Sustainability Program Manager (VC-Backed Startup)

ABOUT NEXTSTEP

NextStep is an AI-powered career platform designed to support top consulting talent through career transitions. Our platform uses smart matching technology to pair consultants with high-potential opportunities, helping companies access world-class talent. On behalf of a client in our partner network, we are looking for a Sustainability Program Manager in London.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Our client is a VC-backed technology startup headquartered in London, operating in supply chain transparency and logistics optimisation. They work with global brands and retailers to make supply chains more efficient, more traceable, and increasingly sustainable. Sustainability is not a reporting function here; it is built into the product and embedded in how the company serves its customers. The team is scaling, the mission is tangible, and the program management function is central to how they deliver on both.

THE ROLE

As Sustainability Program Manager, you will own the design, coordination, and delivery of the company's sustainability programs across internal operations and customer-facing initiatives. You will work across teams, manage external partners, and translate regulatory requirements and strategic commitments into executable plans. This is a hands-on role with real ownership, not a reporting or compliance function.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Lead the planning and delivery of sustainability programs across the business, including scope definition, stakeholder alignment, and progress tracking.

• Manage the company's ESG data collection and reporting processes, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment with relevant frameworks, including GRI, TCFD, and CSRD.

• Work with Product and Customer Success teams to embed sustainability features and reporting capabilities into the company's platform.

• Coordinate with external partners, auditors, and certification bodies to maintain the company's sustainability credentials.

• Monitor the regulatory landscape and translate emerging requirements into actionable internal guidance.

• Build internal capability on sustainability topics through training, toolkits, and cross-functional engagement.

• Support the Head of Sustainability in shaping the company's long-term sustainability strategy and stakeholder communications.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• 5+ years of experience in sustainability, ESG, or program management, with a meaningful portion in a consulting or advisory environment.

• Working knowledge of key sustainability frameworks and reporting standards (GRI, TCFD, CSRD, SBTi).

• Experience managing cross-functional programs with multiple stakeholders and external partners.

• Strong project management skills; able to hold complexity across multiple workstreams without losing momentum or quality.

• Analytical and detail-oriented, with comfort working with data and producing clear, credible reporting outputs.

• Confident communicator who can engage technical and non-technical audiences equally well.

• Genuinely committed to sustainability as a practice, not just a function.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Base salary of £75,000 - £95,000, determined based on experience and scope.

• Equity participation in a well-funded, growth-stage business.

• Additional benefits, including private health cover, pension, and leave entitlement, are included and detailed as part of the full offer package.

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered for this role, please create your profile at nextstep.com https://getnextstep.com/candidate/landing?utm_medium=job-board&utm_source=job-board. Once your profile is complete, our matching system will evaluate your background against the criteria for this role. If your profile is a strong fit, you will be surfaced to the hiring team directly. No cover letter required.

This role is listed by NextStep on behalf of our client. All applications are handled with confidentiality.