UK Waste Strategy & Circular Economy Lead in Bristol

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way. Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world-class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong. This is a UK role based in England where you will be responsible for driving transformational change across the client’s portfolio, which comprises different asset types and predominantly manufacturing buildings.

This strategic role will lead the implementation of advanced circular economy initiatives, optimise waste management operations, and establish industry-leading sustainable manufacturing practices. You will be working with a team on the account to achieve the client’s sustainability goals and ensure JLL’s sustainability performance is at its commitment. You are also expected to work with the wider Sustainable Operations team in the region to collect best practices in waste and circular economy and apply where appropriate in your daily practices.

What this job involves

Reporting to the Global Sustainability Lead on account, the primary duties are to:

• Data Management
  • Work with sustainability coordinator in the team who collect monthly waste data reports from different sites to consolidate into different final reports for client’s submission.
  • Sign off data submission, 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, best practices to members who need support in data collection and reporting.
• Compliance management
  • Be a compliance expert when it comes to environmental compliance in waste management.
  • Support several annual audits including ISO 14001, data assurance, and other ad-hoc 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 these DOC documentations are saved digitally and in an accessible location.
  • Provide training where possible on compliance, including but not limited to EWC codes, signing off consignment notes, transfer notes, waste labelling and categories.
• Waste strategy & Circular Economy
  • Advanced Recycling & Material Recovery: 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 operation team to implement these take back opportunities. Lead packaging optimisation 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 Optimisation & Cost Management: Analyse waste generation patterns and implement dynamic collection schedules to reduce collections for cost optimisation. Conduct container utilisation audits and right-sizing assessments to eliminate unnecessary collections. Optimise collection routes across multiple client sites to leverage economies of scale. Develop quantified cost reduction roadmaps with optimised 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 and 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 become the key point of contact for the provision of wide-ranging advice in relation to all aspects of waste and environmental sustainability in scopes.
  • Support the application of JLL standard sustainability operating procedures and Playbook, including compliance with certified ISO50001 processes where appropriate.
  • Collaborate with other regional teams and Global Sustainability Lead on waste & circular economy strategy for operational excellence.
  • Work as a valued and integral member of JLL’s Sustainable Operations team.

Every day is different, and in all these activities, we’d encourage you to show your ingenuity.

Sound like you? To apply you need to be / have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, or related field; Master’s preferred.
• Ability to analyse and present complex data sets with good knowledge of spreadsheets and other analytical software platforms, show strong analytical skills and a high attention to detail.
• 7+ years 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 modelling.
• Knowledge of aerospace materials, manufacturing processes, and regulatory requirements.
• Have a passion for sustainability in the built environment.
• Be a self-starter with an ability to work autonomously as well as within a team.
• Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills and a desire to provide quality reports and advice.
• Flexible, self-motivated with a service-oriented personality and a strong desire to achieve goals.
• Promote open, constructive and collaborative relations with colleagues and clients.
• Project management experience preferred.

Behavioural Competencies

• Think Big - Thinks strategically, simplifies the complex, solves complex problems, sees the big picture.
• Drive Change - Thrives on change, learning agility, intellectually curious, appetite for risks, digital drive.
• Helps others - Builds relationships, actively collaborates, helps others succeed.
• Get it done - Acts decisively, drives results, passion to win, takes ownership, accountable, resilient.
• Business first - Focuses on customers and clients, business/financial acumen, JLL first.
• Inspire - Inspire others, creates vision and strategy, energises others.

If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all the requirements. We’re interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!

If you require any changes to the application process, please email to discuss how to best support you throughout the process.