Spotlight on energy and carbon managers

Sustainability salaries have risen by an average of 6.3% this year – considerably higher than the national average. Our latest salary guide shows that hiring for sustainability roles is set to continue at pace, with almost nine in ten employers planning on recruiting in the next 12 months. This is great news if you’re a sustainability professional wanting to take the next step in your career, or you’re looking to reskill into the sustainability sector. 

Many businesses are looking for sustainability specialists who can improve their energy efficiency and reduce costs, which is why roles in the energy management space are in considerable demand. In fact, energy and carbon manager is one of the most in-demand jobs this year and features in our Top Jobs 2024 Report. 

In this article we’ll provide the answers to the following questions:

• What does an energy and carbon manager do?
• How do you become an energy and carbon manager?
• What skills do you need to be an energy and carbon manager?
• How much could you be paid as an energy and carbon manager?

What does an energy and carbon manager do?

Energy and carbon managers help businesses reduce their overheads by planning and regulating energy usage and devising new policies as needed. The role typically takes a holistic approach to energy and carbon management, incorporating elements of waste and utility management and sustainable development. Energy and carbon managers often work alongside suppliers, contractors, council services and other organisations when carrying out site inspections and energy surveys. 

How do you become an energy and carbon manager?

It’s not essential to have a degree to become an energy and carbon manager, however if you’ve studied a subject area like building and construction, mechanical and electrical engineering, environmental science or energy management then this could make you an attractive candidate to a potential employer. 

Professionals who already have experience in energy engineering, renewables or other sustainability areas should highlight this on their CV and applications for energy and carbon manager roles, since it can be preferred by employers. 

If you’re currently working in mechanical or electrical engineering, property management or building services and you’re considering reskilling into a sustainability role, becoming an energy and carbon manager could be the perfect move for you.

What skills do you need to be an energy and carbon manager?

Data handling, numerical and project management skills are very important for energy and carbon managers. If you have any examples of when you’ve displayed these skills in previous roles or elsewhere, remember to highlight them in your CV and job applications.

If you don’t already have all the technical skills needed to be an energy and carbon manager, don’t let this stop you from applying to jobs. Skills shortages are commonplace in the sustainability sector – nearly every sustainability organisation (94%) has experienced a shortage of key skills in the last year, according to our salary guide. When faced with these skills gaps, organisations are increasingly looking to hire for potential. In fact, over three-quarters of sustainability employers would be willing to hire professionals who don’t have all the required skills for sustainability roles, with the intention of upskilling them.

You shouldn’t underestimate the value of your core skills when applying for energy and carbon manager roles either. The top five in-demand soft skills for sustainability roles are:

• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to learn and upskill
• Ability to adopt change
• Coordinating well with others
• Flexibility and adaptability

Communication and interpersonal skills are especially important for energy and carbon managers because they work closely with stakeholders to develop, coordinate and implement strategies to reduce energy consumption. 

To stay up to date with the latest legislation, compliance and reporting requirements in the energy and carbon space, professionals need to be highly adaptable and have a keen interest in learning and upskilling. Energy and carbon managers often come across obstacles during their projects and must adjust their plans accordingly, so it’s important to be flexible in your approach to tasks. 

How much could you be paid as an energy and carbon manager?

An energy and carbon manager is one of the sustainability roles boasting the highest salary increase this year, with more and more businesses looking to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings. 

An entry-level salary for an energy and carbon manager starts at £26,000 and, as you progress in your career, the average salary increases to £45,000 for early career professionals and £48,000 if you’re based in London. 

Experienced energy and carbon managers, or those working at a senior leadership level, can expect to earn between £60,000 and £87,000, depending on your location and previous experience. 

Do you want to find out where a career in sustainability could take you? Visit our New Year, New Career hub today or speak to one of our expert sustainability consultants. To learn more about the role of energy and carbon managers, take a read of our Top Jobs 2024 Report.