Sustainability Lead Manager

Job overview

This is an opportunity to shape the future of sustainable healthcare by leading the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust's ambitious Green Plan and Net Zero agenda. As the Trust's senior sustainability specialist, you will influence strategic decision-making at the highest level, driving and leading innovative programmes that deliver measurable environmental, financial and social benefits. If you are passionate about creating lasting change, thrive on strategic leadership and want to make a tangible impact on patient care, communities and the environment, this role offers the chance to leave a meaningful legacy.

Main duties of the job

You will lead the development and delivery of the Trust's sustainability strategy, working collaboratively with clinical, corporate and external partners to embed sustainable practices across the organisation. The role involves developing business cases, securing investment, overseeing major sustainability programmes, monitoring performance, ensuring regulatory compliance and, perhaps most importantly, inspiring behavioural change through engagement and leadership. We are seeking an influential and collaborative leader with extensive sustainability expertise, excellent communication and analytical skills with the evidenced ability to build strong partnerships, translate complex challenges into practical solutions and inspire others to achieve ambitious environmental goals.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development, implementation and continuous improvement of the Trust's Sustainability Strategy and Green Plan, ensuring alignment with national policy, regulatory requirements and organisational priorities.
• Act as the Trust's lead specialist for sustainability, providing strategic and technical advice to the Trust Board, Executive Team and senior managers on sustainability, environmental management, compliance and Net Zero programmes.
• Develop, lead and deliver a portfolio of sustainability and decarbonisation programmes that improve environmental performance, reduce carbon emissions, enhance social value and support organisational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation, national policy and regulatory requirements, embedding environmental, social and economic sustainability into Trust strategies, policies and operational decision-making.
• Identify funding opportunities and develop business cases to secure investment in sustainability, energy efficiency and low-carbon technologies, ensuring effective delivery and benefits realisation.
• Build effective partnerships with clinical and corporate services, Executive Directors and external organisations to embed sustainable practices, promote innovation and deliver the Trust's sustainability objectives.
• Lead the Trust's sustainability engagement programme, including staff communications, awareness campaigns, education, behavioural change initiatives and the Green Champions Network.
• Develop governance arrangements, performance measures and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), monitoring and reporting progress against Green Plan objectives, carbon reduction targets and Net Zero commitments.
• Analyse complex environmental, financial and operational data to inform strategic decision-making, producing reports and recommendations for the Trust Board, committees, senior management and external stakeholders.
• Lead the Trust's energy, utilities and waste management programmes, including contract oversight, performance monitoring and the identification of efficiency and carbon reduction opportunities.
• Provide leadership for sustainability projects, coordinating staff, contractors and specialist suppliers to ensure effective programme delivery, governance and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure the Trust meets its sustainability, environmental stewardship and corporate citizenship responsibilities, supporting compliance with the requirements of NHS England, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the Environment Agency (EA), Integrated Care Board (ICB) and other relevant regulatory bodies.
• Produce regular Board reports, the annual Sustainability Report and other assurance, audit and benchmarking reports required by the Sustainability Steering Group, Trust Board and external organisations.
• Spearhead and Chair or co-chair cross-functional Sustainability Working Groups, providing strategic programme and project management to align subject matter experts and drive organisational initiatives