Sustainability Strategy Manager in Swindon

Sustainability Strategy Manager in Swindon

Swindon Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Nationwide

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development of a sustainability strategy and drive measurable improvements across multiple sites.
  • Company: Join a purpose-driven mutual organisation focused on fairer finances and sustainability.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and a competitive pension plan.
  • Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for personal development and community engagement.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while working with senior stakeholders and innovative projects.
  • Qualifications: Strong understanding of sustainability legislation and excellent communication skills required.

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

As Sustainability Strategy Manager, you will lead the development and delivery of a portfolio-wide sustainability strategy, translating ESG goals into clear, actionable plans that drive measurable improvements across a large, multi-site estate. You will take ownership of sustainability performance, governance and reporting, ensuring compliance with key regulations such as MEES, IFRS and TCFD, while embedding robust systems, policies and data processes.

Working closely with senior stakeholders and supply chain partners, you will deliver initiatives across energy, water, waste and carbon reduction, manage significant budgets, and influence decision-making at all levels to achieve long-term environmental and business value.

This role carries significant responsibility, including oversight of approximately £30m in budgets, and requires strong commercial awareness, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to influence at all levels.

Responsibilities:

  • You’ll take the lead in shaping and delivering the sustainability strategy across the property portfolio, turning ESG goals into clear, practical actions with defined ownership.
  • You’ll keep a close eye on performance, analysing and reporting progress, and making sure all internal and external reporting – including updates at board level – is accurate and on track.
  • You’ll play a key role in driving improvements across energy, water, waste and carbon, working with suppliers and using tools like energy modelling and lifecycle analysis to identify opportunities.
  • You’ll also make sure everything stays aligned with key regulations such as MEES, IFRS and TCFD, while embedding strong policies, data standards and recognised frameworks like BREEAM, WELL or LEED.
  • At the same time, you’ll build strong relationships with senior stakeholders and partners, influencing decisions, managing complex contracts and helping to create a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across sustainability.

About you:

  • Strong understanding of sustainability legislation, reporting standards and ESG frameworks (e.g. MEES, IFRS, TCFD), alongside familiarity with certifications such as BREEAM, WELL or LEED.
  • Experience managing sustainability performance through data, KPIs and regulatory requirements, with strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret and communicate complex data.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels, including delivering clear and effective board-level reporting.
  • Proven ability to manage budgets, supplier relationships and complex contracts, combined with strong organisational and planning skills to deliver strategic initiatives at pace.
  • A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with strong critical thinking skills, able to operate with autonomy, manage complexity, and drive continuous improvement with a passion for sustainability.

Our customer first behaviours put customers and members at the heart of how we work together. They are the set of behaviours that every colleague needs to display, in every role:

  • Feel what customers feel - We step into our customers’ shoes, using their feedback and insights to empathise with them and to understand their needs, so that every decision we make starts and finishes with our customers in mind.
  • Say it straight - We are brave in speaking out and saying what we think – we’re honest and direct with good intent, openly sharing diverse perspectives to reach the best conclusions and using language everyone can understand.
  • Push for better - We don’t settle for mediocrity, we challenge the status quo, taking responsibility for continuous improvement and personal development.
  • Get it done - We prioritise what will have the greatest impact, we are decisive, and we take accountability for delivering brilliant customer outcomes.

You can strengthen your application by showing how our customer first behaviours resonate with you, and where you may have already demonstrated these.

The extras you’ll get:

  • 25 days holiday, pro rata.
  • Access to private medical insurance.
  • A highly competitive pension to help you build a strong foundation for retirement.
  • Access to an annual performance-related bonus.
  • Training and development to help you progress your career.
  • A great selection of additional benefits through our salary sacrifice scheme.
  • Life assurance to provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones in the event of your death.
  • Wellhub – access to a range of free and paid options for health and wellness.
  • Up to 2 days of paid volunteering a year.

