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Environmental Sustainability Manager

Skanska United Kingdom Added on Aug 5, 2026
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This role centers on overseeing environmental performance during the critical final phases of the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet transformation. You will steer the implementation of environmental management systems, ensuring that every onsite activity adheres to strict ecological commitments and regulatory requirements. By managing a network of specialists and suppliers, you will safeguard the project’s integrity as it moves toward successful handover.

Working on a major infrastructure project of this scale allows you to directly contribute to low-carbon connectivity and regional economic growth. Your focus on environmental excellence ensures that this massive engineering feat delivers a net positive impact for local biodiversity and carbon reduction goals. It is a rare chance to bridge the gap between heavy civil engineering and meaningful ecological stewardship on a nationally significant scheme.

This suits someone who possesses deep construction-sector expertise and the professional maturity to navigate complex planning requirements. You should be a collaborative problem-solver who thrives in site-based environments and holds a high standard for environmental compliance.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission is to ensure environmental excellence during the construction and handover phases of the A428 infrastructure project. This involves implementing management systems that align with National Highways requirements and statutory environmental regulations. You will be responsible for identifying and mitigating environmental risks while capitalizing on opportunities for innovation. This includes managing external consultants and specialists to discharge legal commitments and ensuring all site activities meet the project’s specific environmental management plans.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Working on a £679 million project provides unparalleled exposure to large-scale infrastructure logistics and the complexities of environmental management in civil engineering. You will deepen your understanding of the 'latter stage' project lifecycle, specifically focusing on handover and decommissioning of temporary works. Furthermore, you will gain experience in National Highways standards and collaborative delivery models. Exposure to Skanska’s global sustainability framework offers a chance to learn how international best practices are localized for UK infrastructure schemes.

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

The ideal candidate holds a degree in an environmental discipline and possesses significant experience in the construction industry, specifically with major infrastructure projects. A track record in planning-stage delivery and handover is highly valued. Professional accreditation, such as Full Membership with IEMA, is essential to demonstrate technical competence. You must be a strong communicator capable of translating complex environmental requirements into actionable tasks for site teams and external suppliers.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, emphasize your experience with the Development Consent Order (DCO) process or similar large-scale planning frameworks common in UK infrastructure. Highlighting specific instances where you successfully managed the discharge of environmental requirements during a project handover will be very beneficial. Align your application with 'The Skanska Way' by demonstrating how you integrate inclusion and safety into your environmental management approach. Showing you are a proactive problem-solver who can navigate the tension between construction timelines and ecological constraints will set you apart.

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

This role is heavily focused on operational environmental compliance and carbon reduction. You will likely work on initiatives that minimize the carbon footprint of construction activities and ensure the long-term ecological health of the project area. There is also a significant focus on social value, ensuring the project benefits local communities and businesses through responsible site management and the minimization of negative externalities like noise, dust, and habitat disruption.

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

The most significant challenge will be maintaining high environmental standards during the high-pressure handover phase, where construction deadlines often peak. Balancing the pace of engineering work with the slow, precise nature of environmental reporting and compliance requires resilience. You may also face the difficulty of managing a diverse set of sub-contractors and specialists, ensuring that every party adheres to the project’s sustainability goals despite varying levels of environmental maturity among different suppliers.

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

A typical day involves a mix of site inspections and stakeholder meetings to review progress against the Environmental Management Plan. You might spend the morning coordinating with ecologists and the afternoon reviewing compliance documentation for the customer. Interactions with the Scheme Delivery Partners are frequent, as you will be sharing lessons learnt and promoting best practices. The role requires regular travel across the regional project footprint to ensure environmental controls are physically robust on the ground.

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

Within a global giant like Skanska, this role serves as a springboard to Lead Environmental Manager positions or specialized corporate ESG roles. The scale of the A428 project provides a high-profile success story for your career. Skanska’s commitment to professional development means you will have access to internal leadership programs and support for further chartership or specialized certifications in sustainability and environmental law.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Your primary internal stakeholders include the Infrastructure Lead Environmental Sustainability Manager and the wider project delivery team. You will work closely with site managers to ensure daily operations meet environmental standards. Externally, you will interact with National Highways, local authorities, and regulatory bodies. You will also manage relationships with environmental consultants and third-party suppliers to ensure they deliver on their contractual green obligations.

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