Job spotlight: Environmental manager, Terca

What's the best thing about working as an environmental manager?

Environmental management is a wide field, so the job is very interesting and varied as I have to deal with many different issues.

It's also very rewarding. I am working with teams that are doing work of genuine value, not only in the obvious area of reducing pollution, but in terms of supporting local communities and ensuring more prudent use of resources. For example, we are corporate sponsors of nine Wildlife Trusts and are working with them to develop their facilities, and on a growing number of projects nationwide. Also, many of our products contain recycled or secondary materials, preventing many thousands of tonnes of usable material going to landfill.

And the worst?

The convoluted and over-restrictive nature of waste management regulation, which makes it very difficult to expand recycling in our manufacturing process.

What sort of person is best suited to this job?

A person with passion, self-motivation and determination. Also, a good communicator, who can manage all sorts of people at all levels of an organisation, as well as regulators and the general public.

What qualifications do you need?

I have the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment certificate in environmental management, but for people starting out today I would recommend a degree in environmental management, especially if the person is looking to work in larger organisations.

Do many women work in the sector?

With the ever-increasing focus on environmental management, it is a sector that is starting to attract both more men and women. When I first started my career, there appeared to be slightly more men than women in the sector, but I believe this trend is now changing.

Describe a typical day

It usually starts with a tour of the whole site, both inside and out, accompanied by the environmental officer and possibly the manager or deputy. I offer advice on ways to improve operational control and talk to staff to get their views. I inform staff about what is happening environmentally at the site and encourage their help and participation. I may then spend some time discussing how we can move forward from mere compliance environmental management.

What was your last/favourite job?

Previously, I was technical manager of our Denton site in Manchester and its quarry at Glossop. I was responsible for quality and health and safety, as well as environmental management.

What's the typical starting salary for graduates?

Around £20,000.

What can you expect after 10 years?

A senior position in a medium-large sized company.

What's a typical career path?

Most people take one of two routes: either a career will develop into management of a factory or site and upwards from there to production director or, a career will develop into a central service role like mine and then up to roles such as technical director with responsibility for quality, safety and so on.

Vital stats

Name: Anthony Wood

Company: Terca, part of the Wienerberger group

Job: Environmental manager

Key qualifications: Self-motivation, determination, good communication skills, a degree in environmental management

Starting salary: £20,000