Sustainability Manager

Position: Full-time, permanent

Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week

Place of work: Ipswich / Hybrid (work from home)

Probation period: Six months

Salary: £45,000 - £65,000 based on qualifications and experience

Benefits package includes Salary sacrifice company car scheme, company pension scheme (6% employer/4% employee), private health insurance, cycle to work scheme, mental health & wellbeing sessions, paid leave for birthday and charity work, additional long service holiday entitlement, life assurance, group income protection, structured learning and development and company bonus scheme.

About Axter

We are a team of creative, dedicated and ambitious professionals all working towards a collective vision: to improve the roofscape and transform the world above our heads. We are inspired by the extraordinary and always seek out more sustainable and innovative ways to waterproof better, making flat roofs that benefit our climate and communities.

We are driven by our passion for technical detail and design, offering a comprehensive service package and a system portfolio renowned for its quality.

We are a vibrant team who enjoy what we do. Our values: service, collaboration, respect and integrity are embedded into our approach, and we are committed to delivering excellence every time. We are also a fun and friendly team who enjoy a challenge. Does this sound like somewhere you'd like to work? Then we'd love to hear from you.

The Role

The Sustainability Manager is a new leadership position within the organisation that is responsible for progressing our sustainability strategy and ensuring our economic, social, and environmental goals are considered, achieved, and integrated into all aspects of our business operations.

Reporting to the Managing Director, you’ll work closely with all company departments (Marketing, Supply Chain, Sales & Logistics, Technical, Compliance, Design, Product Management, Technical Sales, Quality Assurance, and senior leadership) to develop, implement, communicate and improve sustainable practices across our UK business while aligning with our global manufacturing group's sustainability goals.

The Sustainability Manager role requires industry expertise, strategic thinking, and leadership capability and the intellectual agility to adapt to a rapidly changing industry and regulatory environment. The Sustainability Manager will manage all sustainability functions of the business and collaborate closely with our experienced network of sustainability professionals, to improve knowledge, and develop skills that will generate positive change across the business.

Key Responsibilities and Outcomes

• Develop, implement, and oversee Axter's sustainability strategy and ISO 14001 environmental management systems
• Lead sustainability reporting initiatives, including annual carbon footprint assessments, BCorp annual reports, Social Value activity, and implement efficient data gathering methods across all departments to enable accurate reporting and third-party audit.
• Collaborate with Axter’s Head of Technical and Compliance to ensure conformity with all relevant environmental legislation, standards, and building regulations in the UK flat roofing and construction sector.
• Partner with supply chain, sales, and product management colleagues to integrate sustainable principles into their activities and establish clear sustainable supply chain practices and material sourcing standards
• Conduct comprehensive Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) for the creation of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) in line with industry standards
• Work closely with Group Sustainability Managers to develop and implement a holistic approach to sustainability strategy across all business units.
• Investigate carbon emissions data and develop strategies for reduction within the business, setting clear targets that align with Axter’s strategy and monitor progress.
• Be a sustainability thought leader in our sector; represent the company on trade association working groups and at industry events in the UK and abroad, advocating for sustainable practices and raising the company's profile in our community, country and beyond.
• Design and deliver continuous professional development training to ensure all staff have a broad knowledge of sustainability principles and are committed to the company's sustainability strategy
• Prepare annual sustainability strategy reports for the company and produce a comprehensive annual sustainability report for both internal and external publication
• Manage and enhance the company's Climate and Community strategy, acting as the lead contact across all charity partners.
• Communicate the company's sustainability efforts through all available channels, including social media, website, press releases, and other marketing materials

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

• A degree in Sustainability, Engineering, or a related field is preferred
• Minimum 5 years' experience in sustainability roles, with at least 3 years in construction, manufacturing, or related industries
• Competent knowledge of UK and EU environmental regulations and sustainability frameworks relevant to construction
• Experience with environmental management systems (ISO 14001) and an ability to demonstrate an understanding of embodied carbon reporting methodologies and the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi).
• Proven expertise in conducting Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and developing Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) using the Ecoinvent database.
• Must have strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret data and translate this into clear actions.
• Experience in carbon footprint assessment and implementing carbon reduction strategies as well as social value initiatives
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver effective sustainability training programs
• A strong track record in external communications is favourable, with excellent communication and influencing skills that will engage stakeholders at all levels, including public speaking and presentations for effective advocacy at industry events.
• Proven track record of meeting and exceeding operational goals and strategic objectives.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Advanced in Microsoft 365/SharePoint and CRM platforms.
• Ability to travel as needed (e.g. Group production sites)
• A full clean valid driver’s licence.

Ultimately, we are looking for someone who is motivated and can bring their vibrant personality to the job. If you think you’d be a good fit please complete the form below and send us your CV and a covering note stating why you'd like to work for Axter.

We welcome job applications from all sections of the community and the criteria for selection are based solely upon the candidate’s ability to perform the tasks required. We appreciate the value that a diverse mix of skills, characteristics, ideas, experiences and backgrounds brings to our company, our work today and our vision for the future.