At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead environmental initiatives and ensure compliance with sustainability standards across our developments.
- Company: Join Orbit, a leading housing group dedicated to affordable living and community thriving.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, and a rewarding experience that supports your wellbeing.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and a focus on making a difference.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while helping communities thrive.
- Qualifications: Experience in environmental management and knowledge of ISO 14001 required.
We’re building thriving communities as one of the UK’s largest housing groups and a leading developer of affordable housing. We believe everyone is entitled to a good home they can afford, in a place they are proud to live. More than 100,000 people live in our homes. If you want to experience work that’s truly rewarding, join us. Because when we achieve together, customers and communities thrive.
Orbit is delighted to be recruiting for an Environmental Sustainability Lead to join the organisation in supporting our current and future developments to achieve our 2030 strategy goals. The Environmental Sustainability Lead will play a pivotal role in coordinating and supporting Orbit's environmental and sustainability programme across the organisation. The role will ensure the effective implementation, maintenance and continual improvement of Orbit's Environmental Management System (EMS), supporting compliance with ISO 14001 while preparing the organisation for the transition to the revised 2026 ISO 14001 standard.
Working closely with operational teams, contractors and external assurance bodies, the coordinator will embed environmental best practice throughout Orbit's developments and wider business operations. Alongside ensuring compliance, the role will help drive sustainability initiatives that contribute towards Orbit Earth ambitions, including Net Zero Carbon, Biodiversity (30by30), waste reduction and responsible resource management. This role requires a proactive individual who can engage and influence stakeholders at all levels, turning environmental commitments into practical actions across the business.
This role will be required to cover all of our geographical regions and will be expected to work from an Orbit office once per month - this can be based out of Coventry, Stratford upon Avon, Norwich, Kent or Erith, and will require a driving license and access to a car, to travel to visit each of our sites quarterly - across all regions. This role is part of Regulatory & Governance where you'll help us give colleagues the support and expertise they need to be brilliant.
What you'll achieve
- Environmental Management System (ISO 14001): Coordinate the day-to-day operation of Orbit's ISO 14001 Environmental Management System. Support the continual improvement of the EMS to ensure compliance with ISO 14001 requirements and readiness for the revised 2026 standard.
- Environmental Compliance: Support operational teams to ensure compliance with environmental legislation, planning conditions and company environmental standards. Work closely with sites to promote consistent environmental performance.
- Sustainability & Environmental Projects: Coordinate the delivery of environmental and sustainability projects across Orbit. Identify opportunities for innovation and improved environmental performance across the business.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders. Act as a key environmental contact, providing advice and practical support to colleagues.
- Training & Awareness: Promote a positive environmental culture that encourages ownership and continual improvement.
- Performance Monitoring & Reporting: Support annual environmental reporting and sustainability disclosures.
What you'll bring
Essential skills
- Experience working within environmental management or sustainability.
- Knowledge of ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems.
- Understanding of UK environmental legislation.
- Excellent organisational and project coordination skills.
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
- Experience coordinating multiple workstreams simultaneously.
- Competent using Microsoft Office and environmental reporting systems.
Desirable skills
- Experience within construction, housing or property sectors.
- Internal Auditor qualification (ISO 14001).
- Membership of the Institute of Sustainability & Environmental Professionals (ISEP) or equivalent.
- Knowledge of biodiversity, Net Zero Carbon or environmental reporting frameworks.
Why Orbit?
Choosing us means being rewarded in every sense. Here’s what you can expect to enjoy with us:
- A rewarding experience that works for you: We strive to create an inclusive experience with benefits and wellbeing programmes designed to help you, and your loved ones, to thrive.
- A place to progress: From training programmes to professional qualifications, we provide opportunities to learn and develop at every stage of your career.
- A purpose to feel proud of: We’re proud to make a difference to people together. We’re values-driven with a commercial focus on performance.
How we hire
We aim to make our hiring process simple and fair: Online application, Interview(s), Decision and offer. We put the safeguarding of our customers, colleagues and contractors at the heart of everything we do and as such, certain roles will be subject to a DBS check.
Environmental Sustainability Lead employer: Orbit Group
At Orbit, we pride ourselves on being a leading housing group dedicated to building thriving communities and providing affordable homes. Our work culture is rooted in collaboration and a strong commitment to customer focus, ensuring that our employees feel valued and empowered to make a difference. With ample opportunities for professional growth and a supportive environment, joining us as a Contracts & Standards Manager means contributing to meaningful change while enjoying the benefits of working for an organisation that truly believes in people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Environmental Sustainability Lead
✨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 Orbit Group 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 Orbit Group 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 Orbit Group. 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 Orbit Group when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Environmental Sustainability Lead
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 Orbit Group'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 Environmental Sustainability Lead.
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 Orbit Group 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 Orbit Group 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 Environmental Sustainability Lead.
How to prepare for a job interview at Orbit Group
✨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 Orbit Group.
✨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 Orbit Group.
✨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 Orbit Group. 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.
