Environmental product manager
Champion sustainability as you lead the creation of new products.
About the job
What it's like
Scotland produces a huge range of products – from whisky to textiles and even video games! As an environmental product manager, you’ll develop new items in a sustainable way.
You’ll work closely with product designers, software developers, engineers and marketing officers. Together, you’ll make sure the product works well, is profitable and has a low impact on the environment.
You may lead a team as they create a sustainable product, like a reusable water bottle. But you could be asked to work on any sort of product.
As an environmental product manager, your tasks might include:
researching eco-friendly materials and processes before you create a product
working with design and engineering teams to bring sustainability into every stage of a product’s development
doing lifecycle assessments to test a product’s environmental footprint
identifying ways to reduce a product’s energy consumption and waste while people use it
studying environmental laws and making sure your products comply with them
briefing marketing colleagues so they can promote the product’s sustainable features
Green job
In this job you’ll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- written communication
- verbal communication
- time management
- problem solving
- innovative
- implementing ideas
- developing a plan
- creative
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Biology
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Business Management
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Chemistry
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Design and Manufacture
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Engineering Science
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English
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Environmental Science
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Geography
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Physics
You’ll likely need a degree or postgraduate qualification to become an environmental product manager. You can work towards this after school by going to university, college or doing an apprenticeship.
Some environmental product managers have qualifications that relate to business and management. Others choose to study environmental or sustainability-based courses.
Let’s explore all the routes you can take to get into this career.
University
For many roles, you'll need a degree or postgraduate qualification.
Subjects related to product management are very useful, such as:
Business Management
Supply Chain Management
Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Product Design
Product Design Engineering
Equally, subjects that focus on sustainability and the environment are also valuable. These include:
Environmental Science
Environmental Science and Sustainability
Environmental Management
Engineering
What you need to enter a degree course depends on the subject and university. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll likely need to get into some relevant courses across Scotland:
Environmental Management degree at Glasgow Caledonian University – four Highers at BBCC
Business Management degree at Queen Margaret University – four Highers at BBBB
Product Design Engineering degree at University of Strathclyde – four Highers at AAAA, including Maths and Physics
A relevant HNC or HND will allow you to apply for some courses.
For entry to a postgraduate course, you'll need an honours degree in a relevant subject.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you find work or move on to more advanced study. Subjects at college could include:
environmental management
sustainable resource management
product design and innovation
business management
What you'll need for a college course depends on the qualification level, subject and college.
As a guide, for an HNC in Environmental Management at Scotland’s Rural and Agricultural College, you should have two Highers at CC. You’ll also need National 5 Maths and English.
Apprenticeships
You could start learning the skills you'll need for this career through a Foundation Apprenticeship (FA). While you're in S5 or S6, you'll gain work experience alongside your other subjects.
You might want to consider an FA in:
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Work
Lots of environmental product managers start their career in a junior or graduate position. Roles like sustainability assistant and environmental technician will allow you to build fantastic, relevant experience.
You'll get training on the job and could work towards more senior positions.
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you break into the environmental sector. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
And have you heard of ISO 14001 certification? It’s a short course about environmental management that shows employers you have expertise. It can really benefit your career!
Some college or university courses may offer ISO 14001 certification as part of its curriculum. Either way, it’s worth looking into.
A driving licence is not essential – but may be useful.
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