Sustainable Operations Manager in London

Sustainable Operations Manager in London

London Full-Time 43277 - 51714 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and develop LSE's environmental sustainability programmes across operations.
  • Company: Join LSE, a diverse and inclusive university committed to sustainability.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and training opportunities.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth and collaboration opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability in a prestigious institution.
  • Qualifications: Experience in leading sustainability programmes and strong management skills.

The predicted salary is between 43277 - 51714 £ per year.

LSE is committed to building a diverse, equitable and truly inclusive university.

Salary: £43,277 – £51,714 per annum inclusive, with potential to progress to £55,497 per annum inclusive of London allowance.

Working pattern: Monday to Friday 09:30 – 17:30 = 35 hours weekly (1.0 FTE). (40 hours weekly including 1-hour unpaid break).

LSE is seeking to appoint a Sustainable Operations Manager to join its Sustainability Team, a specialist function within the Estates Division responsible for environmental strategy, regulatory compliance and performance improvement across LSE's central London campus.

Reporting directly to the Head of Sustainability, the post holder will lead the development and delivery of LSE's environmental sustainability programmes across its operations, from waste and biodiversity to travel and ISO management systems. They will drive the implementation of the “Our School” pillar of LSE's Sustainability Strategic Plan, manage a team of operational sustainability specialists, and act as a key interface between the Sustainability Team and Estates, Residences, Catering and Capital Development. The role carries deputy responsibilities for the Head of Sustainability where appropriate.

This is a senior, high-impact role for an experienced sustainability professional who combines strategic vision with strong operational and people management capability.

The Post Holder Should Have:

  • Substantial experience leading environmental sustainability programmes in a complex organisation, with a track record of delivering measurable impact across operational functions.
  • Strong knowledge of environmental legislation and management systems, including hands-on experience managing ISO 14001 and/or ISO 50001 certification.
  • Experience developing and implementing strategies across multiple operational domains — such as waste, biodiversity, travel or energy — including management of specialist consultants and contractor relationships.
  • Proven line management skills, with the ability to set clear objectives, support team development and maintain high standards of delivery.
  • Experience of budget management and project oversight, with the ability to demonstrate value and alignment with institutional priorities.
  • Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the confidence to co-chair working groups, influence senior colleagues and build effective partnerships across a large institution.
  • Excellent analytical and communication skills, including the ability to produce high-quality reports for senior committees and contribute to institutional sustainability reporting.

We offer an occupational pension scheme, generous annual leave and excellent training and development opportunities.

Sustainable Operations Manager in London employer: The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

LSE is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment while prioritising sustainability. As a Sustainable Operations Manager, you will benefit from competitive salary packages, generous annual leave, and extensive training opportunities, all within the vibrant setting of central London. Join a forward-thinking team where your expertise will drive meaningful change and contribute to the university's ambitious environmental goals.

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

Contact Details:

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Sustainable Operations Manager in London

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 The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) 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 The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) 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 The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). 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 The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) when they search for candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Sustainable Operations Manager in London

Environmental Sustainability Programmes
ISO 14001
ISO 50001
Strategic Vision
Operational Management
People Management
Budget Management

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 The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)'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 Sustainable Operations 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 The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) 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 The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) 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 Sustainable Operations Manager.

How to prepare for a job interview at The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

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 The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

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 The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

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 The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). 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.