Sustainability Manager (Zero Emissions Business Partner)

Hays Recruitment is seeking a Sustainability Manager (Zero Emissions Business Partner) in London. This role involves implementing a Zero Emission strategy across multiple European markets, focusing on vehicle electrification, depot design, and operational planning. The position requires hands-on project leadership, standardizing processes, and influencing stakeholders to drive improvements in operational efficiency. Candidates should have experience in infrastructure or asset-heavy operational change and a strong understanding of Zero Emission vehicle operations.
Your new company

You'll be joining a large, international transport and mobility group operating across multiple European markets, responsible for moving millions of passengers every day. With a long and established history, the organisation is now entering a decisive phase of transformation, accelerating its Zero Emission ambitions at scale.


Backed by significant long‑term investment and operating through strongly autonomous local businesses, the group combines industrial complexity with a clear sustainability mandate. The environment is fast‑paced, operationally demanding and highly collaborative, offering the opportunity to influence real‑world outcomes across cities, depots and fleets throughout Europe.

Your new role

You will play a pivotal role in turning ZE ambition into operational reality. This is a hands‑on, delivery‑focused business partner role, embedded at the heart of the ZE transition, working closely with local operating companies across the UK & Europe.


Rather than acting solely as a consultant, you will own and deliver 1-2 of the core pillars of the ZE programme, with a strong focus on vehicle electrification, depot design, maintenance strategy, procurement and operational planning. You will work alongside local teams to standardise ways of working, reduce costs and accelerate deployment, while ensuring solutions are practical, scalable and fit for daily operations.


Your responsibilities will include:



Defining and delivering the Zero Emission strategy across multiple countries, aligned with a wider ZE roadmap.
Leading hands‑on projects that improve total cost of ownership (TCO) versus diesel, particularly maintenance, availability and lifecycle cost.
Standardising vehicle maintenance approaches, procurement strategies and operational planning to enable faster, more efficient ZE rollout
Acting as a critical advisor on business cases, investment decisions and operational readiness
Translating strategy into execution by working directly with depots, planners, engineers and local leadership teams
Identifying inefficiencies, solving complex operational problems and driving tangible improvement at pace
Embedding best practices, frameworks and standards that can be replicated across markets
Monitoring performance and outcomes, ensuring delivery stays on track and improvements are measurable
Building internal capability and reducing reliance on external support
Influencing senior stakeholders, securing buy‑in and maintaining momentum in a complex, multi‑country environment.

This role sits within a central park of the organisation and works across countries, cultures and disciplines. You will not have direct reports, but you will operate with a high level of autonomy, responsibility and visibility.

What you'll need to succeed

You will be delivery‑oriented, pragmatic and operationally credible, with the confidence to move from strategy into execution.


You will ideally bring:



Proven experience delivering complex, infrastructure or asset‑heavy operational change (vehicles, fleet, maintenance, engineering or similar)
Practical experience improving maintenance strategies, availability, cost performance or lifecycle economics
A strong understanding of Zero Emission vehicle operations, or adjacent transferable experience in complex industrial environments
Ability to work hands‑on with local teams, challenge existing approaches and drive real-world implementation
Strong analytical capability, including reviewing TCO models and business cases, and turning data into action
Experience operating in international, cross‑functional environments with diverse stakeholders
Excellent communication and influencing skills, able to build trust without formal authority
A resilient, proactive mindset, comfortable working in evolving, pioneering programmes
Willingness to travel regularly across Europe and operate flexibly

Backgrounds from public transport are welcome but not essential. Experience in other complex operational sectors with comparable asset, maintenance or infrastructure challenges will also be considered.

What you'll get in return

In return, you'll step into a genuinely impactful role where you can see the results of your work on the ground - in depots, fleets and daily operations across Europe.


You can expect:



Competitive salary of around £75,000 p/annum - depending on your experience.
Flexible/hybrid working, with a base in London or mainland Europe and the expectation to attend office 3 days p/week, although days travelling will be considered and other arrangements can be made for the right person.
Benefits package - request for more information.
The opportunity to shape and deliver one of Europe's most significant Zero Emission transitions.
A highly visible role with strong senior sponsorship and real influence.
A collaborative, purpose‑driven environment focused on sustainability and innovation.
Regular international travel.

If you are motivated by delivery, enjoy solving complex operational problems, and want to leave a lasting positive impact on sustainable mobility, this role offers a unique and rewarding challenge.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.


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