If this role is for you, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button. You’ll need to attach your up-to-date CV and answer a few quick questions for us. We respond to everyone, so we will be in contact shortly after the closing date to let you know the outcome of your application.

Sustainability Strategy Manager in Swindon employer: Nationwide

At Virgin Money, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment in Cleckheaton. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through ongoing training and development opportunities, alongside a competitive benefits package that includes generous holiday allowances, health and wellness resources, and a strong pension plan. Join us to be part of a team that values customer care and community impact, where your contributions are recognised and celebrated.

Nationwide

Contact Details:

Nationwide Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Sustainability Strategy Manager in Swindon

Dive into Environmental Networks

Get involved with sustainability-focused organisations and attend their events. Look for local meetups or conferences in environmental management where you can connect with professionals in the field. This can lead to insider info on job openings at companies like Nationwide that might not be advertised widely.

Show Your Passion with Projects

Consider undertaking personal or community projects that highlight your dedication to sustainability. Whether it's a local clean-up or a carbon footprint assessment, document your findings and results. This not only boosts your portfolio but also shows potential employers like Nationwide that you're proactive and serious about the field.

Seek Out Green Job Boards

Don’t just rely on general job boards. Explore specific platforms that focus on sustainability and environmental management roles. Websites like EnvironmentJobs and Sustainable Business can be goldmines for full-time positions at companies like Nationwide. Keep an eye out for their aggregation of listings!

Let Your Online Presence Shine

Make sure your social media and professional profiles reflect your passion for sustainability. Share articles, engage in discussions, and connect with leaders in the field. Your active presence can make a lasting impression on hiring managers at companies like Nationwide when they search for candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Sustainability Strategy Manager in Swindon

Sustainability Strategy Development
ESG Goals Translation
Regulatory Compliance (MEES, IFRS, TCFD)
Performance Analysis and Reporting
Energy Modelling
Lifecycle Analysis
Stakeholder Engagement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Passion for Sustainability:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through. Share any relevant experiences, like projects, volunteer work, or events you've participated in that align with Nationwide's values. This position isn't just about meeting qualifications; it's about genuinely caring for the environment and showing us why you're the right fit for Sustainability Strategy Manager.

Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Experience:Make sure to showcase any specific qualifications, such as degrees in environmental science or certifications in sustainability practices in your CV. We want to see how your academic background and practical experiences align with the job you're applying for, so don’t hold back on anything that demonstrates your expertise in environmental management.

Tailor Your CV to the Role:As we're looking for someone to jump into a full-time role, be specific about previous roles or projects that demonstrate your capabilities in sustainability. Use bullet points to make accomplishments clear, and don’t forget to quantify your achievements wherever possible – it’s all about showing us the impact of your work!

Research Nationwide and Reflect It In Your Application:We love candidates who take the time to understand what we're about. Mention specific initiatives or projects that Nationwide is known for in your cover letter. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about the chance to contribute to our mission in the role of Sustainability Strategy Manager.

How to prepare for a job interview at Nationwide

Brush Up on Environmental Legislation

Given that we're diving into sustainability and environmental management, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of current environmental laws and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios, as you might face some technical questions about compliance and best practices during your chat with Nationwide.

Showcase Your Experience with Sustainability Projects

When you're discussing your background, highlight specific sustainability initiatives you've been involved in. Whether it’s a project at university or work experience, sharing measurable outcomes and your role will demonstrate your hands-on skills, which is super important for this full-time role at Nationwide.

Familiarity with Tools and Software

Make sure you're familiar with any relevant tools or software commonly used in environmental management, like GIS for mapping or data analysis tools. Bring this up in your interview as it shows you’re not only passionate but also prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work!

Connect Your Values with the Company's Mission

Full-time roles are all about team fit, so it’s important to align your personal values with those of Nationwide. Be ready to discuss why you're passionate about sustainability and how you can contribute to their mission, as this will really resonate with the interviewers and show that you’re genuinely invested in their goals.