Environmental Lead

We’re looking for an experienced Environmental Lead to oversee environmental management and compliance across aerospace and defence programmes. This role focuses on ensuring adherence to UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) environmental policies, delivering environmental artefacts for air systems, and embedding sustainable practices throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and implementation of environmental management strategies for aerospace and defence projects.


• Ensure compliance with UK MOD environmental requirements, including Defence Project-Oriented Environmental Management System (POEMS), DEF STAN 00-51 (Environmental Management Requirements for Defence Systems), and other applicable standards.


• Deliver environmental artefacts for defence air systems, including:




• Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)


• Environmental Management Plans (EMPs)


• Environmental Case Reports


• Hazard Logs (environmental aspects)


• Sustainability and lifecycle assessments




• Integrate environmental considerations into system design, development, operation, and disposal phases.


• Identify and manage environmental risks and opportunities across programmes.


• Act as the primary interface with regulators, customers, and internal stakeholders on environmental matters.


• Support audits, reviews, and approvals in line with MOD assurance processes.


• Provide environmental guidance and mentoring to project teams and the wider business.


• Contribute to continuous improvement of environmental processes and tools.

Profile & Requirements:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in an environmental role within aerospace and/or defence.


• Strong working knowledge of:




• UK MOD POEMS


• DEF STAN 00-51


• MAA RA 1801: Air System Environmental Cases




• Proven experience delivering environmental artefacts for defence air systems (e.g. UAVs, aircraft, or related platforms).


• Experience supporting safety and environmental cases within regulated programmes.


• Degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Sustainability, or a related discipline.


• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. IEMA) desirable.