At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sustainability initiatives focused on circularity and waste reduction in a dynamic food company.
- Company: Join apetito, a top UK food supplier dedicated to ethics and sustainability in health and social care.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days holiday, bonus schemes, and perks like retail discounts.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence major projects and work with industry leaders on sustainability initiatives.
- Why this job: Be part of a pioneering team making a real impact on sustainability and ethical practices.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in sustainability roles, strong communication skills, and a degree or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Sustainability Manager - Circularity & Waste
Competitive Salary + Bonus + Benefits
- Location: UK-Wiltshire-Trowbridge |
- Contract type: Permanent (Full-Time) |
Overview
This newly created role of Sustainability Manager – Circularity and Waste has a key to role to play in both delivering on our current sustainability strategy and influencing it moving forward.
apetito aim to be one of the UK’s leading companies in ethics and sustainability. This role has a key responsibility in helping deliver that. In becoming leaders we expect to create real competitive advantage, getting the support of current and potential customers and helping our business to grow. We seek an individual with the passion, drive and commitment to share and deliver on our vision.
We have made considerable progress in sustainability over the past few years and have won multiple awards, including the Kings Awards for Enterprise - Sustainable Development in 2024.
We have one of the strongest Net Zero commitments of any business in the UK, with targets independently validated by the SBTi and are proud that we are one of few businesses brave enough to publish our short-term targets. We aim to be open and trustworthy and will not greenwash.
We have also introduced a world-first via our closed-loop packaging recycling system for CPET ready meals trays. We have recycled over 35m of these trays to date and have successfully influenced Government to make changes to packaging legislation to now recognise ours and other closed-loop systems.
In early 2027 we will open our new production factory, Kitchen West – a circa £100m investment in one of most sustainable food production facilities in the UK; this role has a critical part to play in ensuring our new site delivers on our circularity and water lean ambitions of that site – and then to transfer those learning back to our existing factory, Kitchen East.
We are also working on our plans for a new Customer Service and Distribution Centre – this role will be heavily involved in ensuring we develop and deliver on a sustainability framework for that site that maximises circularity and efficient use of resources
We drive our work via a Group-wide ESG Framework, developed in the UK and now rolled out across the apetito group worldwide; that framework is summarised below.
Who we are
apetito is the UK’s leading food supplier to the health and social care sectors serving more than 1,300 care homes, health care and education settings.
Our meals are expertly crafted by our dieticians and chefs, and then frozen to lock in the goodness.
Wiltshire Farm Foods, our sister company, is the UK’s largest ready meal supplier cooking and delivering over 330 different delicious frozen ready meals across the UK.
Responsibilities
Packaging - Policy
- Create a Packaging policy that is fit for the future of the UK business – looking to promote the circular economy, create competitive advantage in our markets and work with stakeholders to execute across our B2B and D2C businesses.
Packaging - Maximise Re-use and Recycling
- D2C - Working with operational stakeholders, own the Project Boomerang PET tray recycling system across our D2C business.
- D2C - Target 50% return rates in 2 years and 75% by 2030
- Film – Find solutions that support all elements of our D2C packaging to be recycled.
