Head of Sustainability
Melanie Hockenhull
Day to Day tasks
To develop and deliver Avanti’s sustainability strategy, Our Responsible Plan. On a day to day, this is incredibly varied, from attending meetings with industry stakeholders including the DfT, to working across departments to develop climate adaptation strategies, to working on projects to reduce our energy use.
Skills needed for this role
e.g., written and verbal communication, research skills, stakeholder relationships, data analysis
Strategic thinking, strong communication skills and a real interest in sustainability, both environmental and social. Key is the ability to make and maintain relationships across all levels of an organisation and with external stakeholders.
My working environment
I work across the west coast mainline, regularly travelling for events and meetings. Because of this, I also enjoy a few days working from home to catch up on my workload!
Pathways into this role
Very varied – I originally trained and qualified as a lawyer, before moving into social sustainability work. My background isn’t environmental management, so I’m currently completing an MSc in climate change: science, society and technology. A more conventional path might include undergraduate study in environmental sciences or geography, but sustainability is about showing aptitude to continuously learn and build relationships.
Education
e.g., GCSE
I have GCSE’s, A-Levels, a law degree and am currently studying for an MSc. Generally, a degree in a sustainability related subject is favourable, but experience and attitude are just as important.
Best and most challenging things about this job
Best thing – the variety and the people I work with. I work in a great team and have the opportunity to work with people in many different areas.
Most challenging thing – the scale of the challenge. It can be daunting to think how much work needs to be done, and so passion and commitment needs to be balanced alongside keeping work fun and interesting.
Weather Analyst
David Rugman
Day to Day tasks
Using problem solving skills to read weather patterns and predict how the weather could affect the rail network.
Skills needed for this role
e.g., written and verbal communication, research skills, stakeholder relationships, data analysis
Problem solving, creativity, teamwork
Education
e.g., GCSE
I have a BSc Hons in statistics and finance and did a postgraduate MBA.
Best thing about this job
Making a real difference to keeping our passengers safe.
Carbon Manager
Isabel
Day to Day tasks
- Understanding future impacts of climate change and how they will affect the business operations.
- Looking at the business's carbon emissions and ensuring they are reducing in line with scientific recommendations.
- Reporting on our progress towards becoming a more sustainable business.
- Researching new sustainability rules that will affect the business and making sure we follow them.
Skills needed for this role
e.g., written and verbal communication, research skills, stakeholder relationships, data analysis
- Data analysis
- Stakeholder relationships
- Research skills
- Written and verbal communication
My working environment
- Working from home most of the time with regular meetings on Teams.
- I occasionally travel to sites and to offices for meetings. I will wear per-sonal protective equipment (PPE) on site for visits.
Pathways into this role
- A Levels
- Degree
Education
e.g., GCSE
- A Levels
- Geography BA
- IEMA (Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment) Diploma in Sustainable Business Practice
- Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv)
Best and most challenging things about this job
The best thing about my job is that it is improving the working environment to make it a safer place to work and that every day is different.
The most challenging thing about the job is work can build up at any given time which increases the pressure and you have to find a way of prioritising the workload to achieve your goals
National Safety & Sustainability Manager
Freddie
Day to Day tasks
- Dealing with a wide range of people inside the company including leaders, managers and operational colleagues
- Reacting to safety incidents in our Rail, Road and Terminal teams
- Managing my team to achieve our Project Deliverables
- Visiting Freightliner sites to discuss safety and sustainability
Skills needed for this role
e.g., written and verbal communication, research skills, stakeholder relationships, data analysis
- Communicating effectively with different people
- Being organised and planning ahead
- Writing documents such as safety investigations, procedures and risk assessments
- Being able to take the initiative and get on with projects
My working environment
- My work involves travelling throughout the week visiting our Rail, Road and Terminal sites, as far south as Southampton and as North as Leeds.
- I work from home a couple of days a week to catch up with administration and projects.
- When I am on site, I have to wear personal protective equipment to keep me safe from the dangers our operations pose
Pathways into this role
- Apprenticeship
- A Levels
- Degree
Education
e.g., GCSE
- Chartered Member of IOSH
- ISO45001 Lead Auditor Qualification
- NEBOSH Level 6 Diploma in Health & Safety
- NEBOSH Level 3 Certificate in Health & Safety
Best and most challenging things about this job
The best thing about my job is that it is improving the working environment to make it a safer place to work and that every day is different.
The most challenging thing about the job is work can build up at any given time which increases the pressure and you have to find a way of prioritising the workload to achieve your goals.
There are also many other rail roles in the Environment & Sustainability category, such as Environmental Advisor, Ecology Specialist, Climate Resilience Lead and Environmental Compliance Officer.