Member Profile - Jaz Rabadia MBE MEI Chartered Energy Manager

When did you first become interested in energy?
Like most people I had no idea what I wanted to do when I ‘grew up’. I decided to study mechanical engineering at City University, London as it combined the subjects I loved; maths, science and design.
My interest in energy sparked when I took two additional modules in the final year of my degree. Studying renewable energy and energy management helped me see how engineering principles could be applied to help make the world a greener, cleaner and more sustainable place.

Tell us a little about your current job
I’m currently the Global Head of Responsible Business & Sustainability at Just Eat Takeaway.com,  a leading global online food delivery market place where I look after the sustainability strategy and programmes across 22 countries. This ranges from projects addressing reducing carbon emissions, looking for more sustainability packaging solutions, helping to reduce food waste and also looking after the wellbeing of all employees. I love working for a global company committed to addressing not only what is within its control, but also embracing the opportunity to influence the hundreds of thousands of restaurant partners and customers they serve to deliver a more sustainable order. 

What inspired you to pursue this career, and what path did you take to get there?
As part of my university dissertation, I carried out an energy study in the Sainsbury’s store that I was working in, which gave me real-life experience of energy engineering and management. I introduced a number of energy-saving projects into the store and was subsequently offered a role in the energy team. After spending 5 years at Sainsburys, I then went on to lead energy and sustainability programmes for Debenhams, Starbucks, WeWork and Just Eat. My greatest accomplishment to date has been receiving an MBE for my services to sustainability in the Energy sector and for promoting diversity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths)

How has being a Chartered Energy Manager benefitted you in your career?
I was delighted to be the youngest person in the UK to have achieved Chartered status from the Energy Institute in 2011. For me, it gave me credibility amongst my peer group and was a great piece of recognition, showing that I had gained the practical and academic experience required to continue my professional development. This gave me great confidence, and shows that you don’t have to be old to be experienced. As the energy industry is so fast paced, continued professional development is key to making an impression with employers and staying abreast of what’s happening in the industry. I would certainly recommend other energy managers work towards chartered status.

Away from work, what do you like to do in your spare time?
I’m a STEM Ambassador, and often go to schools and colleges to talk about my career journey and help students understand where a career in engineering and energy could take them. Engineering is a lot about creativity, so I also channel this creativity into my side hustle. I design hand drawn cards for special occasions www.instagram.com/cardsbyjaz.

And finally… What does your Chartered Energy Manager accreditation truly mean to you?
When I started out in the energy sector, I found there wasn’t many people like me in the industry. Proving that I belonged, gaining recognition and helping to inspire others into the industry has been so important to me over the years. Gaining chartered status was a pivotal point in my career and gave me much needed confidence that I had the knowledge and experience to make a difference.