Sustainability Manager

At Leigh Academies Trust (LAT), everything we do is underpinned by our vision of ‘Shaping Lives, Transforming Communities‘ across South-East England.  LAT’s Vision 2025  alongside the Department for Education’s sustainability and climate change strategy for education and children’s services systems  strengthens our commitment to sustainability. We will use our estate and education to make a global contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and have set out a headline aim to reduce our carbon emissions by 78% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels and net zero by 2050. As a multi-academy trust of some 31 academies founded on social responsibility, we have the drive and commitment to play a significant role in tackling global sustainability challenges.  

The Estates Department at LAT has a pivotal role in decarbonisation, especially the transition away from high carbon energy sources to strategies that meet our future requirements. We also need to ensure that sustainability is ingrained into our operations across all business functions and organisational ways of thinking, including the use of materials, emissions to air, land and water and fiscal management. 

The role of Sustainability Manager is a new position for LAT and will support the Estates Department and wider organisation in the efficient and intelligent operation of buildings, generation plants, energy / carbon costs and consumption, the provision of strategic direction related to environmental and sustainability and the development of ‘smart academies’, together with associated regulatory compliance. Above all, you will have the gravitas, skills and experience to‘make things happen’ and play a significant role in our transition to a sustainable future. 

With the upward trend in the cost of utilities, it is a priority of the post holder to reduce LAT’s consumption on electricity, gas and water. “The cheapest kWh is the one we do not use” (Amory Lovins).

Benefits of working at Leigh Academies Trust; 

• 25 days annual leave per annum + bank holidays, increasing to 30 days + bank holidays after 5 years' service  
• Generous pension scheme (Local Government Pension Scheme)  
• Full company closure and time off between Christmas and New Year 
• You'll be part of a highly experienced team with a flexible and proactive ethos  
• Training and qualifications supported / encouraged  
• Mileage allowance for travel between sites  
• Free, on-site parking at every site  
• And much more… click here for more information on LAT Employee Benefits 

Please note that this role is offered on a 1 year fixed term contract, with every intention of becoming permanent thereafter.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Being part of Leigh Academies Trust: As of 1st September 2021, our Trust comprises 31 geographically organised academies (15 secondaries, 14 primaries and 2 special) educating 20,000 students, and employing over 2,500 talented staff. The Trust is establishing four ‘clusters’ of academies: North West Kent; Central Kent; South East London; Medway. In addition, the Trust is responsible for one of the region’s biggest initial teaching training organisations, a large teaching school hub and is an accredited apprenticeship provider. Click here to view our future plans in our Vision 2025 document.  

As part of Leigh Academies Trust you will have ample opportunity to collaborate with your peers both within the academy and across the whole Trust. This is an important part of our vision as we know through experience that we perform better when we work together. You are supported to undertake regular self-development to continue your professional development and hopefully progress further within the organisation.

Click here to view the range of benefits available to all LAT staff.  

Our commitment to safeguarding: Leigh Academies Trust and all of our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.  

Our commitment to equality and diversity: As a Trust we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals, we all bring something unique to the role regardless of any protected characteristics which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise. We are committed to providing equality and fairness throughout our recruitment and employment practices and not to discriminate on any grounds.

Based on the quality and quantity of applications received, Leigh Academies Trust reserves the right to close this vacancy sooner than the specified closing date. Applicants will be notified of this where possible. Therefore, early applications are encouraged.​​​​​​​