Policy and Sustainability Manager

Metals recycling plays a vital role in the UK economy and in reducing carbon emissions. The British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA) needs a Policy and Sustainability Manager to help tell our story.

The sector is a well-established, globally competitive industry that supplies an essential secondary raw material for manufacturing. Metals recycling emits up to 80% less CO₂ compared to primary metal production, making it a key contributor to the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Across the UK, metal recyclers process a wide range of materials, including end-of-life vehicles, packaging, batteries, domestic appliances, construction materials, and electronic goods.

The British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA) is the trade body representing this sector, with around 300 member organisations. It serves as the industry’s voice, acting as the primary point of contact for government and regulators.

BMRA works closely with key stakeholders - including Defra, the Environment Agency, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the British Transport Police, among many others - to highlight issues affecting metal recyclers, protect member interests, and support the long-term development of the industry.

In addition, the BMRA keeps members informed about emerging issues and regulatory changes, while providing guidance and support to help them navigate the challenges of running a metal recycling business.

With the UK transition to electric arc furnaces, there has never been a more exciting or challenging time to play a key role in a vital UK industry.

The Role

BMRA is looking for a highly organised, process-driven Policy and Sustainability Manager to work in our policy and technical team on key tasks, projects and activities.

Reporting to the Head of Policy and Public Affairs, you will work to help raise the profile of BMRA and influence policy debates, by monitoring policy developments and parliamentary debates, drafting briefing papers on key external announcements and building relationships with parliamentarians and civil servants.

You will continue to promote the BMRA as a go to source of insight and a trusted partner on metals and the circular economy for Government, regulators, NGOs, and wider stakeholders. This will include highlighting the environmental benefits of metals recycling, including emissions reduction, resource efficiency, and energy savings, to policymakers, industry, and the wider public.

The role will require a willingness to travel, including outside of office hours and occasional overnight stays in the UK. A full driving is a requirement.

The Person

This role will suit individuals who are confident, extremely organised, methodical, able to prioritise, plan and juggle competing priorities to ensure workload and key activities are delivered on time. You will be a competent writer and also enjoy researching and gathering data to create spreadsheets, reports, etc. to support positions being developed by the Association. You will have a keen interest in sustainability and environmental issues as well as politics and the machinations of government.

Above all you must be comfortable being part of a small, informal team. Successful applicants will be enthusiastic, able to work on their own initiative, flexible, a great team player and well organised.

You will have at least two years’ experience in a similar role and hold at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification ideally in a related subject.

Requisite Skills

· Knowledge and interest in national and regional policymaking.

· Experience working with stakeholders, including parliamentarians, civil servants, academia, and NGOs.

· Experience or a keen interest in sustainability issues.

· The ability to digest complex documents, with a strong attention to detail and a strong focus on outputs

· Good listening skills

· A curious nature combined with desire to learn

Salary: Up to £40,000 p.a plus private healthcare/enhanced pension

Please send your curriculum vitae and a covering letter to: Guy Alsford - ***email_hidden***