[2026] LOA - UKI - Sustainability Lead, Circular Economy Business Solutions in London
[2026] LOA - UKI - Sustainability Lead, Circular Economy Business Solutions

[2026] LOA - UKI - Sustainability Lead, Circular Economy Business Solutions in London

London Full-Time 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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L'oreal Usa

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead sustainability initiatives and drive circular economy projects for L'OrĂ©al UK & Ireland.
  • Company: Join the world's largest beauty company committed to a sustainable future.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, discounts on iconic brands, and comprehensive health benefits.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainability while shaping the future of beauty.
  • Qualifications: Experience in circular economy and strong project management skills required.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.

The mission: For several decades L'Oréal has proactively worked towards a sustainable and inclusive future, seeking to protect the planet's beauty and empower communities worldwide. As the world's largest beauty company, we recognise our unique position and responsibility to drive real, meaningful change and we are moving forward through the 'L'Oréal for the Future' (L4TF) programme. The programme is focused on three core pillars: Climate (CO2 reduction), Circularity (resource optimisation), and Communities (improving livelihoods). We are seeking a Sustainability lead, in charge of circularity business solutions to help steer L'Oréal UK & Ireland's circularity commitments and accelerate our positive impact.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Reporting to the head of the UK&I Sustainability team, you will drive L'Oréal for the Future's mission forward by leading the following key priorities:

  • Lead the END OF LIFE of our products and Point‐of‐Sale Materials leveraging both prevention and remonetisation drivers:
  • monitor, flag and influence the processes that generate "bad stock", from forecast accuracy to the returns.
  • put in place different remonetisation strategies (outlet, family and friends, donations) to foster second life for our products.
  • manage the specific end‐of‐life of POS materials contributing to the decarbonisation roadmap with retailers.
  • Coordinate EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) projects: ensure compliance with evolving packaging regulations, while consolidating insights for product development teams to better eco‐design our products.
  • Implement Circular Economy projects: scout local business opportunities and innovative partnerships to make our business more circular, such as the implementation of take back schemes or recycling projects of our products.
  • Doing so, you will translate global and Europe Zone ambitions into local reality, ensuring strategies are optimised for the UK & Irish markets and pioneering local initiatives that set the standard for the wider Europe Zone.

    WHO YOU ARE

    • A circular economy experienced professional: You are comfortable with:
    • Strategic Circularity Implementation: proven track record in implementing circular projects (e.g., refill/recharge systems, take‐back programs, or product‐as‐a‐service).
    • Circular Design Principles: knowledge of eco‐design, material science (recyclability, bio‐based materials), and waste management.
    • External Ecosystem Management: experience working with startups, waste management entities, or NGOs to build the infrastructure needed for circular solutions.
    • Business Model Innovation: ability to build a Business Case for circularity.
    • Regulatory Intelligence: strong understanding of global environmental regulations.
    • Sustainability Reporting: knowledge of ESG frameworks (CSRD, GRI) and how circularity metrics impact corporate goals.
    • Industry Expertise: Experience in FMCG, Beauty, or Retail is often preferred.
  • Strategically & Business Minded: You are comfortable navigating business and finance cycles, with the ability to build robust, data‐driven business cases that align sustainability with commercial success. You have a deep understanding of how a fast‐paced matrix organisation operates, with direct exposure to commercial, finance, marketing, or supply chain functions.
  • An Influential Communicator: You possess exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, with the presence and confidence to inspire and challenge a wide group of stakeholders, from Interns to Executive Leadership teams.
  • A Disciplined Project Lead and resilient change maker: You have a proven track record of leading complex projects with high standards and a commitment to operational excellence and rigour. You are excited by the idea of driving change effectively, and able to demonstrate resilience, adapt and innovate as needed.
  • A Proactive Self‐Starter: You enjoy working with a high degree of autonomy, possessing the leadership mindset required to drive your own agenda and manage your time effectively outside of a standard business rhythm.
  • Collaborative & Empathetic: You are a natural collaborator who uses empathy and resilience to navigate complex corporate environments and drive change through influence rather than authority.
  • Strengthen Your Career Path

    At L'Oréal, we believe that diverse journeys lead to the most innovative solutions. This role offers a unique vantage point across the entire organisation, providing a powerful platform to broaden your expertise and strengthen your future career path. Whether you come from a commercial, brand management, finance, sustainability or operations background, we welcome the opportunity to see how your individual perspective can enrich our sustainability mission and your own professional growth.

    WHAT WE OFFER

    Our industry‐leading award‐winning benefits package shows how much we value our people. We know they're at the heart of L'OrĂ©al's success, so we offer a fair and competitive package to help you thrive. Enjoy perks like money‐saving offers, free mortgage advice, share options and an enhanced pension plan. Love our brands? You'll get up to 60% off iconic names like YSL, CeraVe, Armani, Kiehl's and Garnier! Because health matters, we offer private medical and dental insurance, discounted gym memberships, and onsite mental health support. We also provide enhanced family leave for all and up to 4 weeks of paid fertility leave, so you can prioritise what matters most.

