Sustainable Lab Manager in Sheffield

The University of Sheffield is committed to delivering its core mission of life‑enhancing research, innovation and education sustainably. It has a Sustainability Strategy to reduce impacts across its activities. The Sustainable Lab Manager will play a key role in reducing the environmental impact of our world‑class research by increasing pro‑environmental behaviour, embedding sustainability in the organisation’s research culture, identifying opportunities for innovative initiatives and projects and acting as a point of expertise for design teams and colleagues on best practice in lab design and operation.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Increase pro‑environmental behaviour across the faculties through the ongoing management and development of LEAF.
• Embed sustainability in the organisation’s research culture by contributing to the development of organisational/faculty policies, procedures and standards.
• Identify opportunities and deliver innovative initiatives and projects.
• Act as a point of expertise and advise design teams and colleagues on best practice during the design and development of new and refurbished lab facilities, ensuring efficient use of space and resources.
• Oversee the management and ongoing development of LEAF and ensure organisational targets are achieved: 100 % enrollment of suitable labs by 2027, 100 % certification to bronze by 2028, 100 % certification to silver by 2030.
• Manage the LEAF internal audit process and certification.
• Provide support to faculties through the development of guidance and other documentation, in‑person events and specialist advice.
• Contribute to the development of organisational/faculty policies, procedures and standards that support the implementation of best practice in lab‑based research activities.
• Review and evaluate data and management information (for example expenditure, energy use, carbon emissions) to baseline performance, identify improvement opportunities and report on performance using KPIs.
• Develop, plan and prioritise a programme that improves laboratory efficiencies and helps to deliver the University’s environmental objectives.
• Develop business cases and undertake cost‑benefit analyses to obtain funding/approval for new projects.
• Work closely with colleagues across the faculties and EFM, leading on and contributing to delivery projects and initiatives, ensuring that resources and finances are available.
• Delegate work and tasks to others within project teams and ensure work is completed to the required standard, within the agreed timescales and the allocated budgets.
• Act as a sustainability advocate on University development projects and engage with design teams and clients/end users, ensuring that project‑specific sustainable lab design requirements and targets are developed, agreed and delivered.
• Provide advice and support on sustainable lab design, the sustainable operation of labs and the procurement of resource‑efficient equipment to both colleagues and project teams.
• Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

• Relevant post‑A‑level qualifications in a science subject (e.g., biology or chemistry).
• Significant experience of working in a science, medicine and/or engineering research / teaching environment.
• Up‑to‑date knowledge of environmental and sustainability issues and best practice in HE and / or FE, NHS, Pharma or R&D sectors.
• Experience of managing and delivering short‑term projects, including setting objectives and priorities, planning delivery and working to deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to influence and engage colleagues at all levels, including senior managers and other expert professionals.
• Ability to think laterally, creatively and independently and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Experience of reviewing data and information, assessing options, writing reports and making formal recommendations to senior colleagues.
• Experience of developing policies, procedures and standards and implementing them within a large organisation.
• Ability to support, advise, motivate, lead and mentor small teams of people.
• Highly motivated with the ability to work on own initiative and able to manage, plan and prioritise own workload.
• Experience of being part of multi‑disciplinary project teams and working closely and collaboratively with a wide range of colleagues, taking responsibility for the delivery of specific tasks.

Desirable

• Experience in environmental and sustainability projects within higher education or related sectors.

Job Details

• Grade 7
• Salary £38,784 to £47,389 per annum pro‑rata. Potential to progress to £51,753 through sustained exceptional contribution.
• Work arrangement Full time.
• Line manager Environment and IMS Manager.
• Direct reports None.

Benefits and EEO

We are a Disability‑Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

• Minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro‑rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (e.g., Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• Commitment to development: access to learning and mentoring schemes; Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
• Range of generous family‑friendly policies (paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies, support for menopause, paid time off and support for fertility treatment, and more).

Contact and Closing

For informal enquiries about this job contact Charlotte Winnert, Environment and IMS Manager: c.l.winnert@sheffield.ac.uk. Closing date: 09/06/2026. Our website: https://sheffield.ac.uk/efm