At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting sustainability projects and collaborate with diverse teams to drive circular economy initiatives.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking university committed to environmental change and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, flexible working, and excellent learning opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference for people and the planet while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Passion for sustainability and innovative thinking in circular economy practices.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
Location
University of Warwick Campus, Coventry
Department
Estates - Energy & Sustainability
Position Type
Permanent
Salary
£35,608 to £46,049 per annum
About the Role
For informal enquiries, please contact Gemma Wilkins (Head of Sustainable Campus Operations) at gemma.wilkins@warwick.ac.uk.
The University of Warwick is a vibrant community of over 7,000 staff and over 28,000 students. The Sustainability Officer (Circular Economy) is a key role within the Energy and Sustainability team. It provides an opportunity to enact real change at scale and to improve the campus environment for both people and planet.
You will work with a wide range of colleagues, collaborating with technical specialists, academic researchers, students, professional services and external partners to implement waste reduction and circular economy initiatives across the breadth of the University\\\'s operations.
This role is varied and encompasses elements of project and operations management, stakeholder engagement, events, supporting education and research, and championing sustainable behaviour change.
Flexible Working
We will consider applications for part-time or other flexible working arrangements (e.g. job share), despite the position being advertised as full-time.
About You
The ideal candidate will have genuine enthusiasm for innovation and the possibilities presented by circular economy systems. They will understand how to close the loop and can draw on best practice, learning from others both within higher education and beyond to implement tangible changes on campus.
They will identify new ways of working and challenge established norms in a productive and positive manner. They will bring a fresh perspective and be an advocate for sustainable change through building business cases and engaging with stakeholders at all levels.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the continued delivery of our award-winning Donation Drive initiative, Repair Café and related projects enabling the reuse of surplus items.
The role requires a degree of manual handling in the collection and sorting of donated items, with full training and safety equipment provided. Candidates must be flexible to accommodate occasional evening and weekend working planned in advance to deliver specific projects.
For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.
About the Department
The Energy and Sustainability team works with colleagues across the University to deliver Warwick\\\'s Way to Sustainable strategy. This is an opportunity to join a friendly and dedicated team of passionate people who want to make a real difference, both locally on our campus and beyond.
About the University
We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 67th in the world and 10th in the UK. 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. Find out more about us on our website.
How to Apply
CLOSING DEADLINE: Sunday 2nd November 2025 at 11:55pm (GMT)
To apply, please click \"Apply\" below and submit an application form by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV and a cover letter.
Your CV should include:
- Your education and employment history (including your most recent employment).
- Any other relevant experience (e.g. volunteering, extracurricular, etc.).
Your cover letter should explain:
- Your motivations for applying to the role.
- Using examples, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the job description (PDF attached below).
All essential criteria must be met by candidates who are invited to interview.
You are welcome to include details of any career breaks (e.g. parental leave, caring responsibilities, sick leave).
For guidance on writing a cover letter, see here.
- Interview Date: TBC
- Start Date: TBC
Please note a pplication forms must be submitted before the stated deadline - you will not be able to submit after 23:55 (even if you opened the form earlier).
Only applications submitted via our official careers portal will be considered.
What we Offer
We provide a comprehensive range of benefits, including:
- An attractive pension scheme.
- 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
- Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
- Onsite childcare facilities.
- Excellent learning and development opportunities.
We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. For more information, see here.
We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion
Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.
Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick and our awards and accreditations. We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.
Safeguarding & DBS
The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with.
- Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice.
- The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults).
- All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.
Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders
The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction.
Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.
Job Description: see attached PDF (JD - Sustainability Officer - Circular Economy (74837).pdf).
Right to Work in the UK
If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, please follow the linked information about obtaining the right to work in the UK.
Notes: This description has been reformatted for readability and to meet formatting standards.
Sustainability Officer - Circular Economy (74837-0825) in Coventry employer: University of Warwick
As a Sustainability Officer at the University of Warwick, you will be part of a vibrant community dedicated to enacting meaningful change for both people and the planet. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the university offers excellent learning and development opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a generous benefits package including 30 days of holiday and onsite childcare facilities. Join us in fostering an inclusive environment where your passion for sustainability can thrive and make a real impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sustainability Officer - Circular Economy (74837-0825) in Coventry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees or alumni from the University who are in sustainability roles. A friendly chat can give us insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for circular economy initiatives during interviews. We want to hear about your ideas and how you can contribute to projects like the Donation Drive and Repair Café. Be ready to share examples of your past experiences!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare thoughtful questions for your interviewers. Ask about their current sustainability projects or how they engage stakeholders. This shows we’re genuinely interested and helps us stand out from the crowd!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Sustainability Officer - Circular Economy (74837-0825) in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for sustainability and circular economy shine through in your CV and cover letter. We want to see how much you care about making a difference, so share your experiences and ideas that reflect your genuine interest in this field.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to match the job description. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the responsibilities of the Sustainability Officer role. We love seeing how you connect your background to what we do!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your cover letter, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure to explain your motivations and how you meet the essential criteria without rambling on. A well-structured application goes a long way!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website by the deadline! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Warwick
✨Know Your Circular Economy Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the principles of circular economy and how they apply to sustainability. Be ready to discuss specific examples of successful initiatives you've been involved in or studied, as this will show your genuine enthusiasm for innovation in this area.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you can effectively engage with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've collaborated with different teams or individuals in the past. This role requires working with a wide range of colleagues, so demonstrating your ability to build relationships is key.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be prepared to talk about your experience in project management. Highlight any relevant projects you've led or contributed to, especially those that involved waste reduction or sustainable behaviour change. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
Your cover letter should reflect your motivations and passion for sustainability. During the interview, share personal stories or experiences that have shaped your commitment to sustainable practices. Authenticity goes a long way in showing that you're the right fit for this role.
