At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sustainability initiatives and drive environmental performance across the Department for Transport.
- Company: Join the Department for Transport, a key player in government sustainability efforts.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension contributions, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Access to professional development opportunities and a diverse, inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in environmental management and government reporting is essential.
Department for Transport
Location: Birmingham, Hastings, Leeds, London, Swansea (This role is suitable for hybrid working)
Salary: National Minimum Salary - £57,515, London Minimum Salary - £62,034. A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
Contract Type: Permanent – Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time
Available Positions: 1
As Sustainability Performance Lead, you will play a pivotal role in driving operational sustainability across the Department for Transport and its family of agencies and Arm's Length Bodies. You will lead the development, review and delivery of the Operational Sustainability Strategy, ensuring meaningful and achievable targets are in place to support ambitious sustainability objectives and Greening Government Commitments.
You will oversee key sustainability reporting, including contributions to the Department’s Annual Report and Accounts, TCFD disclosures and quarterly performance returns. Working closely with stakeholders across government, contractors and property teams, you will lead sustainability and environmental projects, influence strategic decision-making and help improve environmental performance across a diverse national estate.
The role holder will provide strategic leadership on sustainability performance across the Department’s estate and wider organisation, ensuring environmental objectives are effectively embedded into operational activities. They will build strong relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, drive continuous improvement through data-led decision making, and identify opportunities to enhance sustainability outcomes. The postholder will also lead the delivery of environmental projects, provide expert advice and assurance, and support the Department in meeting its corporate sustainability and environmental commitments.
Top Responsibilities
- Lead on sustainability management, improvement and reporting across DfT Group (including Arm’s Length Bodies); ensuring compliance with Greening Government Commitments reporting requirements.
- Lead on the development of the Sustainability section of the Annual Report and Accounts, including the TCFD return.
- Maintain, manage, review and renew the DfT Operational Sustainability Strategy and ensure appropriate policies, standards and targets are in place and communicated across the organisation and suppliers.
- Keep abreast of all industry trends, developments, and legislation on carbon, waste and the environment and represent DfT at the cross-Whitehall Sustainability Forum.
- Manage the sustainability data and reporting across DfT. Utilising existing data management contracts, identify improvements and manage any sustainability data requirements in renewed or relet contracts.
Benefits
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary.
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
- 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
- Access to the staff discount portal.
- Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
- Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
- 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
About You
To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:
- Significant professional expertise in management role/s leading on environmental issues in the real estate and FM/property industry and knowledge of complying with related regulatory frameworks.
- Experience in government reporting, including experience with the Greening Government Commitments reporting.
- Experience of working with government departments to co-develop policy/reporting documentation.
- Experience of understanding environmental options and how to apply them to a multi-sited and multi-stakeholder organisation.
- Experience of managing complex and innovative projects from start to finish and associated contract management. Influential and able to lead key senior stakeholders, colleagues and customers towards commercial solutions that give a balance of optimal performance and environmentally sustainable solutions that support the business strategy.
How to Apply
Read the full description and apply at CS Jobs using the link provided. This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Sunday 4th October 2026.
Operational Sustainability Lead in Birmingham employer: Department for Transport
The Department for Transport is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working options, generous annual leave, and a substantial pension contribution, employees are empowered to achieve a healthy work-life balance while contributing to meaningful projects that shape the future of transport in the UK. Join us in Birmingham, Hastings, Leeds, or Swansea, where you can develop your skills through various career development opportunities and be part of a diverse team committed to continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Sustainability Lead in Birmingham
✨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 Department for Transport 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 Department for Transport 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 Department for Transport. 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 Department for Transport when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Sustainability Lead in Birmingham
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 Department for Transport'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 Operational Sustainability Lead.
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 Department for Transport 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 Department for Transport 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 Operational Sustainability Lead.
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Transport
✨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 Department for Transport.
✨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 Department for Transport.
✨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 Department for Transport. 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.