- B2B – Own the Boomerang system across all B2B business units, setting a strategy and targets for recycling to 2030
- Re-Use – Look for opportunities to introduce re-usable packaging
- Reduce – Minimise packaging used in our supply chain and direct operations – hierarchy of reduce, re-use and recycle
Packaging - Life Cycle Assessment
- Use LCA;s where appropriate to ensure we are using the most appropriate packaging materials, incorporating elements of sustainability, food safety, customer requirements and cost
Packaging - Regulatory Requirements & Compliance
- Ensure the business is meeting all regulatory reporting requirements
- Ensure the business can minimise its current and future packaging taxation liabilities (PPT and EPR)
Food Waste
- Own the food waste reduction programme across Finished Goods and Raw Materials
- Manage Fareshare relationship for all edible food waste (and others as appropriate)
- Align with and work with the requirements of the UK Food and Drink Pact’s Waste Reduction Roadmap
Water
- Develop and introduce an appropriate Water strategy for apetito UK
- Ensure sourcing from areas with sustainable water management
- Work with manufacturing stakeholders to minimise water usage
Reporting
- Working with Data and Disclosure Manager, monitor, report on and evaluate our Circularity and Waste performance, internally through KPI measures and externally via Corporate and industry reporting
Stakeholder Management
- Work with key industry stakeholders and represent apetito with influencing organisations, such as Defra, WRAP, FDF, Fareshare and others
Masterplans
- Support the new “Kitchen West” development and new Customer Service and Distribution Centre to maximise sustainable outcomes around circularity and waste
General
- Support the development of effective partnerships across the sector, that bring real value to apetito and its customers
- Represent the company as and when required at external events and conferences.
- Work closely with Director of Corporate Affairs/Public Relations/Marketing to ensure our internal and external communications shares our progress/successes
- Best-Practice – Engage with the wider industry to understand new and emerging concepts
About you
Essential
- Successful track record in a sustainability influencing role – ideally 3 years plus
- Experience implementing sustainability projects, with a results-orientated focus
- Track record of working collaboratively within a Team structure and delivering through others
- Strong communication skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
- Subject matter expertise across the majority of areas relevant to this role
- Ability to think strategically and challenge business strategy
- Degree-level or equivalent qualification or experience
Desirable
- Experience working within circular economy areas of Packaging, Food waste and Water
- Strong network in relevant areas and/or good understanding of structures and effective approaches in key relevant bodies
- Sustainability related qualification
Personal Qualities
- High level of intellectual ability
- Strong influencer who inspires and motivates.
- Thrives in cultivating strong, cross-functional partnerships to deliver through others
- Passionate about ethical and sustainable issues – with real life experience
- Professional representation of the Company at internal and external events
Company Benefits
- Competitive salary – accredited Living Wage employer
- 25 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays
- Option to purchase up to 5 additional days holiday per year
- Discretionary annual bonus scheme
- Pension scheme - employer matched contributions up to 4%
- Life assurance scheme worth at least 1x annual salary
- Subsidised canteen
- Free parking
- Free turkey or voucher at Christmas
- apetito perks scheme including salary sacrifice options and retail discounts
Our Values
As a family-owned business, we take great pride in being a company that makes a real difference and is dedicated to creating outstanding meals to be proud of.
We develop a range of products designed to enhance health and well-being for all our customers.
We are driven by a passion for service and dedicated to feeding some of the UK’s most vulnerable people.
We proudly support British food and farming, focusing on using the best ethical and sustainable produce in alignment with our goal to reach Net Zero by 2040.
We are an accredited Living Wage employer. Learn more about apetito’s commitment to a more sustainable future.
We embrace inclusion, empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Our commitment to making a real difference extends to customers, communities, and staff and we\'re on a mission to build an inclusive workplace where everyone reaches their full potential.
Sustainability Manager - Circularity & Waste in Trowbridge employer: apetito
apetito is an exceptional employer, dedicated to sustainability and ethical practices, making a significant impact in the health and social care sectors. With a strong commitment to employee growth, competitive benefits, and a collaborative work culture, we empower our team to drive meaningful change while enjoying perks like a discretionary bonus scheme and generous holiday allowances. Our new state-of-the-art facility in Kitchen West will further enhance our innovative approach to sustainability, providing employees with unique opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sustainability Manager - Circularity & Waste in Trowbridge
✨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 apetito 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 apetito 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 apetito. 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 apetito when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Sustainability Manager - Circularity & Waste in Trowbridge
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 apetito'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 Sustainability Manager - Circularity & Waste.
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 apetito 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 apetito 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 Sustainability Manager - Circularity & Waste.
How to prepare for a job interview at apetito
✨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 apetito.
✨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 apetito.
✨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 apetito. 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.
