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- Tasks: Support sustainability initiatives in the education sector and drive climate commitments.
- Company: Join Chartwells, a leader in catering services for schools, dedicated to healthier lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like discounts on travel, groceries, cinema tickets, and wellness classes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate change while working in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Environment or Sustainability; 2 years' experience preferred; strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Must be willing to travel occasionally and engage with diverse stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
- Contributory pension scheme
- Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
- Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
- Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
- Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
- Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
- Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
The climate emergency is the biggest challenge of our lifetime and food has a key role to play in global emissions. Our target is to reach Climate Net Zero emissions by 2030 in the right way, whilst remaining dedicated to helping people live healthier, happier and more productive lives.
We’re looking for an enthusiastic individual whose vision matches our passion for food and service with our care for the planet, to support us in driving our sustainability commitments across the education sector.
What you’ll be doing:
- Working closely with the Sustainability Manager and Director of Sustainability, you will support the delivery of our strategy and the operational translation of our commitments within our education sector.
- Central to this, is the commitment to reach Climate Net Zero by 2030.
- You will support the Chartwells Sustainability Team to implement, evaluate and report on our progress against these commitments.
- You will work with individual sites across sub sectors including primary schools, secondary schools, independent schools, colleges and universities to ensure our approach remains fit for purpose and market leading.
- Ensuring that we engage with key stakeholders and can translate complex information into simple messages for our different customers.
The successful candidate will have excellent communication skills, strong writing skills and a clear knowledge of, and passion for, sustainability.
Key Responsibilities:
- To support delivery of our sustainability strategy
- Help manage, monitor and review our progress and performance against strategy commitments
- Visit sites on a weekly basis to train, engage and support our colleagues
- Effectively communicate all policies and practices through training and education programmes
- Support client conversations as required to align our strategic commitments to their own actions and ambitions
- Support food waste management across our business
- Review packaging solutions and reusable initiatives on site
- Carbon footprint analysis and monitoring of our menus
- Translating complex science and information into simple facts and figures
- Educate pupils and students across the education sector on the topic of sustainability
- Continuous learning in a rapidly changing landscape with the ability to adapt to new priorities as required
- Build relationships with existing contracts/clients and support retention presentations
- Working in partnership with other members of the Compass UK sustainability team to share knowledge and best practice
- Track trends and developments to ensure we stay ahead of the curve
Person Specification:
- Educated to degree level or equivalent in Environment or Sustainability related course (Certified IEMA Practitioner preferred)
- Minimum 2 years’ experience working in an environmental/sustainability role (desirable)
- Experience working in the foodservice industry would be welcomed
- Confident in communicating to large groups of people and controlling challenging meetings/conversations
- Must be willing to travel and stay away from home occasionally
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Demonstrates Compass values and recognition principles
- Ability to quickly gain credibility with key stakeholder groups
- Professional, organised, efficient and self-motivated
- A passion for keeping up to date with research and national events
- Excellent presentation skills
- Excellent IT skills
- Ability to manage a busy diary independently
About Us:
Part of Compass Group UK&I, Chartwells is the leading provider of catering and support services to the education sector. For over a quarter of a century, Chartwells has been focusing on helping those in education to build strong bodies, sharp minds and lead long healthy lives. Every week, Chartwells serves millions of nutritious and delicious meals to pupils and students in primary and secondary schools, academies, independent schools, colleges, and universities across the UK. Chartwells is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all employees to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to successfully completing pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure and a Children's Barred List check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and we ask applicants to declare all previous convictions and cautions in order to assess their suitability to work with children.
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!
Sustainability Lead (Hiring Immediately) employer: Compass Group
Contact Detail:
Compass Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sustainability Lead (Hiring Immediately)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest sustainability trends and practices, especially in the foodservice industry. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the sustainability sector, particularly those who have experience in education or food services. Engaging with these individuals can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully communicated complex sustainability concepts to diverse audiences. This will showcase your communication skills, which are crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Chartwells and its sustainability initiatives thoroughly. Understanding their current projects and goals will allow you to tailor your conversations and show how you can contribute to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Sustainability Lead (Hiring Immediately)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in sustainability and environmental roles. Emphasise any relevant projects or initiatives you've been involved in, especially those related to food service or education.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for sustainability and how it aligns with the company's mission. Mention specific examples of how you've contributed to sustainability efforts in previous roles.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication skills are crucial for this role, provide examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to convey complex information simply and effectively, particularly in training or educational contexts.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have a degree in Environment or Sustainability, or any certifications like IEMA Practitioner, make sure these are prominently featured in your application. This will help establish your credibility in the field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group
✨Show Your Passion for Sustainability
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for sustainability during the interview. Share personal experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to environmental issues, as this role is all about driving sustainability in the education sector.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations related to sustainability challenges. Think about examples from your past experience where you've successfully implemented sustainable practices or engaged stakeholders effectively.
✨Know the Company’s Sustainability Goals
Familiarise yourself with the company's sustainability strategy and their target of reaching Climate Net Zero by 2030. Being able to discuss how your skills and experiences align with these goals will demonstrate your preparedness and interest in the role.
✨Practice Clear Communication
Since the role requires translating complex information into simple messages, practice explaining sustainability concepts in straightforward terms. This will showcase your communication skills and ability to engage with diverse audiences, which is crucial for this position.
