At a Glance
- Tasks: Support sustainability strategies and collaborate with managers on impactful projects.
- Company: Groundswell, a pioneering company in sustainable business practices.
- Benefits: Dynamic work environment, learning opportunities, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Office-first role for immersive learning and immediate impact.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team and help embed sustainability in businesses.
- Qualifications: 1-3 years of experience in investment or finance; analytical and collaborative mindset.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Who we are
Groundswell is unlocking value and efficiency through sustainability – we call it the third wave. The first wave: Sustainability was seen as separate from business. A few companies embedded it because they understood its value. The second wave: Regulators, consumers, and investors forced it onto the agenda. This created a whole new industry, but sustainability became siloed from the wider business. The third wave: Companies are now realising that sustainability is simply part of doing good business – moving it from a siloed function to a firm-wide capability. We spun out of Octopus Group in 2025, where our founding team built and led the Impact and Sustainability function. Octopus is known for disrupting broken industries and solving real-world problems, and Groundswell applies that same mindset to sustainability. Our mission is to make sustainability an embedded, valued capability within businesses.
Our culture
Our secret sauce is the Groundswell culture. It’s how we attract great people, how we keep them, and how we deliver the work that we are known for. Our culture combines an exceptional community, with a platform for opportunity, and sustainable performance.
The role
We are looking for a Sustainability Associate to join us, working with our team of Sustainability Managers to support the delivery of sustainability strategies across our clients. This role is well-suited to someone with 1–3 years’ work experience, preferably with investment or finance experience, who is interested in transitioning to a more sustainably focussed job. This is a dynamic role at the heart of our work, offering exposure to a range of projects and clients, and the opportunity to contribute to both corporate sustainability and responsible investment initiatives. You do not need prior sustainability experience, we are looking for someone with investment fundamentals, analytical thinking, and a collaborative mindset who is keen to learn. This role is office-first, being in-person five days a week means you’ll be fully immersed in our dynamic environment, learning fast and making an impact from day one.
Sustainability Associate employer: Groundswell Sustainability
Groundswell is an exceptional employer that champions a vibrant work culture, fostering collaboration and innovation in the sustainability sector. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, team members are immersed in a dynamic environment where they can learn and make a meaningful impact from day one. Located in a forward-thinking hub, Groundswell not only values sustainability as a core business capability but also offers unique opportunities to engage with diverse projects and clients, making it an ideal place for those passionate about driving positive change.
Contact Details:
Groundswell Sustainability Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sustainability Associate
✨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 Groundswell Sustainability 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 Groundswell Sustainability 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 Groundswell Sustainability. 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 Groundswell Sustainability when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Sustainability Associate
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 Groundswell Sustainability'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 Associate.
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 Groundswell Sustainability 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 Groundswell Sustainability 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 Associate.
How to prepare for a job interview at Groundswell Sustainability
✨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 Groundswell Sustainability.
✨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 Groundswell Sustainability.
✨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 Groundswell Sustainability. 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.
