Sustainability Officer

Overview

Join Zertus UK & Ireland as a Sustainability Officer and help shape a more responsible future for snacking and chocolate. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact by supporting our sustainability strategy, driving engagement and ensuring compliance across our operations and supply chain.

Location: Sherburn in Elmet, LS25 6PJ | Hybrid

Company: Zertus UK & Ireland (Humdinger Ltd, Kinnerton Confectionery & Lir Chocolates)

Position type Full-time, permanent

Hours 37.5

Shift Pattern Monday – Friday, 08:30 – 16:30

Pay range £28,000 – £31,000

Breaks 30 minutes unpaid

Responsibilities

• Support the Sustainability Manager in implementing the sustainability strategy.
• Design and implement a sustainability communication plan.
• Ensure compliance with sustainability-related legislation in collaboration with the Sustainability Manager.
• Stay informed about emerging sustainability risks and upcoming regulatory changes.
• Share sustainability knowledge across the business and represent Zertus at relevant industry groups when required.
• Drive sustainability engagement by supporting the Charity and Volunteering programme, as well as employee engagement events and initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with Procurement, HSE, Operations, HR, and Commercial teams.
• Develop a working knowledge of the snacking and chocolate industry.
• Carry out monthly administrative tasks to support team operations.

Key Deliverables

• Ensure and maintain compliance with relevant sustainability certifications (e.g., RFA, RSPO, FairTrade).
• Complete sustainability-related data requests and enhance internal data collection processes.
• Support the development and reporting of the annual Sustainability Report in collaboration with the Sustainability Manager.
• Monitor Sedex compliance, share regular reports with the line manager, Supplier Assurance, and Procurement, and ensure all non-conformances are tracked and resolved.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with sustainability legislation (e.g., SECR, EUDR, CCA, EU Green Deal, ESOS).
• Coordinate cross-functional sustainability working groups to drive improvements in operations, packaging, procurement, and HR.
• Lead carbon accounting data collection and produce annual carbon reports.

Qualifications and Attributes

• Degree-level education in a relevant field such as Sustainability, Geography, Environmental Science, or similar. Master’s or undergraduate qualifications are welcome. Alternatively, relevant work experience in a corporate environment with a strong interest in sustainability and ESG topics.
• A genuine passion for sustainability, with a proactive and solution-focused mindset.
• Eager to learn, grow, and build a career in sustainability and corporate responsibility.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a hands-on approach to tackling challenges.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work across teams and functions.
• Comfortable handling data, reporting, and administrative tasks with attention to detail.
• Experience or interest in internal communications and stakeholder engagement is a plus.

Most importantly, we welcome applicants who are deeply passionate about sustainability. If you’re uncertain about meeting every criterion, we still encourage you to apply and complete our application questions to share your passion and commitment to sustainability.

Benefits

• Pension (4% Employer Contributions)
• Life Assurance Scheme at x4 basic salary
• Health Care Cash Plan via Paycare (Dental, Optical, Chiropody, Professional Therapy, Counselling cover), plus Paycare Perks
• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays
• Holiday Purchase Salary Sacrifice Scheme – buy up to one extra week per year
• Family-friendly policies including hybrid working opportunities and enhanced Maternity/Paternity leave
• Access to staff shops with exclusive discounts
• Monthly employee recognition via the Zertus Values Awards
• Recruitment Refer a Friend rewards
• Training and development opportunities (Leadership courses, external qualifications, professional memberships)

Equal opportunity Zertus UK & Ireland is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Your application will be reviewed and entered into the selection process. If successful, you will receive a call or email from a member of our Recruitment or HR Team. If successful, your application will be forwarded to the hiring manager for review and you may be invited to interview.