Sustainability Manager Job Description: Qualifications and Responsibilities

‍How to Write a Sustainability Manager Job Description

As more companies focus on ESG goals and reducing their environmental footprint, a clear and thoughtful Sustainability Manager Job Description helps you find candidates who know how to lead meaningful change. This role goes beyond checking off boxes—it’s about weaving sustainability into business goals, operations, and company culture. The right description helps you connect with people who care, and who also know how to get things done.

What is a Sustainability Manager / What does a Sustainability Manager do?

A Sustainability Manager leads the charge on making an organization more environmentally and socially responsible. They work across different departments to improve energy use, reduce waste, support circular economy ideas, and make sure the company meets reporting and disclosure standards. This role often includes working closely with leadership, vendors, and community groups to align business actions with sustainability goals.

The Importance of a Good Sustainability Manager Job Description

A well-written Sustainability Manager Job Description can help you:

Attract people who already have ESG or climate disclosure experience
Make it easier for candidates to understand your expectations
Cut down on hiring time by narrowing in on good matches
Boost your reputation as a company that actually cares about sustainability

In short, it’s the first step in building a greener, more responsible team.

Sustainability Manager Job Description Template

Overview of the Role and the Team

As a Sustainability Manager, you’ll help lead our internal sustainability initiatives and ensure they align with company-wide goals. You’ll work closely with operations, procurement, and communications teams to bring sustainability into everyday practices—from policy-making to performance metrics.

Education & Training

Required: Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Business, Sustainability, or a related field

Preferred: Master’s degree in Sustainability Management or Corporate Social Responsibility; certifications like LEED AP, ISSP-SA, or training in ESG frameworks

Responsibilities and Duties

Help define and evolve our sustainability goals across the company
Track key ESG data and prepare updates for leadership and partners
Monitor policy shifts and make sure we’re adapting where needed
Lead internal workshops to promote sustainable habits across teams
Build partnerships with suppliers or vendors to drive better practices across our supply chain

Skills Requirements

Technical Skills

Familiarity with common sustainability tools (like GRI, CDP, or SASB)
Experience working with carbon accounting or climate data
Knowledge of ISO standards or EMS frameworks is a plus

Soft Skills

Comfortable leading projects across different teams
Great communicator who can engage both execs and peers
Able to rally support around long-term goals, even when they’re complex

Nice-to-Have Skills

Exposure to life cycle assessment (LCA) or energy modeling
Background in ESG investing or risk frameworks
Experience with culture-shaping initiatives or internal comms

Sustainability Manager Salary & Benefits

Most roles in this space pay between $85,000 and $115,000 in the U.S., though it’s not unusual to see offers hit $130,000 or more for experienced professionals in ESG-heavy sectors. Salary often varies by industry, geography, and certification level.

Benefits usually include:

Health, dental, and vision insurance
Employer-matched 401(k) or similar retirement plan
ESG training and professional development budgets
Volunteer days, flexible schedules, or remote options
Wellness perks like green stipends or retreat access

What’s usually included:

Medical, dental, and vision coverage
401(k) plans with employer matching
Stipends for ESG training or certifications
Paid time for volunteering and wellness days
Hybrid or flexible schedules, especially during planning seasons

Tailoring Your Sustainability Manager Job Description

Here are a few types of Sustainability Manager roles depending on your team’s focus:

Corporate Sustainability Manager - Handles ESG compliance, disclosures, and investor reporting
Operations Sustainability Manager - Works on resource efficiency and internal process improvements
Sustainability Communications Manager - Leads messaging, employee engagement, and transparency
Sustainability Strategy Manager - Sets long-term vision, innovation efforts, and competitive edge

Seniority Levels to Consider

Sustainability Coordinator: Entry-level, supports program rollout and admin work
Sustainability Manager: Mid-level, manages day-to-day programs and collaborates across departments
Director of Sustainability: Senior leader who drives the overall strategy, innovation, and impact

Using Litespace for Your Resume Screening

Litespace makes it easier to find qualified, mission-aligned candidates. You can set filters for the exact experience you want—like ESG reporting, lifecycle analysis, or regulatory knowledge—and get back a ranked list in minutes.

The platform also highlights standout resumes, flags potential gaps, and helps reduce bias with objective scoring tools. You stay in control while moving faster toward hiring someone who will help move your goals forward.manually.