Sustainability Project Lead – Catering & Events

Sustainability Project Lead – Catering & Events

Part-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead sustainability projects and create impactful solutions in catering and events.
  • Company: Dynamic catering and events business committed to sustainability.
  • Benefits: Flexible hours, hands-on experience, and the chance to make a real difference.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Join us to drive meaningful change and enhance our sustainability practices.
  • Qualifications: Experience in sustainability projects and strong organisational skills required.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Sustainability has always been an important part of how we operate. We already have a number of responsible practices in place, from the way we source ingredients and manage waste to the way we work with our suppliers and support our local community.

As our business continues to grow, we want to build on these foundations and take our sustainability commitment even further. We’re looking for someone who shares our passion and can help us embed best practice across the business, ensuring sustainability becomes an even stronger part of everything we do. One of our key ambitions is to strengthen our sustainability strategy, creating meaningful, measurable improvements that benefit our business, our clients, our people and the environment.

The Opportunity: We’re looking for an experienced Sustainability Project Lead to take ownership of this exciting project. Working alongside our leadership team, you’ll review our current operations, identify opportunities for improvement, develop practical solutions and help implement them across the business. This is a hands‑on role for someone who enjoys turning ideas into action and creating systems that deliver lasting results.

  • Conduct a full sustainability review and gap analysis across the business.
  • Develop a clear and achievable sustainability roadmap with measurable objectives.
  • Lead the planning and coordination of our Green Tourism certification process, supporting our ambition to achieve Gold.
  • Review our environmental impact across areas such as food sourcing, local and seasonal procurement, food waste, packaging, energy, water, transport and procurement.
  • Develop and refine sustainability policies, procedures and supporting documentation.
  • Create practical systems to measure, monitor and report sustainability performance.
  • Work with suppliers to identify opportunities for more sustainable purchasing and operations.
  • Identify innovative ways to reduce environmental impact while maintaining exceptional quality and service.
  • Engage and train our team to ensure sustainability is embedded into day-to-day operations.
  • Coordinate and organise the evidence required for external assessment.
  • Prepare the business for certification and develop a long-term sustainability framework that can continue to evolve after the project is complete.

About You: You’ll be passionate about sustainability but equally comfortable working within a fast‑paced catering and events business. You’ll ideally have:

  • Experience leading sustainability or environmental improvement projects.
  • Strong project management and organisational skills.
  • Experience implementing practical sustainability initiatives within a business.
  • Experience in hospitality, catering, events, tourism or food service would be highly desirable.
  • Knowledge of Green Tourism or similar sustainability certification schemes would be an advantage.
  • Experience creating policies, collecting evidence and developing measurable sustainability programmes.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage colleagues, suppliers and stakeholders at all levels.
  • A practical, collaborative approach with the ability to deliver lasting change.

This isn’t a consultancy project that ends with a report. We’re looking for someone who will work alongside our team, understand our business, build on the great work already underway and help us create a sustainability programme that is practical, ambitious and embedded into the way we operate. If you’re excited by the opportunity to make a genuine impact within a growing catering and events business, we’d love to hear from you. We welcome applications from experienced consultants, freelancers and professionals looking for a fixed‑term project opportunity.

Sustainability Project Lead – Catering & Events employer: Saltire Hospitality Ltd

As a leading player in the catering and events sector, we pride ourselves on our commitment to sustainability and responsible practices. Our flexible work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, allowing you to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive environment in Edinburgh/Midlothian. With opportunities for professional growth and a focus on embedding sustainability into our operations, this role offers a unique chance to contribute to a greener future while working with a passionate team.

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Contact Details:

Saltire Hospitality Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Sustainability Project Lead – Catering & Events

Get Involved in Local Sustainability Projects

Join community initiatives or volunteer for local environmental organisations. It’s a fantastic way to gain hands-on experience and connect with like-minded people. Plus, you might find out about part-time opportunities at these events that aren't even advertised!

Tap Into Sustainability Networks and Forums

Engage with online platforms and groups specifically focused on sustainability and environmental management. Think about joining LinkedIn groups or forums where professionals discuss the latest trends. You never know when a part-time role, like the one at Saltire Hospitality Ltd, might pop up!

Attend Sustainability Events and Workshops

Keep an eye on events, workshops, and webinars related to sustainability in your area. These gatherings are gold mines for networking and you might even meet someone from Saltire Hospitality Ltd! Collect business cards, chat with speakers, and make a memorable impression.

Showcase Your Passion on Social Media

Use platforms like Twitter or Instagram to share your thoughts on environmental issues that matter to you. Tag organisations you’re interested in, like Saltire Hospitality Ltd. It’s a great way to catch their eye while proving your commitment to the field—and who doesn’t love a good social media stalk before hiring?

We think you need these skills to ace Sustainability Project Lead – Catering & Events

Sustainability Strategy Development
Project Management
Gap Analysis
Green Tourism Certification
Environmental Impact Assessment
Sustainability Policy Creation
Measurable Sustainability Programmes

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Sustainability Passion:In your CV and cover letter, let your enthusiasm for environmental management shine through. Talk about any projects or initiatives you've been involved in, whether they're from university, previous jobs, or personal passion projects. We want to see that you've got the heart and drive for sustainability!

Highlight Relevant Skills and Certifications:Make sure to emphasise any specific skills or certifications that relate to sustainability and environmental management. Whether it's knowledge of environmental legislation, sustainability reporting, or experience with specific tools and software - make those qualifications front and centre in your application!

Show Your Flexibility and Availability:Since this role is part-time, be clear about your availability in your application. Share how many hours you can commit and any specific days you're free. This shows us you're organised and ready to jump in without hesitation.

Keep it Concise and Relevant:Part-time roles often receive a lot of applications, so keep your application focused! Stick to the key experiences and skills that are most relevant to the role. Remember, the goal is to make a strong impression quickly, so get to the point while still showing your personality.

How to prepare for a job interview at Saltire Hospitality Ltd

Showcase Your Passion

We need to convey our genuine interest in sustainability. During the interview, share specific projects or initiatives you've been part of—whether that’s volunteering for environmental causes or studying relevant topics. Let them see that you're not just looking for any part-time gig, but that this is a cause you genuinely care about.

Know Your Environmental Policies

Make sure to brush up on current environmental policies and sustainable practices. We should be ready to discuss recent legislation or renewable technologies that impact our field. This shows not just that we know our stuff, but that we’re proactive about staying up-to-date in the sustainability arena.

Have Your Portfolio Ready

Since we’re aiming for a part-time role, having a solid portfolio can really set us apart. Include any reports, presentations, or projects that highlight our skills in environmental management. This will not only showcase our expertise but also demonstrate our ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations.

Expect Scenario-Based Questions

We might face scenario-based questions that test our problem-solving skills in real-world environmental issues. Think through potential scenarios beforehand—like how to improve waste management in a community or implement a green policy at a workplace. This will help us come across as strategic thinkers during the interview.