Sustainability jobs in the UK

If you’re a sustainability professional wanting to take the next step in your career, we’ve got the roles you’re looking for.

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Our experience in recruiting for sustainability jobs 

If you’re looking for your next career opportunity in sustainability, you’ve come to the right place. Our dedicated sustainability experts know the ins and outs of this rapidly growing market and will help you in your next venture with transparent and honest consultancy that you won’t find anywhere else. 

Organisations of all shapes and sizes, from start-ups through to global corporations, are looking for champions of sustainability who can deliver value at every level. With strategic regional hubs located across the country, we have the expansive employer network to be able to find you a sustainability role that’s right for you. We also support career transitions into sustainability roles from other sectors.  
 

Our specialist areas include:

We’re excited to present roles in environmental impact assessment (EIA), ecology, biodiversity, air quality, contaminated land, water management, flood risk management, net zero, climate change, environmental social governance (ESG), energy management, carbon management and sustainable building design. 

Browse the latest sustainability job opportunities today.

 

Sustainability employers we work with

We work with some of the best sustainability employers across both the public and private sectors. We match professionals with roles in sectors like manufacturing, professional services, retail, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), travel, education and more. 

Clients we’ve worked with include: Amey, AtkinsRéalis, Birmingham Airport, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, University of Cambridge, The Pensions Regulator, British Antarctic Survey, Nottingham City Council and Tetra Tech.

Grinning man

Isabela was the best recruiter that contacted me during my job search. In addition to being an extremely kind person, her presence made all the difference, and this constant contact was essential in identifying the best opportunities for me.

- Sustainability professional

It pays to recommend a friend

Refer a friend today, and if we place them, you’ll earn up to £500 in vouchers. 
(T&Cs apply)


OUR SUSTAINABLE FUTURES:
CAREER CONVERSATIONS SERIES

Watch expert insights and career advice from top professionals in the sustainability space with our Sustainable Futures: Career Conversations video series. Paul Gosling, Director at Hays, interviews influential sustainability leaders to find out about sustainability career paths, top tips for professionals in the green sector and more.


You can also access all the episodes as a podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

SUSTAINABILITY: CAREER ADVICE

What does a job in sustainability look like?

Do you know the difference between green jobs and sustainability jobs? Learn more about jobs in corporate sustainability, environmental management, energy management and sustainable buildings.

When is a good time to reskill in a sustainability role?

Now’s a great time to reskill into the sustainability space and take an active role in tackling climate change and the wider sustainability challenges we face as a society. Read about how you can find your place in this industry.

How to secure your first sustainability job

Green roles present a huge opportunity for jobseekers looking for greater environmental and social purpose. Take a look at our 10 top tips for how to secure your first green role.

Tips for making your sustainability job application stand out

Find out how to present your skills and previous experience to a sustainability employer and stand out from other applicants in this article.

SUSTAINABILITY JOBS FAQs

There’s a growing number of career paths in sustainability. Many sustainability roles are in their infancy, but new dedicated positions are being created by organisations looking to become more sustainable.  

Sustainability jobs can include environmental consultants, environmental scientists, energy managers, ecologists and urban planners.

Browse our live network to find the right sustainability role for you.

Depending on the job specification, you may not need a degree to work in sustainability. It’s entirely possible to attain a role in sustainability through your prior work experience, and many professionals transition into sustainability from other sectors.

However, as many roles seek to draw in specialists – such as those educated in environmental science, engineering, business and economics – having a bachelor’s degree will open up more opportunities for you. Moreover, a relevant master’s degree may lead to more lucrative career progression. 

It’s possible to apply for sustainability roles via an organisation’s website or job board, but competition can be high.

We’re deeply embedded in this emerging industry and can find you the top sustainability roles. We’ll marry your most valuable skills, connect you with unique opportunities and share industry insights. 

Get in contact with one of our specialist consultants today to find a sustainability role that suits your skills, needs and ambitions.

OUR SUSTAINABILITY JOURNEY AT HAYS 

Our commitment to a net zero future

We’re committed to working towards a net zero future. We’ve launched multiple initiatives to cut greenhouse gas emissions in pursuit of our science-based reduction targets. You can find out more about our carbon reduction plan and our commitment to a net zero future below:

Our charity partnership with Trees for Cities

We’re proud to partner with Trees for Cities, a UK charity that works to improve lives by planting trees and enhancing green spaces in towns and cities.

 

GET IN TOUCH

  •

    Paul Gosling

    Director at Hays, specialising in sustainability

    Connect on LinkedIn
    Email: paul.gosling@hays.com

    Paul has been a specialist recruiter in environment and sustainability for over 25 years. He started recruiting into the sector in 1995 after finishing his BSc in Environmental Science and he’s worked with thousands of individuals and hundreds of companies over the past 20-plus years to support their growth and development in this dynamic and critically important sector.

    During this time, Paul has built a wealth of knowledge and he’s recognised as a leading expert on overcoming the unique recruitment challenges facing the environment and sustainability sector.

Our recruitment process

  • 1

    Meet experts you can trust

    Your application goes directly to your very own dedicated, expert consultant.

    Search Jobs
  • 2

    Get the knowledge and insights

    A consultant will reach out and discuss your application, career history and future ambitions.

    CV Writing Tips
  • 3

    Enjoy a flexible interview process

    Your dedicated consultant will meet you virtually or in one of our many offices near you.

    Sign into My Hays
  • 4

    Share your ambitions

    We listen, provide impartial career advice to place you in the right job, with the right organisation.

    Get Career Advice
  • 5

    Download the
    Hays App

    Search and apply for jobs, manage your profile, develop new skills and more, all in one place.

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OUR SUSTAINABILITY PARTNERS

  •

    IEMA

    Hays is delighted to be partnered with IEMA to support their Green Careers Hub, providing access to information and opportunities around green skills, jobs and careers.