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Sustainability Manager

Westinghouse Electric Company • United Kingdom • Added on Sep 9, 2026
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As the Sustainability Manager at the Preston manufacturing site, you will take the lead in transforming corporate climate goals into operational reality. You will be responsible for building the foundations of a structured sustainability programme from the ground up, moving beyond simple compliance to drive measurable improvements in energy efficiency, waste minimisation, and resource circularity. Your daily focus will involve identifying high-impact projects and guiding cross-functional teams to integrate these green initiatives into the site’s complex manufacturing workflows.

This role is vital because it bridges the gap between high-level nuclear innovation and local environmental stewardship. In a highly regulated industry like nuclear energy, your work ensures that the transition to low-carbon power is matched by a sustainable manufacturing footprint. You will directly influence how one of the world’s leading nuclear technology providers manages its industrial impact, from protecting local biodiversity to reducing carbon intensity.

This suits someone who is a pragmatic strategist comfortable in an industrial setting. You should possess the technical depth to navigate complex regulatory frameworks and the interpersonal skills to influence stakeholders across safety, engineering, and senior leadership teams.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission is to translate corporate ESG commitments into a localized site strategy for the Preston nuclear manufacturing facility. You will be responsible for developing the roadmap for carbon footprint reduction, resource efficiency, and waste minimisation. This involves moving from strategic planning to direct operational support. You will also oversee the delivery of specific environmental projects, such as biodiversity initiatives and energy saving schemes. A significant part of the role involves data management and reporting, ensuring that site-level metrics are accurately captured and communicated to senior leadership and external regulators.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Working in the nuclear sector offers a unique opportunity to understand sustainability within a highly regulated, high-hazard environment. You will gain deep expertise in navigating stringent safety and compliance frameworks while trying to implement innovative green solutions, a skill set that is highly transferable to other heavy industries. Additionally, you will gain exposure to international sustainability standards such as TCFD and Science-Based Targets. As you build the site's programme from its foundations, you will develop leadership skills in organizational change management and strategic resourcing.

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

The ideal candidate brings a blend of technical sustainability knowledge and industrial experience. You should have a proven track record of delivering net-zero or circular economy projects within manufacturing, chemicals, or energy sectors. Experience with environmental management systems and carbon accounting is essential. Soft skills are equally important; you need to be an effective influencer who can speak the language of engineers and safety officers. A professional certification from IEMA or a similar body would demonstrate the technical rigour required for this complex industrial role.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Focus your application on your ability to bridge the gap between strategy and execution. Highlight specific instances where you successfully implemented a sustainability project in a challenging or regulated environment, detailing the metrics you improved and how you overcame technical or cultural barriers. Show that you understand the unique context of the nuclear industry. Align your personal values with the company's focus on safety and innovation, demonstrating that you view sustainability as an integral part of operational excellence rather than a separate corporate box-ticking exercise.

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

The role focuses heavily on the environmental footprint of manufacturing. This includes decarbonizing site operations, enhancing energy efficiency, and improving water conservation. Circular economy principles are also a key focus, looking for ways to reduce waste and optimize resource use in fuel production. Beyond environmental metrics, there is a strong social value component. You will likely engage with the local community in Preston and work on biodiversity projects that ensure the facility coexists responsibly with its local ecosystem, aligning site operations with broader corporate social responsibility goals.

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

The most significant challenge will be balancing sustainability goals with strict nuclear safety regulations. Implementing changes in a high-hazard environment requires meticulous planning and often takes longer than in other sectors due to the necessary safety justifications and regulatory approvals. You may also face the challenge of cultural shifts. Embedding sustainability into the daily routines of long-established production and engineering teams requires persistent advocacy and the ability to demonstrate the practical benefits of green initiatives to skeptical stakeholders.

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

A typical day might begin with a site walk-through to monitor the progress of a waste reduction project, followed by a meeting with the engineering team to discuss energy efficiency upgrades for manufacturing equipment. You would likely spend time analyzing carbon data to prepare for an upcoming corporate report. Afternoons could be spent in strategic planning sessions with the Head of Environment or preparing a presentation for senior leadership to justify investment in a new biodiversity project. Interspersed throughout the day are frequent check-ins with cross-functional teams to provide expert sustainability advice.

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

As this is a role focused on building foundations, there is significant potential to shape the future sustainability team. Successful delivery of the site strategy could lead to broader regional responsibilities or a move into global ESG leadership roles within the wider Westinghouse organization. You will have the opportunity to lead high-visibility projects that contribute directly to the company's global net-zero roadmap. This exposure to senior leadership and international reporting standards provides a strong platform for career advancement into executive sustainability management.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Internal stakeholders include the Head of Environment and the senior site leadership team. You will work daily with production, safety (EHS), and engineering teams to integrate sustainability into their operations. These interactions are collaborative but require strong influencing skills to prioritize green initiatives. External stakeholders include regulatory bodies, local community groups in the Preston area, and supply chain partners. You will act as the face of the site's sustainability efforts, ensuring that external expectations regarding environmental performance and social value are met and communicated effectively.

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