily focused on Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions related to electricity distribution and transmission. You will focus on the technical aspects of carbon reduction, ensuring that the company's 'power to plug' journey is backed by scientific data and measurable progress toward net-zero 2045. Additionally, you will support the environmental management systems that underpin the company's social and economic sustainability goals. This includes looking at how the grid impacts biodiversity and local environments while maintaining the infrastructure necessary for renewable energy integration.

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

A significant challenge will be the digitization of legacy data and ensuring absolute accuracy in regulatory returns under tight deadlines. You may also face the difficulty of embedding a sustainability culture within a traditional operational environment where technical and financial priorities often compete. Managing a 12-month fixed-term contract requires hitting the ground running. You will need to quickly build rapport with internal stakeholders to drive project delivery and ensure annual reporting cycles are completed without slippage.

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

A typical day might begin with a review of carbon data submissions from various districts, followed by a meeting with the Sustainability Manager to discuss progress on the Annual Environmental Report. You could spend your afternoon facilitating a working group on digitizing emissions tracking or coaching a Depot Manager on new sustainability metrics. Your schedule will likely involve a mix of deep analytical work on spreadsheets and cross-functional collaboration. You might find yourself advising project directors on the carbon implications of a new infrastructure investment one hour and drafting a communication piece for field staff the next.

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

While this is a fixed-term contract, it offers a high-visibility platform within the Iberdrola Group, potentially opening doors for future permanent roles or international assignments. The experience gained in a highly regulated utility environment is highly transferable and sought after in the ESG sector. You will have the chance to lead high-impact projects that directly affect the company's public sustainability reputation. Successfully delivering these commitments can significantly enhance your profile as a carbon management specialist.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Primary interactions will be with the Sustainability Manager and the Energy Networks management team. You will serve as a bridge between technical environmental requirements and executive-level business objectives, frequently presenting to the SPEN executive team. External stakeholders include regulatory bodies and industry partners, while internal outreach extends to District and Depot Managers. Collaborating with corporate functions and Iberdrola’s global sustainability teams ensures that local reporting aligns with group-wide climate ambitions.

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