Principal/Senior Sustainability Consultant

Background information:

Would you like to join an organisation taking real action for people and the environment?

PECT is an independent charity creating sustainable places by supporting the reduction of resource use, enhancing the natural environment, educating on the changes needed and improving the health and wellbeing of communities that we work with.

Based at the entrance to a beautiful country park on the outskirts of Peterborough, PECT offers a dynamic and enjoyable working environment. Our impact is tangible, and our work is guided by strong values centred on our team, partners, and the communities we work with.

Due to continued growth of Investors in the Environment (iiE), we are seeking a proactive and commercially minded individual to strengthen our iiE advisory team. This role is ideal for someone with several years’ experience in delivering sustainability focused advice and the implementation of an environmental management systems and working in a purpose-driven organisation.

Purpose of role:

iiE is a national environmental accreditation scheme designed to help businesses reduce their impact on the environment through practical, engaging measures. iiE membership includes support for businesses to adopt a robust environmental policy, use resources efficiently, set targets and actions to support wider sustainability improvements, and get recognised for their efforts.

The successful applicant will provide high-quality environmental management support to members of the iiE scheme and complete accreditation audits. The role involves working directly with members to guide them on their sustainability journey, helping them to understand their environmental impact and to take actionable steps to reduce it. The successful candidate will drive significant improvements in environmental performance for our clients, leading to lower carbon footprints, cost savings, and enhanced reputational benefits.

In addition, subject to experience and qualifications, there will be an opportunity to join our ISEP accredited training centre team.

• Employer: PECT
• Based: This position will be based at PECT’s offices: Ham Lane House, Ham Lane, Peterborough PE2 5UU.
• Interview Date: Ongoing – PECT will shortlist suitable candidates for interview on an ongoing basis until the position is filled
• Start Date: ASAP
• Hours/Week: 37 hours (although part time hours will be considered)
• Work outside normal hours: Occasional evening and weekend work may be required, typically for events or training
• Reports to: Head of Sustainability

Key responsibilities:

• Assist members to progress towards iiE accreditation by providing regular remote support and guidance
• Conduct iiE audits, including occasional site visits, and produce detailed accreditation reports.
• Provide expert consultancy across environmental and sustainability issues
• Produce high-quality guidance documents and other resources for iiE members
• Maintain oversight of quality assurance, ensuring excellence in reporting, client engagement and innovation.
• Mentor junior consultants, providing day to day advice and support as well as contributing to team development, delivering CPD sessions or peer-learning initiatives.
• Actively represent PECT and iiE at industry events and in strategic partnerships
• Execute day-to-day project administration tasks using Excel, Word, and PowerPoint and maintain accurate data in the project CRM system.
• Support on the scoping and development of new consultancy offers or income-generating partnerships aligned with iiE/PECT’s sustainability mission
• Uphold and champion PECT’s values and professional standards and embed PECTs policies and procedures with your works.

Person specification

We value diversity and inclusion, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. You don’t have to meet all the criteria listed below to apply. If you have the skills and passion for this role, we would love to hear from you.

Essential criteria:

• Significant experience in the areas of sustainability and environmental management in either consultancy or through equivalent industry experience.
• Proven track record of managing clients, managing change and delivering measurable impact.
• Excellent report writing and presenting skills.
• Strong analytical capabilities and experience working with data
• A detailed knowledge and understanding of Environmental Management Systems and other sustainability frameworks
• In depth knowledge of at least two of the following; Net Zero/Carbon Accounting, Circular Economy, Sustainable Transport, Biodiversity and Resource Efficiency.
• Passionate and committed to providing a professional, quality service and excellent customer care.
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships at all levels.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to work effectively and independently and use own initiative.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and willingness to learn and undertake relevant training.
• IT literate, particularly in Microsoft Office Software.
• Ability to travel to remote locations both locally and across the UK.

Desirable Criteria:

• Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) or other professional accreditation (FISEP, AISEP, PISEP)
• Qualified trainer with experience delivering training around sustainability, EMS, Net Zero, etc
• Experience managing teams and/or projects
• Regular contributor to conferences, sector publications or working groups.
• Experience leading sector-wide collaborations or initiatives, particularly within manufacturing, professional services, sports & leisure, and food & drink.