Sustainability Event Manager

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The Ocean Race

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Alicante, Spain

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About The Ocean Race

For more than five decades, The Ocean Race has been the ultimate test of teamwork, endurance, and oceanic exploration. Today, it stands as a global leader in sustainability, using the power of sport to drive awareness and action for ocean health. Our mission is to inspire and engage worldwide audiences through impactful storytelling, cutting-edge media, and innovative digital experiences.

The Ocean Race offers a unique opportunity to contribute to prestigious international events and work within a diverse, passionate, and purpose-driven team. We provide a dynamic, creative, and fast-paced environment that encourages innovation and excellence.


Role Description

The Sustainability Event Manager is responsible for driving sustainability excellence across all The Ocean Race events and within the organisation’s permanent infrastructure. This role leads the strategic development and operational delivery of sustainability for The Ocean Race Atlantic (2026) and The Ocean Race (2027), while continuously improving sustainable practices across Race HQ throughout the year.

Beyond operational leadership, the Event Sustainability Manager plays a central role in elevating our ambition—inspiring our team members to integrate sustainability into every decision and helping The Ocean Race push boundaries, innovate, and lead by example. Working closely with host cities, partners, teams, and key stakeholders, this role contributes to a lasting legacy of environmental responsibility, ensuring that our events not only minimise impact but also create meaningful change for future generations.

This role sits within the Host Cities Department, reporting to the Host Cities Director and the Ocean Impact Director, and working closely with the Heads of Host Cities, the Ocean Impact Director, and the Office Manager.



Responsibilities


Event and HQ Sustainability Plan

  • Develop and implement the Sustainability Plan for The Ocean Race Atlantic 2026 and The Ocean Race 2027, aligned with the long-term ambitions of the Racing for the Ocean Impact Plan.
  • The Sustainability Plan should cover all core pillars: climate action, waste and water management, energy and carbon emissions, logistics, procurement and supplier engagement, public education, and host venue requirements.
  • Develop and implement a sustainability improvement plan for Race HQ, working closely with the Office Manager.


Policy and Compliance

  • Monitor and ensure the execution of the Sustainability Plan.
  • Developing policies and guidelines to guarantee environmental sustainability across all Race operations.
  • Support stakeholders (host cities, partners, teams) in meeting sustainability commitments and contractual requirements.
  • Train The Ocean Race internal team and external stakeholders on the Sustainability Plan, including Host Cities and competing teams.
  • Design and deliver sustainability workshops in selected Host Cities in collaboration with Host City Managers.


Data and Reporting

  • Compile sustainability data and ensure alignment with international standards such as ISO, GRI, S4N, UNFCCC S4CA, and SDGs.
  • Measure performance against sustainability targets and assess impacts, including behavioural change among stakeholders.
  • Audit Ocean Live Park sustainability performance and collaborate with the Finance Department to measure GHG emissions across Race operations.
  • Support tracking of GHG impacts for stakeholders using The Ocean Race’s tools or partner systems.
  • Assist with Plastic Footprint measurement.
  • Contribute to the end-of-event sustainability reports for each Race period, including non-race period.


Resource Recovery Programme

  • Assess each Host City’s waste and resource recovery capabilities and develop ambitious plans that surpass the baseline.
  • Oversee installation and delivery of approved resource recovery systems, including recycling stations.
  • Provide ongoing engagement and oversight to internal team, volunteers, Host Cities, teams, sponsors, vendors, caterers, and waste management providers.
  • Lead and mentor a Resource Recovery core group with members from both the HQ and the stopovers.
  • Identify and manage solutions for unexpected waste streams.
  • Train HQ teams on composting and evaluate the feasibility of implementation with the Office Manager.
  • Assess potential composting projects in selected Host Cities and advise on rollout alongside Host City Managers.


Event Support and Management

  • Attend international stopover events throughout the race cycle.
  • Manage sustainable event operations in collaboration with Host Cities, demonstrating strong problem-solving skills and the ability to take initiative. Act quickly and creatively to develop effective, sustainable solutions when unexpected situations arise, ensuring optimal outcomes on the ground.
  • Provide coordination support for sustainability-related programmes and activities.
  • Collaborate in the creation of the R40 Challenge (sustainability competition between the Teams), and provide input in the areas related to the role.
  • Assist with recruitment and management of Racing for the Ocean sustainability volunteers.
  • Contribute to onsite operations including packing, unpacking, assembly, and deconstruction of event assets.
  • Manage the events sustainability budget across the cycle.


Minimum requirements:

  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in outdoor event production (preferably sport events). Previous experience in large-scale sporting events.
  • 2.5+ years in sustainable event management or coordination.
  • Strong knowledge of sustainability principles and sustainable event operations.
  • Practical experience in event waste management and resource recovery.
  • Strong understanding of circularity, waste solutions, and best practices across different international contexts.
  • Demonstrable experience creating and delivering sustainability plans for events.
  • Formal training or certification related to sustainable events (or equivalent sustainability fields).
  • Strong IT skills; proficient in Mac environment and Keynote.
  • Excellent spreadsheet skills (Excel/Google Sheets).
  • Experience preparing professional reports and presentations.
  • Strong project management capabilities.


Attributes

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

  • Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
  • Strong problem-solving and solution-driven mindset.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and tight deadlines.
  • High stamina and willingness to travel internationally for extended periods during race time.
  • Flexibility, resourcefulness, and proactive attitude.
  • Strong cross-departmental collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
  • Confident, organised, client-focused, and conscientious.
  • Outstanding interpersonal, presentation, and problem-solving skills.
  • A positive attitude and good sense of humour.
  • Hands-on mindset.
  • Interest in major sporting events and/or sailing.
  • Commitment to The Ocean Race values: Trust, Excellence & Care.
  • Fluency in English; additional languages are an advantage.
  • Willingness to relocate to Alicante pre-race and be onsite in all Host Cities during the race.
  • EU national or ability to obtain necessary EU working permits.