Do you want to make a real difference?

Resource Futures works at the leading edge of UK and global policy on resources and waste topics such as circular economy, marine pollution, plastic waste and climate change. We collect and analyse data, provide insights, and help design policies that have a far reaching effect on the environment.

We recognise the need for people with the requisite skills, passion and creativity to help shape our ambitious plans for policy work. If you aspire to be the best at what you do, and want to work at the forefront of environmental policy, come and work with Resource Futures.

About Resource Futures

Our vision is to accelerate progress towards a sustainable world through high quality environmental consultancy. We work collaboratively with governments, businesses and the third sector to help speed up the transition to a circular economy and manage resources and waste in a more sustainable way.

We are non-profit-distributing and have a close-knit team of 50+ trusted employees who collaborate across various areas of the business. Our multi-disciplined and connected approach sets us apart from the competition and enables us to build robust solutions that have a meaningful impact in the world.

We are passionate not only about what we do but how we do it, and we’re proud to be a part of the global B Corp movement to use business as a force for good. Employee-owned and independent, we’re all about helping each team member grow, and together striving towards our goal of a creating a sustainable world. We are ranked in the top 5% worldwide for all B Corps in our size group, we and were named a ‘Best for the World’ 2021 B Corp for our company governance.

We are motivated by the impact of our work and how it feeds into wider issues of climate justice and circular economy. Our work is far-ranging from supporting businesses to advising governments and delivering the evidence to support global change. Read more about our company and how we go beyond for our people, to help them grow and thrive.

The opportunity

We are seeking an enthusiastic and capable individual to join our Policy Team as a Consultant. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate experience in one or more relevant policy areas, either in a UK or international context, as well as project management skills and a positive attitude to problem-solving. Your knowledge and skills may have been developed in consultancy, government policy, the third sector, industry, academia or a combination of roles.

We are looking for a team member who complements our existing experience and brings their own specialisms. You will already have developed solid skills in either data analysis or writing impactful reports. You’ll be encouraged to expand your analytical toolkit in the role, with the support of senior colleagues, as well as developing your own interests.

We operate at the forefront of environmental policy, and support clients at all stages of policy development from preliminary research to policy design and evaluation. Our work reflects the experience and passions of our team members. As a Consultant, you’ll help to shape the workstream as we build on recent successes and develop new areas of growth. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to the team’s strategy and business development alongside your core role in delivering research projects.

Recent work in the UK has focused on tackling marine litter and waste issues from fishing and aquaculture gear, and exploring digital innovation in a UK deposit return scheme, alongside projects looking at extended producer responsibility, textiles, illegal waste disposal and global policy best practice. Internationally, we have been supporting governments of low and middle income countries to develop the evidence and strategies needed to tackle plastic waste.

Please feel free to get in touch to discuss whether the role might be suitable for you.

What you will be doing

• Policy research and analysis: Clients may include government departments, public bodies, international development agencies, environmental NGOs and other progressive organisations with an interest in circular economy, resources and waste policy in the UK and globally.
• Project management: You’ll manage a range of projects, with the support of the project director, using project management software.
• Client relationship management: You’ll maintain excellent relationships with clients, ensuring they are well-informed, engaged and receive the value they seek from our work.
• Business development: You’ll support the business to identify new project opportunities, with the guidance of senior colleagues.
• Supporting other teams: You will have opportunities to contribute to projects in other workstreams, for example related to circular economy business support or behaviour change.
• Other responsibilities applicable for a Consultant grade.

Your application

In the ‘Skills and experience’ section of your application, please provide evidence related to the following essential and ‘great to have’ attributes.

The essentials

• A keen interest in environmental issues and sustainable resource use.
• Undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent training or experience.
• At least 2 years’ relevant work experience (including postgraduate research).
• Demonstrable subject knowledge related to at least one area of circular economy/waste policy, e.g. EPR, DRS, reuse, eco-design, product passports, electronics, textiles, construction, plastics, packaging, illegal disposal, waste exports, marine litter.
• Experience of designing and conducting quantitative and/or qualitative research projects.
• Strong communication skills, with experience of producing reports tailored to different audiences.
• Highly competent IT user, particularly Microsoft packages, including Word and Excel.
• A positive and proactive approach to problem-solving.

Great to haves

• Postgraduate degree or research experience in a relevant subject.
• Additional analytical skills and interests, for example in GIS, R or other software.
• A track record of successfully managing and delivering projects on time and on budget.
• Previous experience giving presentations tailored to different audiences.

Benefits

• Embedded hybrid working policy.
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, each year.
• One volunteer day each year.
• A generous ethical pension plan (the company will match up to 7% of your contribution).
• Life assurance cover.
• Employee Assistance Programme, offering 24/7 GP access, mental health support, wellbeing advice, financial and legal guidance.
• Established mental health and wellbeing group with trained mental health first aiders and responders, maintaining a focus on support for our team.
• Cycle to work scheme and on-site showers.
• On-site charging points for electric vehicles at the Bristol office.
• Subsidised professional membership such as CIWM or IEMA.
• An opportunity to become a company member, contributing to decision making and the future of our business.
• Access to our Consultative Group platform – a representative group of employees that provides an anonymous vehicle for employee voice, raising issues and engaging senior management.
• Regular line manager 1:1s and performance reviews, with opportunities to discuss and build targets that inspire and push you professionally.
• Annual training budget to ensure continued progression and development, as well as regular internal ‘Lunch and Learn’ and other sessions to share skills and knowledge across all workstreams and roles.
• Two annual team away days, each followed by evening socials.
• Green Bristol location, surrounded by nature, and only 10 minutes’ walk to the harbourside.
• Central Glasgow location near train stations, with roof terrace.
• An opportunity to join a friendly, fun, professional, challenging, and supportive place to work, and a team that is collectively focused on making a positive impact.

