Senior Sustainability Manager, Natural Environment.

Overview:

RSSB are now seeking a Senior Sustainability Manager, Natural Environment to join our Sustainable Development Team. In this role, you will play a key part in the future success of RSSB’s Natural Environment team and the delivery of the Sustainable Rail Blueprint. You will be focused on delivery of the Prepared for a Changing Climate and Circular Economy elements of the Natural Environment section of the Sustainable Rail Blueprint, providing technical expertise across both topics.

Working closely with the Natural Environment Principal and colleagues across the Sustainable Development team, you will support the development and lead the delivery of RSSB’s climate adaptation and circular economy workstreams, including strategy and policy development, industry guidance, technical input and analysis, research programmes and stakeholder engagement while maintaining a broad understanding of the wider Natural Environment agenda, including nature, biodiversity and water.

This role is a permanent opportunity, based at our Fenchurch Avenue office, with hybrid working. The close date for applying is 22nd November 2026.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the development, delivery and management of a programme of activities to deliver against the climate adaptation and circular economy elements of the Sustainable Rail Blueprint.
• Shape technical specifications for new industry projects across climate adaptation and circular economy, ensuring alignment with wider Blueprint objectives.
• Lead the day-to-day delivery of technical projects, supporting the Natural Environment Principal in reviewing and evaluating project proposals, tenders and deliverables, and managing relationships with appointed supplier(s) to ensure deliverables are technically robust and are delivered on time.
• Lead the planning of the Climate Change Adaptation and Circular Economy industry working groups, working with the industry chairs to agree agendas, leading on communications with members, and ensuring meetings are minuted.
• Lead the planning and delivery of the annual Rail Natural Environment Day, bringing together all four Natural Environment industry working groups in person.
• Maintain a broad technical understanding across the Natural Environment agenda, and wider environmental sustainability issues, ensuring that workstreams are joined up and contribute to wider Sustainable Rail Blueprint objectives.
• Provide advice and work collaboratively with relevant rail industry stakeholders and government departments (for example Department for Transport) on the development of environmental projects and policies.
• Provide accessible but technically accurate communications material on sustainability for use by RSSB and the industry as part of engagement and communications campaigns.
• Act as RSSB’s subject matter expert on climate change adaptation and resilience, with technical expertise in circular economy and waste management, and be an approachable point of contact for members on these topics.

Qualifications:

• Expertise in sustainable development, including a relevant university degree in environmental science/sustainability or equivalent, or professional status with ISEP (Practitioner ISEP or above) or equivalent industry experience.
• Subject matter expertise or equivalent experience in climate change adaptation and resilience, preferably including how it relates to transport or infrastructure.
• Working knowledge or experience of circular economy and waste management.
• A demonstrable track record of successful management and delivery of environmental projects and programmes.
• A deep understanding of key environmental policies and legislation, particularly relating to climate change adaptation and resilience and circular economy.
• Contribute to the implementation of the industry resilience framework, supporting the integration of changing climate considerations into relevant asset standards, risk assessment approaches and wider industry guidance, to strengthen the railway’s preparedness for future climate impacts.
• Ability to communicate effectively and share thoughts and ideas through methods appropriate to the audience.
• Adapt and respond effectively when embracing new opportunities, change and in navigating uncertainty, working with pace and agility.
• Actively contribute as part of a team and work towards achieving team goals and outcomes.
• Take responsibility and demonstrate accountability in completing tasks and achieving objectiv…