At a Glance
- Tasks: Champion sustainability and manage WEEE compliance for our distribution team.
- Company: Join the UK's largest employee-owned business, John Lewis Partnership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and a supportive work-life balance.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while working with passionate partners.
- Qualifications: Experience in WEEE compliance and strong understanding of UK waste legislation.
The predicted salary is between 59100 - 90000 £ per year.
As the UK’s largest employee-owned business, the John Lewis Partnership is home to our two well-loved retail brands: John Lewis & Partners and Waitrose & Partners. We aren’t an ordinary business; everyone who works here is a Partner, sharing responsibility for our success and sharing the rewards when we succeed. Everything we do is driven by a unique purpose: Working in Partnership for a happier world.
We are currently seeking an inclusive, commercially minded Environmental Manager to champion sustainability within our regional distribution team. If you have a strong understanding of UK waste legislation, including the Environmental Permitting Regulations and the Hazardous Waste Regulations, we want to hear from you. We are looking for a collaborative thinker who can engage diverse stakeholders and champion circular economy principles.
As an Environmental Manager, you will act as the subject‑matter expert for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulatory compliance across our 2 Person Customer Delivery Network. You will own end‑to‑end WEEE obligations, working closely with operations, the central Environment & Sustainability (E&S) team, and supply chain partners to turn regulatory duties into tangible revenue and drive the commercial performance of our recycling and reuse activities.
Key responsibilities:
- Own the end‑to‑end WEEE compliance process across all Customer Delivery Hubs (CDHs) in accordance with the WEEE Regulations 2013.
- Prepare and submit accurate, audit‑ready quarterly returns to the Environment Agency, ensuring 100% on‑time compliance.
- Manage commercial relationships with approved waste contractors and reuse partners to maximise value recovery and identify new revenue streams from packaging and WEEE materials.
- Provide hands‑on support, training, and site audits for CDH Partners to promote waste segregation, duty of care requirements, and waste minimisation best practices.
- Contribute accurate waste and recycling data to group‑wide sustainability disclosures, including SECR and ESOS carbon reporting frameworks.
Essential skills & Experience you’ll need:
- Experience managing WEEE compliance obligations and preparing Environment Agency returns in a retail, distribution, or logistics environment.
- A strong understanding of UK waste legislation, including Environmental Permitting and Hazardous Waste Regulations.
- A demonstrable track record of managing commercial waste or recycling contracts with measurable value recovery outcomes.
- An IEMA Associate/Full membership or an equivalent environmental management qualification (e.g., NEBOSH Environmental Certificate).
- Stakeholder management skills, critical thinking, and a proactive entrepreneurial mindset.
Desirable Skills & Experience you can bring:
- Familiarity with carbon reporting frameworks (SECR, GHG Protocol).
- Experience conducting environmental site audits across multi‑site operations.
Closing Date: November 11, 2026
Pay: £59,100.00 - £90,000.00 Annual
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours of Work: Full Time 35 Hours per week
Job Level: Partnership Level 6
Where You’ll Be Working: Magna Park Distribution Centre (John Lewis & Partners), Fen Street, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK17 8EW
Environmental Manager employer: John Lewis Partnership
At John Lewis Partnership Cambridge, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values our Partners and their growth. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional development through tailored training programmes. With a commitment to flexible, customer-led service, we ensure that every team member can thrive in an environment that prioritises both personal and career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Environmental Manager
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like John Lewis Partnership.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like John Lewis Partnership and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Environmental Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at John Lewis Partnership.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. John Lewis Partnership will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Environmental Manager at John Lewis Partnership. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis Partnership
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at John Lewis Partnership, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show John Lewis Partnership that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
