Brentford FC is a bit different to other Premier League football clubs. We put our fans first, we are a true community club and while we are financially sustainable, we are not afraid to take calculated risks. We take huge pride in our environment and culture within the Club which focuses on development, inclusion and not being afraid to think differently.
Being progressive, humble and respectful while sticking together as one team across the Club guides how we work and the decisions we make each day.
We also firmly believe that a diverse workforce is a better workforce which will help us develop ideas, solve problems and ultimately grow Brentford FC.
We play in a brand-new stadium, 15 minutes from Heathrow in vibrant west London.
We will never forget where we have come from, but we are excited about the future that lies ahead.
Come join us.
Inclusion Statement
Brentford FC is an organisation which values and is passionate about diversity and inclusivity. Whilst our recruitment decisions are always based on merit and suitability, we welcome and encourage applications from qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented groups – such as those from ethnically diverse backgrounds, women, those from the LGBTQ+ community and those with disabilities.
Safeguarding Statement
Brentford FC is committed to equality, the safeguarding and welfare of all children and adults at risk. This responsibility is shared by all staff and volunteers at the club, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Staff will be required to undertake regular safeguarding training to enable and reinforce a proactive approach to safeguarding. This role requires the post holder to apply all relevant policies and uphold the club’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable people to ensure a safe environment for all. This includes the timely reporting of any safeguarding concern to the safeguarding team.
The Role of the Sustainability Manager
The Sustainability Manager is a new role. The successful candidate will own, manage and drive forward the implementation of the Club’s environmental sustainability strategy which has been developed. While this is a standalone role, they will work with other colleagues from around the Club to deliver the strategy.
This new strategy builds upon the Club’s efforts to date in this area. The construction of the new stadium minimised energy usage and carbon emissions in the process while our recent kit rollover initiative grabbed the headlines and sparked debate about product life cycles in the industry. We are now broadening our efforts to create a plan that stretches across the entire Club, tying together different projects throughout the Club.
Brentford FC’s sustainability strategy states that that we will:
Commit to progress, monitor and report our environmental activities through robust management practices.
Commit to setting a net zero carbon target and to support climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Promote circular economy practices throughout our Club and manage resources sustainably.
Support the regeneration of natural habitats and a healthy living environment.
Collaborate with our colleagues, players, stakeholders, fans and local community through awareness raising, training and outreach.
We are looking for a well-rounded, progressive and driven sustainability manager. By having sound knowledge of all aspects of sustainability you will help us plan, report and deliver. You should be comfortable with numbers, understand legislation, while being personable and persuasive.
You don’t need to have worked in football before, but an understanding of the challenges which exist within professional sport, facility management and fan engagement is needed.
Main Accountabilities
Strategy – You will be the driving force behind the roll-out of our sustainability strategy across our organisation and into our communities. You will help to create awareness of our objectives and integrate the strategy into our operations and planning. Tracking delivery of the action plan and monitoring KPIs will also be part of the role.
Budgeting – You will help to refine and manage the sustainability budget.
Reporting and measurement – You will report on the agreed sustainability-related metrics, for use internally and externally. There will be a focus on measurement and data collection to then set targets and start to find solutions for reductions around energy, waste and water usage.
Compliance – You will help ensure that we adhere to all relevant legal and governance requirements.
Certification – You will assess our options in relation to industry certification and accreditation standards.
Policy Development – You will support the development and maintenance of robust policies, procedures, and systems in relation to environmental and sustainability issues and procurement.
Internal engagement – You will be an active member of the Club’s internal sustainability working group, helping to manage the group, while influencing positive change across the organisation. You will support staff training and develop the staff knowledge and culture in this area.
Community initiatives – You will help to create and manage initiatives relating to climate, circularity and nature.
Fan engagement – You will support the development and roll-out of any related fan engagement campaigns.
Industry collaboration – working with counterparts from other clubs and across the sports industry, to share best practice and work towards industry-wide outcomes.
General – You will ensure that our staff have sufficient support for delivery of sustainability objectives. You will stay updated with industry and regulatory developments.
General Club Accountabilities
- To comply with all Club policies, including health and safety, data regulations and other legal, ethical and social requirements.
- To build and maintain good working relationships while maintaining a professional image.
- To keep confidential any information gained regarding the Club and its personnel.
- To maintain a flexible approach to work at all times.
Key Internal Relationships
- Operations
- CEO Office
- Finance
- Marketing Services
- Partnerships
- HR
- Brentford FC Community Sports Trust
Person Specification – Essential Personal Characteristics
Be diligent, driven and passionate about sustainability.
Be educated to degree level in sustainability, environmental management or equivalent.
Have demonstrable experience, likely to be around five years or more, in a similar role. Have experience in developing and implementing climate action plans with good knowledge of all aspects of sustainability.
Have an understanding of the environmental sustainability challenges specific to the sport industry or other related sectors.
- Have the ability to influence. The success of this role relies on your ability to evolve the way the Club works which will require widespread buy-in.
- Be familiar with existing and upcoming environmental regulations and reporting requirements.
- Have strong project management skills. You should be organised, budget-conscious and determined to hit deadlines.
- Be a team player – this is critical for us. The Club comes first, and you will be prepared to work hard, with enthusiasm, alongside your colleagues.
- Be personable, adaptable and a persuasive communicator.
Person Specification – Desirable Characteristics
Good writing skills, with the ability to create high-quality written reports and deliverables.
- You don’t need to have football or sport experience, but you should have a solid understanding of the game, fan opinion and industry issues.
- Have knowledge of our local community.
- Have an open mindset and be hungry to grow and develop.
Be comfortable working autonomously.