Sustainability manager

Sustainability managers oversee the sustainability strategy for a company or organisation so that it has sustainable business practices that reduce its environmental impact.

Also known as

Head of sustainability, environmental manager, sustainability director, land and water manager, environmental policy manager, chief officer of environment, social and environmental sustainability manager

Work environment

  • Usually work regular business hours
  • Usually work in offices
  • Need to communicate well, work well under pressure and make decisions

Salary information

MOST COMMON
UPPER
LOWER
$84.3K-$182.7K 84333

Typical tasks

  • Develop sustainable policies and practices
  • Make sure environmental laws are followed
  • Identify opportunities for environmental projects
  • Check how well sustainability programmes work
  • Run community and engagement activities
  • Train staff on sustainability practices
  • Prepare progress and impact reports
  • Research new technologies for sustainability
  • Oversee sustainability projects
  • Align plans with company sustainability goals

Outlook

Sustainability management is becoming increasingly important as organisations respond to climate change, environmental regulations and growing expectations from customers, investors and communities. In New Zealand and internationally, businesses are putting more focus on reducing emissions, improving resource efficiency and reporting their environmental impact. Sustainability managers help guide these efforts and support long-term business goals in a changing world

What employers and industry want in graduates

  • Understanding of sustainability and environmental issues
  • Strategic thinking and long-term planning skills
  • Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
  • Ability to analyse data and measure performance
  • Project management and organisational skills
  • Problem-solving skills and a practical approach to change

AUT programmes

The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.

Further study options

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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.