UK Waste Strategy & Circular Economy Lead

Overview: UK role based in England. Responsible for leading advanced circular economy initiatives, optimizing waste management operations, and establishing sustainable manufacturing practices within the client portfolio. Work with the Sustainable Operations team to collect best practices in waste and circular economy and apply where appropriate.

Responsibilities:

• Work with sustainability coordinator to collect monthly waste data reports from different sites and consolidate into final reports for client submission.
• Sign off data submissions and financial reports relevant to waste to client.
• Sign off waste data reports including financial reports from suppliers/contractors.
• Build a waste data baseline for the UK and major campuses/sites and report volume/cost evolution for budgeting purposes.
• Train or provide knowledge and best practices to team members who need support in data collection and reporting.

Compliance management:

• Be a compliance expert for environmental compliance in waste management.
• Support several annual audits including ISO 14001, data assurance, and other adhoc audits with the Environmental Agency.
• Review and manage compliance documentation with the support of the Sustainability Coordinator, including but not limited to Waste Consignment notes, Transfer Notes, etc.
• Perform Duty of Care with waste contractors where appropriate and ensure DOC documentation is saved digitally and in an accessible location.
• Provide training on compliance, including but not limited to EWC codes, signing off consignment notes, transfer notes, waste labelling and categories.

Waste strategy & Circular Economy:

• Lead detailed composition analysis of waste streams to identify high-value materials including specialty metals, composites, and electronic components.
• Map emerging recycling technologies applicable to aerospace materials, including chemical recycling for composites and precious metal recovery systems.
• Conduct market assessments to identify recyclable materials that could generate revenue rather than incur disposal costs.
• Develop recycling opportunity registers with comprehensive financial impact assessments.

Supplier Circular Economy Integration:

• Identify closed-loop systems and take-back programmes with key suppliers to eliminate waste generation; collaborate with operations to implement take-back opportunities.
• Lead packaging optimization initiatives transitioning from single-use to reusable systems including pallets, crates, and component containers.
• Establish formal supplier agreements for material reclamation including off-cuts, defective components, and manufacturing by-products.
• Embed circular economy metrics into supplier scorecards and procurement criteria.

Operational Optimization & Cost Management:

• Analyse waste generation patterns and implement dynamic collection schedules to reduce collections for cost optimization.
• Conduct container utilization audits and right-sizing assessments.
• Optimize collection routes across multiple client sites to leverage economies of scale.
• Develop quantified cost reduction roadmaps with optimized operational recommendations.

Innovation & Partnership Development:

• Identify and engage with circular economy innovators, waste-to-resource technology providers, and industrial symbiosis networks.
• Establish governance and measurement systems for testing new circular economy initiatives.
• Connect with aerospace manufacturers and high-tech industries to share best practices and develop collaborative solutions.

Stakeholder relationship management & platform contribution:

• Work under the guidance of Global Sustainability Lead, UK Account Director and UK Waste Programme Manager to manage the relationship with client, waste management contractors for waste reporting, waste reduction programs and other mutually agreed waste targets from the client.
• Engage with JLL facility managers to be the key point of contact for advice on all aspects of waste and environmental sustainability within scopes.
• Support the application of JLL standard sustainability operating procedures and Playbook, including compliance with ISO 50001 processes where appropriate.
• Collaborate with other regional teams and the Global Sustainability Lead on waste & circular economy strategy for operational excellence.
• Contribute as a valued member of JLL's Sustainable Operations team.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, or related field; Master’s preferred.
• Ability to analyze and present complex data sets with strong analytical skills; proficient with spreadsheets and analytical software; high attention to detail.
• 7+ years of experience in waste management, circular economy, or sustainability strategy.
• Proven track record in supplier relationship management and procurement integration.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in cost-benefit analysis and financial modeling.
• Knowledge of aerospace materials, manufacturing processes, and regulatory requirements.
• Self-starter with the ability to work autonomously as well as in a team; strong written and verbal communication skills; able to deliver quality reports and advice.
• Flexible, self-motivated with a service-oriented personality and a strong desire to achieve goals; ability to foster open and collaborative relations with colleagues and clients.
• Project management experience preferred.

Behavioural competencies:

• Think Big – Think strategically, simplify the complex, solve problems, see the big picture.
• Drive Change – Thrive on change, show learning agility, curiosity, appetite for risks, digital drive.
• Help Others – Build relationships, actively collaborate, help others succeed.
• Get It Done – Decide quickly, drive results, take ownership, be accountable and resilient.
• Business First – Focus on customers and clients, business/financial acumen, JLL first.
• Inspire – Inspire others, create vision and strategy, energize teams.

Note: This description reflects the key elements of the role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications and may be subject to change.