About Resource Futures

Founded in 2006, we are an employee-owned, non-profit-distributing, independent environmental consultancy with a 30-year heritage in the waste and resources industry. Resource Futures has a vision to create a sustainable world and our mission to achieve this is to support people and organisations locally, nationally and globally in making the most of material resources.

We are passionate not only about what we do but how we do it, and we’re proud to be a part of the global B Corp movement to use business as a force for good. Employee-owned and independent, we’re all about helping each team member grow, and together striving towards our goal of a creating a sustainable world. We are ranked in the top 5% worldwide for all B Corps in our size group, and were named a ‘Best for the World’ 2021 B Corp for our company governance.

We are motivated by the impactof our work and how it feeds in to wider issues of climate justice and circular economy. Our work is far-ranging from supporting businesses to advising governments and delivering the evidence to support global change. Read more about our company and how we go beyondfor our people, to help them grow and thrive.

The Opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity to work across key areas of the company:

UK and Global Policy

From marine plastics to circular electronics, you’ll work at the forefront of sustainability policy. The team supports clients in government, industry and NGOs to research, design and implement effective, evidence-driven policy for a more sustainable future. You’ll have the chance to apply—and develop new skills in—quantitative and qualitative approaches, and will be encouraged to bring your own strengths and ideas to the team.

Circular Economy

This is your opportunity to develop your interest in working with a wide range of organisations, small to large, to assess and implement circular business models. You’ll use a range of tools, active stakeholder engagement and data and market analysis skills. You’ll need to have a keen desire to understand the material and resource use big picture and the role different parts of society have to play.

What you will be doing

Project delivery: You’ll work on a broad range of projects, with the support of project managers. We seek to find opportunities for our staff to shine, supporting their strengths and abilities, and providing opportunities for growth and development. Typical activities include: desktop and primary research, data analysis, circular options assessments, action planning, business case development support, carbon/LCA modelling activities, and developing reports, tools and other outputs. You will work across a wide range of projects so good time management and resourcefulness will be essential.

Client and stakeholder engagement: We often co-design research with our clients, and work closely with stakeholders to ensure solutions are ambitious and feasible. You will liaise with clients and stakeholders for project delivery, attending external meetings, focus groups, workshops, presentations and industry events as required.

Business development: We take a collaborative approach to growth and involve all members of our team in business development activities. With guidance and support, you will help to prepare proposals and presentations for events and to identify new business, such as potential projects or funding opportunities. With other colleagues in the team, you will also work to improve existing services and products, and to develop ideas for new ones.

The Essentials

• Ambition to use your career to make a difference.

• A keen interest in environmental issues and sustainable resource use.

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent training or experience.

• Effective communication skills with the ability to hold productive and professional discussions, write clearly and concisely, and develop and deliver presentations.

• Great time management and organisational skills.

• Ability to work effectively on own initiative and as part of a team.

• Ability to perform calmly under pressure.

• Ability to assimilate and analyse qualitative and quantitative data.

• Ability to understand detailed concepts and communicate these clearly.

• Ability to synthesise information from a variety of sources.

• Competent IT user, particularly Microsoft packages.

Great to Haves (any of the following)

• Postgraduate degree or research experience in a relevant subject.

• Work experience in a circular economy, waste, recycling or sustainability related role, or in a government policy role.

• Circular economy knowledge relating to a specific technology, material, industry or policy area.

• Experience of working with businesses or third sector organisations in action planning.

• Data collection and analysis experience.

• Experience of applying critical thinking to solving problems.

• Knowledge related to a specific operational resource management practice.

• General stakeholder engagement experience.

• Awareness of waste and circular economy policy landscape (UK or international).

Benefits

• Embedded hybrid working policy.

• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, each year.

• One volunteer day each year.

• A generous ethical pension plan (the company will match up to 7% of your contribution).

• Life assurance cover.

• Employee Assistance Programme, offering 24/7 GP access, mental health support, wellbeing advice, financial and legal guidance.

• Cycle to work scheme and on-site secure bike parking and showers.

• On-site charging points for electric vehicles at the Bristol office.

• Subsidised professional membership such as CIWM or IEMA.

• An opportunity to become a company member, contributing to decision making and the future of our business.

• Access to our Consultative Group platform – a representative group of employees that provides an anonymous vehicle for employee voice, raising issues and engaging senior management.

• Regular line manager 1:1s and performance reviews, with opportunities to discuss and build targets that inspire and push you professionally.

• Annual training budget to ensure continued progression and development, as well as regular internal ‘Lunch and Learn’ and other sessions to share skills and knowledge across all workstreams and roles.

• Two annual team away days, each followed by evening socials.

• Green Bristol location, surrounded by nature, and only 10 minutes’ walk to the harbourside.

• Central Glasgow location with roof terrace.

• An opportunity to join a friendly, fun, professional, challenging, and supportive place to work, and a team that is collectively focused on making a positive impact.