A career in Sustainability Consulting is rewarding and you are likely to be involved in multiple projects across multiple clients. You will need to have strong project management skills and due diligence, as you may be working on multiple projects and your work is likely to involve a range of technologies. Each day should be different, which means this is a role of constant progression and it may evolve constantly with the worlds around you.

Working for a consultancy, you will be working closely with clients, to ensure they improve the sustainability aspects of their projects. Typically, you will be involved with and are considering the local eco-systems, communities, compliance, environmental legislations, energy waste, energy improvements and energy performance.

Sustainability Consultant (Technical, Power Systems, Engineering, Low Carbon, Energy Management)
EIA Project Manager
Commercial Manager
Ecologist

Director of Department
Head of Department
Principal Consultant
Senior Consultant

This often comes down to speciality, location, experience, and whether you pursued a masters.

On an Entry-level, you may earn between £25k – £32k.

The salaries of Mid-level Engineers normally sit between £35k and £50k.

Seniors normally earn between £45k and £65k.

Principal Engineers normally earn around £65k and £80k.

On a Head of Department level, salaries are £80k +.

The following technologies and skills often appear on job descriptions:

• SECR and ESOS.
• Energy performance recommendations (onshore, offshore & marine).
• Carbon footprinting.
• Presentations to internal, external stakeholders and clients.
• Carbon emissions.
• Business Development.
• Preparing bid documentation.

Clients often look for candidates to hold a Bsc in Product Design, Mathematics, Physics, Renewable Energy Engineering or Computer Science. Otherwise, they may look for candidates who have undertaken an apprenticeship related to the field. A technical background, either academic or industry-related is normally necessary to secure a role in this field.

Salary: £24k – £32k
What They Do:
Supports sustainability projects by conducting research, analysing data, preparing reports, and assisting with client engagements.

Skills Needed:

• Knowledge of sustainability frameworks and reporting standards (e.g. GRI, TCFD, CDP)
• Strong data analysis and Excel skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Project coordination and time management
• Awareness of climate policy and ESG trends

Salary: £32k – £40k
What They Do:
Manages small projects or workstreams within larger engagements, liaising with clients and providing sustainability strategy support.

Skills Needed:

• Experience delivering ESG or sustainability projects
• Stakeholder engagement and facilitation
• Knowledge of carbon accounting (e.g. GHG Protocol)
• Ability to translate technical data into actionable insights
• Presentation and client-facing skills

Salary: £40k – £55k
What They Do:
Leads client projects, mentors junior consultants, and develops strategies across carbon reduction, supply chain sustainability, and ESG reporting.

Skills Needed:

• Advanced knowledge of sustainability strategy and frameworks
• Experience with net-zero roadmaps and science-based targets
• Proposal writing and business development
• Regulatory and compliance expertise (UK and international)
• Leadership and team coaching abilities

Salary: £55k – £75k
What They Do:
Oversees large-scale consulting projects, drives business growth, and establishes strategic partnerships.

Skills Needed:

• Commercial acumen and P&L responsibility
• Senior-level stakeholder management
• Expertise in ESG ratings, sustainable finance, and supply chain
• Thought leadership and industry representation
• Line management and succession planning

Salary: £80k – £120k+
What They Do:
Sets organisational strategy, builds client relationships at board level, and drives innovation in sustainability services.

Skills Needed:

• Visionary leadership and market influence
• Deep knowledge of global sustainability challenges and opportunities
• Extensive business development and client network
• Ability to influence corporate boards and investors
• Executive-level communication and media presence