    Learning is in our DNA at L'OrĂ©al. We'll help you master your role, build skills, and access top‐notch leadership programs and monthly expert talks. And there's lots more too!

    WHO WE ARE

    L'OrĂ©al is present in 150 markets on five continents. For more than a century, L'OrĂ©al has devoted itself solely to 'Create beauty that moves the world'; it is now the industry world leader with €29 billion consolidated sales. Together, we solve complex challenges at scale, while making sure we stay committed to making the world a more inclusive and a better place for everyone & our planet. Experience the excitement of agility to shape the future of beauty; where diversity and purpose come together to create meaningful impact.

    Our Corporate Division supports the 4000+ strong workforce in the UK & Ireland. It's a fast‐paced and dynamic environment when you'll have visibility over our 4 Divisions and play an integral role in moving our business forward. Our founder Eugùne Schueller once said that "a company is not walls and machines, it's people, people, people". Joining our corporate teams means joining the world leader in beauty, at the cutting edge of innovation. But above all, it means becoming part of a team of talented and inspiring people.

    HOW WE RECRUIT

    At L'Oréal, we take pride in creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment where everyone is welcome and their contributions are valued. When we recruit, hire, train, promote or engage in any other employment practice, we are committed to being an inclusive employer regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, socioeconomic status, medical condition or disability, or any other protected status. When we look for talent, we welcome difference - different backgrounds, experiences, personalities and perspectives. The beauty we find in our differences gives us the freedom to go beyond. That's the beauty of L'Oréal.

    [2026] LOA - UKI - Sustainability Lead, Circular Economy Business Solutions in London employer: L'oreal Usa

    L'Oréal is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions sustainability and innovation. With a commitment to employee growth through comprehensive training programs and leadership opportunities, you will be empowered to make a meaningful impact in the beauty industry while enjoying competitive benefits, including generous discounts on our iconic brands and enhanced family leave. Join us in our mission to create beauty that moves the world, all within a dynamic environment that values diversity and collaboration.
    L'oreal Usa

    Contact Detail:

    L'oreal Usa Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice đŸ€«

    We think this is how you could land [2026] LOA - UKI - Sustainability Lead, Circular Economy Business Solutions in London

    ✹Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the sustainability and circular economy space. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

    ✹Tip Number 2

    Show your passion! When you get that interview, make sure to express your enthusiasm for sustainability and circularity. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to L'Oréal's mission and be ready to discuss innovative solutions you've thought about.

    ✹Tip Number 3

    Prepare for those tricky questions! Research common interview questions related to sustainability and circular economy. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the role. Practice your answers so you can deliver them confidently.

    ✹Tip Number 4

    Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the position and keep you top of mind for the hiring team.

    We think you need these skills to ace [2026] LOA - UKI - Sustainability Lead, Circular Economy Business Solutions in London

    Circular Economy Implementation
    Eco-Design Knowledge
    Material Science Understanding
    Waste Management Experience
    Business Model Innovation
    Regulatory Intelligence
    Sustainability Reporting Knowledge
    Stakeholder Engagement Skills
    Project Management
    Data-Driven Business Case Development
    Collaboration and Empathy
    Change Management
    Autonomy and Self-Starting Ability
    Resilience

    Some tips for your application đŸ«Ą

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Sustainability Lead role. Highlight any circular economy projects you've worked on, as well as your understanding of eco-design principles.

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about sustainability and how your background makes you a perfect fit for this role. Be sure to mention specific initiatives or projects that resonate with L'Oréal's mission.

    Showcase Your Communication Skills: As an influential communicator, it's important to demonstrate your ability to engage stakeholders. Use examples in your application that showcase your experience in leading complex projects and inspiring teams.

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application is processed smoothly and gives you access to all the resources we offer to support your journey with us.

    How to prepare for a job interview at L'oreal Usa

    ✹Know Your Circular Economy Stuff

    Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of circular economy principles and practices. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've led or been involved in, especially those related to refill systems or take-back programmes. This will show that you not only understand the theory but also have practical experience.

    ✹Showcase Your Strategic Mindset

    Prepare to demonstrate how you've successfully aligned sustainability initiatives with business goals in the past. Think about examples where you've built robust business cases for circularity and be ready to share them. This will highlight your ability to navigate the balance between sustainability and commercial success.

    ✹Engage with Stakeholders

    Since this role involves influencing a wide range of stakeholders, practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Prepare examples of how you've engaged with different teams or external partners to drive change. This will showcase your communication skills and ability to inspire others.

    ✹Be Ready to Lead Projects

    Think of instances where you've led complex projects and how you ensured operational excellence. Be prepared to discuss your project management style and how you adapt to challenges. This will demonstrate your resilience and capability as a disciplined project lead.

    [2026] LOA - UKI - Sustainability Lead, Circular Economy Business Solutions in London
    L'oreal Usa
    Location: London
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