UK Waste Strategy & Circular Economy Lead

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, 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 meets its commitments. 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 them 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 the sustainability coordinator in the team who collects monthly waste data reports from different sites to consolidate into final reports for client submission; sign off data submission and financial reports relevant to waste to the client; 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 members who need support in data collection and reporting.
• Compliance Management: Be a compliance expert in environmental compliance in waste management; support several annual audits including ISO 140001, data assurance, and other ad-hoc audits with the Environmental Agency; review and manage compliance documentation with the support of the Sustainability Coordinator; perform Duty of Care with waste contractors where appropriate.
• Waste Strategy & Circular Economy: Lead detailed composition analysis of waste streams to identify high-value materials; map emerging recycling technologies applicable to aerospace materials; conduct market assessments to identify recyclable materials that could generate revenue; develop recycling opportunity registers with comprehensive financial impact assessments.
• Supplier Circular Economy Integration: Identify closed-loop systems and take-back programmes with key suppliers; lead packaging optimisation initiatives transitioning from single-use to reusable systems; establish formal supplier agreements for material reclamation.
• Operational Optimisation & Cost Management: Analyse waste generation patterns and implement dynamic collection schedules; conduct container utilisation audits; optimise collection routes across multiple client sites; develop quantified cost reduction roadmaps.
• Innovation & Partnership Development: Identify and engage with circular economy innovators and waste-to-resource technology providers; establish governance and measurement systems for testing new circular economy initiatives.
• Stakeholder Relationship Management: Manage the relationship with clients and waste management contractors; engage with JLL facility managers to provide advice on waste and environmental sustainability; collaborate with other regional teams and the Global Sustainability Lead on waste & circular economy strategy.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, or related field; Master's preferred.
• Ability to analyse and present complex data sets with strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• 7+ years experience in waste management, circular economy, or sustainability strategy.
• Proven track record in supplier relationship management and procurement integration.
• Knowledge of aerospace materials, manufacturing processes, and regulatory requirements.
• Project management experience preferred.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Think Big - Thinks strategically, simplifies the complex, solves complex problems.
• Drive Change - Thrives on change, learning agility, intellectually curious.
• Helps Others - Builds relationships, actively collaborates.
• Get it Done - Acts decisively, drives results, takes ownership.
• Business First - Focuses on customers and clients, business/financial acumen.
• Inspire - 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!