At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Eurostar's sustainability strategy and accelerate renewable energy transition.
- Company: Join Eurostar, a pioneer in sustainable travel across Europe.
- Benefits: Enjoy personal development opportunities and excellent secondary benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a team committed to a greener world.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of sustainable travel.
- Qualifications: Experience in sustainability strategy and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
Since 1994, Eurostar has been revolutionising travel across the continent, connecting major European cities with a more sustainable alternative to air travel. With a strong ethos around sustainability and clear carbon ambitions already in place, Eurostar is now looking for a Head of Sustainability to lead the next phase of its sustainability agenda. Based in Amsterdam, Paris, London or Brussels, this role will be responsible for delivering against existing targets while evolving the Group's longer-term sustainability strategy.
A key priority will be accelerating the transition to renewable energy, including Eurostar's commitment to 100% renewable energy by 2030 and its SBTi-approved targets, while working with infrastructure suppliers across the network to help turn this ambition into reality.
Eurostar is uniquely positioned to capitalise on the growing demand for sustainable travel. With its strong environmental credentials - producing around 90% less CO₂ per passenger than air travel, it can win share from short-haul airlines, particularly as governments introduce carbon taxes and restrict flights on rail-accessible routes, and there's also a significant opportunity to persuade consumers away from car and bus travel and other rail operators in Europe.
Eurostar is strongly committed to its three core values: Bold, Caring. Eurostar offers its employees an environment with significant attention and space for personal development and growth, and excellent secondary benefits.
Eurostar's Sustainability Commitments and Team Sustainability is embedded in Eurostar's DNA - not only through their train services, which emit a fraction of CO₂ compared to traditional alternatives, but also within their own processes and practices. It is a genuinely important factor in why many people choose to work at Eurostar. With strong commitment from the board and an organisation where everyone is motivated to build towards a better and greener world, Eurostar aims to be a frontrunner in corporate sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the delivery of the sustainability strategy, accelerating progress against the 2030 carbon and renewable energy targets and establishing the company's waste and circularity ambition.
- Lead engagement and negotiations with external stakeholders (including national rail operators) around challenging and ambitious sustainability targets.
- Set the agenda for sustainability, identifying new opportunities, creating momentum and ensuring the business remains ahead of its peers in sustainable high-speed rail.
- Lead and develop the sustainability team, while working closely with senior stakeholders across the business to embed sustainability into decision-making.
- Communicate progress and priorities clearly to the Board, senior leadership, employees and external stakeholders, strengthening sustainability as part of the company's brand and culture.
Key Qualifications
- Proven experience leading and delivering a sustainability strategy, ideally within a complex, consumer-facing or operational business.
- Strong understanding of carbon reduction, renewable energy and science-based targets, with experience across waste, circularity or sustainable procurement also highly valuable.
- A hands-on approach, with the ability to translate a strategy into tangible delivery and measurable outcomes.
- Strong leadership, communication and influencing skills, with the confidence to set the agenda, challenge the status quo and create momentum.
- A bold, honest and caring leadership style, combined with the commercial judgement and commitment to build a long-term sustainability function.
Acre and Eurostar are committed to driving an equitable and fair process. We give full and fair consideration to all applicants and are committed to the continued development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, or pregnancy and maternity.
Head of Sustainability employer: Acre
Eurostar is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises sustainability and personal development. With a strong commitment to renewable energy and corporate responsibility, employees are empowered to contribute to meaningful change while enjoying excellent benefits and growth opportunities. The collaborative culture fosters innovation and engagement, making Eurostar a leader in sustainable travel and an attractive place for those passionate about making a positive impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Sustainability
✨Dive into Environmental Networks
Get involved with sustainability-focused organisations and attend their events. Look for local meetups or conferences in environmental management where you can connect with professionals in the field. This can lead to insider info on job openings at companies like Acre that might not be advertised widely.
✨Show Your Passion with Projects
Consider undertaking personal or community projects that highlight your dedication to sustainability. Whether it's a local clean-up or a carbon footprint assessment, document your findings and results. This not only boosts your portfolio but also shows potential employers like Acre that you're proactive and serious about the field.
✨Seek Out Green Job Boards
Don’t just rely on general job boards. Explore specific platforms that focus on sustainability and environmental management roles. Websites like EnvironmentJobs and Sustainable Business can be goldmines for full-time positions at companies like Acre. Keep an eye out for their aggregation of listings!
✨Let Your Online Presence Shine
Make sure your social media and professional profiles reflect your passion for sustainability. Share articles, engage in discussions, and connect with leaders in the field. Your active presence can make a lasting impression on hiring managers at companies like Acre when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sustainability
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sustainability:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through. Share any relevant experiences, like projects, volunteer work, or events you've participated in that align with Acre's values. This position isn't just about meeting qualifications; it's about genuinely caring for the environment and showing us why you're the right fit for Head of Sustainability.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Experience:Make sure to showcase any specific qualifications, such as degrees in environmental science or certifications in sustainability practices in your CV. We want to see how your academic background and practical experiences align with the job you're applying for, so don’t hold back on anything that demonstrates your expertise in environmental management.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:As we're looking for someone to jump into a full-time role, be specific about previous roles or projects that demonstrate your capabilities in sustainability. Use bullet points to make accomplishments clear, and don’t forget to quantify your achievements wherever possible – it’s all about showing us the impact of your work!
Research Acre and Reflect It In Your Application:We love candidates who take the time to understand what we're about. Mention specific initiatives or projects that Acre is known for in your cover letter. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about the chance to contribute to our mission in the role of Head of Sustainability.
How to prepare for a job interview at Acre
✨Brush Up on Environmental Legislation
Given that we're diving into sustainability and environmental management, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of current environmental laws and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios, as you might face some technical questions about compliance and best practices during your chat with Acre.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Sustainability Projects
When you're discussing your background, highlight specific sustainability initiatives you've been involved in. Whether it’s a project at university or work experience, sharing measurable outcomes and your role will demonstrate your hands-on skills, which is super important for this full-time role at Acre.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Software
Make sure you're familiar with any relevant tools or software commonly used in environmental management, like GIS for mapping or data analysis tools. Bring this up in your interview as it shows you’re not only passionate but also prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
✨Connect Your Values with the Company's Mission
Full-time roles are all about team fit, so it’s important to align your personal values with those of Acre. Be ready to discuss why you're passionate about sustainability and how you can contribute to their mission, as this will really resonate with the interviewers and show that you’re genuinely invested in their goals.
