Sustainability Project Manager - Energy

Nando's is on a journey to Create Lasting Happiness, making a difference to the lives of our people, our customers, and the communities we work in. Originally started in Johannesburg, South Africa, we pride ourselves on creating memorable experiences for everyone involved in Nando's: from our employees, communities, founders, and suppliers, but most importantly, our customers. We are seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Sustainability Projects Manager to lead the energy efficiency, electrification, and carbon reduction initiatives across our restaurant portfolio. The ideal candidate will focus on optimizing energy capacity, enhancing operational efficiency, and implementing innovative technologies and behaviour change strategies to achieve a 90% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions. This role will involve close collaboration with restaurant operators, landlords, and various stakeholders to deliver cost savings while driving our sustainability agenda. A day in the life...

• Electrification of the estate: Lead the transition from fossil fuel-based energy sources to electrified solutions across the restaurant portfolio, designing and executing strategies to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 90%, in line with company sustainability goals.
• Carbon Reduction & Capacity: You will evaluate and implement new technologies, such as renewable energy systems, energy storage, and smart building solutions working with the Sustainability Reporting Lead to align electrification efforts with broader carbon reduction objectives. To meet the objectives, you will pilot and scale new energy technologies that enhance efficiency and reduce carbon with a focus on capacity.
• Energy Efficiency & Technology: You will analyse and monitor energy consumption across all restaurant locations, identify opportunities to optimise energy capacity and improve operational efficiency. Developing energy-saving measures, including retrofits, equipment upgrades, and operational adjustments, you will track and report on energy usage, efficiency improvements, carbon and cost savings.
• Focus on behaviour change: Develop and lead behaviour change programs for restaurant staff to promote energy-saving practices and educate and train staff on energy management best practices and the importance of sustainability initiatives.
• Landlord Engagement: Engage with landlords and property managers to negotiate and implement energy efficiency and electrification measures in leased properties as well as wider sustainability initiatives such as recycling.
• Financial Management & Reporting: Identify cost-saving opportunities related to energy consumption and implement strategies to achieve financial targets and regularly report on progress towards energy and carbon reduction goals, providing data-driven insights to Head of Sustainability, Property Director and Head of Indirect Procurement.
  
  5-10 years' experience in sustainability, facilities or energy management, with a focus on the restaurant, hospitality, or retail sectors.
• Proven track record of implementing energy efficiency and carbon reduction initiatives.
• Passionate about helping to understand 'why', with analytical expertise, research skills and an ability to problem solve and be able to report against progress.
• Strong understanding of energy systems, electrification technologies, and sustainability frameworks.
• Have a natural style that brings sustainability to life with confidence and strong story telling skills that influences and inspires change within Nando's, with the ability to convey complex technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Experience in managing external partners and ability to build trusted relationships.
• Open-minded & collaborative, with sound judgment and a creative edge
• Able to manage own time, project manage in a matrix style and operate without close supervision.
  
  25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Free Nando's when you're working (and 40% discount when you're not)
• Annual team trips, AKA a free holiday
• Reward membership scheme and access to great discounts
• Private healthcare
This is a 2 year fixed term role with the possibility to extend with proven success. You will be required to be in our Putney office 3 times a week.