Why join us
Joining Sainsbury's as a Sustainability Manager focusing on Scope 3 carbon offers the unique opportunity to lead the development and implementation of our Group Climate Transition Plan, making a significant impact in mitigating environmental risks within the food and clothing sectors. You will collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders, drive key initiatives aligned with our sustainability goals, and shape the future of environmental sustainability within a customer-focused business. With a strong emphasis on innovation, collaboration and personal development, this role provides a platform to drive positive change, influence industry practises, and contribute to a sustainable future for all.
What you'll do
You will play a pivotal role in leading the development and implementation of the Scope 3 strategy as part of the Group Climate Transition Plan. Working within the Environment team, you will engage with internal and external stakeholders to further develop and support the implementation of our Scope 3 strategy. You will work closely with Commercial and Agriculture teams to identify and manage the implementation of key initiatives aligned to our Scope 3 strategy; engage and build cross-functional relationships with key suppliers, and lead on the facilitation of supplier disclosure programmes including communication of results to internal audiences. You will also determine our position on key issues by compiling and drafting approaches, policies and standards for internal sign-off; lead the climate agenda with relevant external stakeholders, including industry groups, government, investors and NGOs; contribute to external reporting and disclosures on behalf of the Group; and keep up to date with climate disclosure requirements, Government Net Zero progress, industry activity and innovation.
Who you are
As the Sustainability Manager Scope 3 at Sainsbury's, you are degree-level educated and bring experience managing environmental risks, ideally within the food or clothing sectors. You have strong experience of supplier engagement, working strategically with suppliers and Commercial teams to implement key initiatives, and you are motivated by mitigating environmental and business resilience risks. You understand relevant networks and stakeholders in environmental sustainability and offer specialist knowledge across Scope 3, including supply chain strategies, agricultural systems and carbon frameworks such as SBTi. You are experienced in managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and budgets, are comfortable with risk assessment and prioritising activity amid competing priorities. You can influence, train, coach and provide ongoing support to internal and external stakeholders. You also bring experience of communication and reporting (on sustainability topics), are confident manipulating complex sustainability datasets using tools such as Microsoft Excel, and can deliver results at pace within a large, customer-focused business while working flexibly across an evolving agenda.
Essential Criteria
Proven current experience in a sustainability or commercial role within a retail or manufacturing organisation, working closely with suppliers to deliver Scope 3 programmes and outcomes. Demonstrable experience developing and implementing sustainability (Scope 3) strategies and initiatives, translating ambition into practical delivery plans. Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with experience engaging cross-functional internal teams and external partners (e.g. suppliers, industry bodies, NGOs, consultants). Solid understanding of wider environmental risks and climate topics relevant to food and/or clothing value chains (e.g. deforestation, water, nature), including evolving disclosure expectations. Track record of managing complex projects end-to-end, including budgets, prioritisation, reporting, and clear written communication.