Environmental Project Manager
I have worked for The Co-operative Estates for over 5 years now and have had a range of roles, responsibilities and exciting opportunities within the business during this time that have really allowed me to progress and develop my career.
I am currently working within the Energy and Environment department as an Environmental Project Manager. Environmental management, sustainability and ultimately a commitment to tackle climate change are at the heart of The Co-operative Group’s values so it is very rewarding to be in a role and team that make a real contribution towards these aims. I am currently involved in a number of projects which include; delivering a total change in our waste management strategy that will ensure we hit our zero waste to landfill aspirations whilst seeking out ways to create a valuable renewable energy source and income stream from our waste, and various carbon reduction programmes that aim to minimise our energy load and consumption across our store and branch portfolio.
I studied for a BSc in Environmental Management at university and then went to work at an Energy Consultancy, where I was responsible for the energy management requirements for a number of different manufacturing businesses. After a few years, I moved to The Co-operative Group and was tasked with establishing our own in-house energy consultancy, in the form of an energy procurement consortium for all Co-operative business around the UK. Moving on from this role, I was lucky enough to be selected to undertake a secondment within Estates to develop new skills in project and change management. I spent 18 months working on a variety of business transformation programmes related to 1 Angel Square, including creating a green travel plan for the Group, supporting the community based activity and defining the cultural change that was required by the business before migration to the building commenced. This was a fantastic opportunity to get involved with the new Head Office programme and ultimately develop the project and change management skills that have enabled me to take up my current position.
I think this all demonstrates just how committed The Co-operative Group and Estates in particular are to personal development. Alongside my secondment I have also been part of a strategic leadership development programme, have undertaken a wide range of training and gained a professional accreditation within the Energy industry, but I think one of the most exciting aspects of being part of the Estates business is the fact that we service every part of the Group; from designing and building our amazing 1 Angel Square to managing the facilities in our thousands of branches and stores. This gives a unique insight in to all aspects of The Co-operative and allows you to meet and work with people from across the organisation and beyond.
I have always been committed to a career within environmental and energy management and The Co-operative Group not only have an extremely large and diverse portfolio of sites and businesses, each with their own energy, engineering and environmental challenges, but are committed to making a difference and leading the way in this area. We use over 1% of the UK’s total energy consumption so anything we can do to reduce that really will have a lasting impact. With the growth, development and change that The Co-operative has undertaken over the last few years and will continue to make in to the future I don’t believe there has been a more exciting time to be working for the Group.