Lead International Sustainability Coordinator

Role Purpose & Context

Role Summary

The Lead International Sustainability Coordinator is here to design and oversee our global sustainability data collection and reporting programmes. You'll make sure we're not just ticking boxes, but actually gathering reliable information that helps us make better decisions and meet our ambitious ESG targets. You'll sit right at the heart of our Compliance, Quality, Health & Safety (CQHS) department, translating complex regulatory requirements and voluntary standards into practical, actionable processes for our sites around the world. When you nail this role, we'll have rock-solid, auditable data that builds trust with investors, regulators, and customers. Get it wrong, and we risk accusations of 'greenwashing', hefty fines, and a damaged reputation – which, let's be honest, nobody wants. The real challenge here is building robust systems that work across different cultures and operational realities, all whilst dealing with ever-changing regulations. The reward, though? You'll genuinely see the company improve its environmental footprint and social impact, knowing your work laid the groundwork for those changes. It's about making a tangible difference.

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Sustainability Manager
• Direct reports: Typically 3-5 junior analysts or specialists
• Matrix relationships: Staff Sustainability Specialist, Sustainability Programme Lead, Senior ESG Analyst (Lead),

Key Stakeholders

Internal:

• Sustainability Manager (your direct boss)
• Regional EHS Leads (across EMEA, APAC, AMER)
• Procurement & Supply Chain Leadership
• Finance & Investor Relations Teams
• Product Development & Engineering Leadership
• Legal & Regulatory Affairs

External:

• External ESG Auditors (e.g., Big Four firms)
• ESG Rating Agencies (e.g., MSCI, Sustainalytics, CDP)
• Key Suppliers & Vendors
• Industry Associations & Working Groups
• Regulatory Bodies (e.g., Environment Agency, EU Commission)

Organisational Impact

Scope: This position directly shapes the integrity and effectiveness of our entire ESG data infrastructure. Your work ensures that our sustainability claims are credible, our regulatory submissions are compliant, and our strategic decisions are based on accurate information. You'll directly influence our external reputation and our ability to attract responsible investment. Honestly, you're building the foundation for our future sustainability performance.

Performance Metrics

Quantitative Metrics

1. Metric: ESG Data Assurance Score
2. Desc: The score received from our external auditors on the accuracy and completeness of our reported ESG data.
3. Target: Achieve a 'Limited Assurance' or higher rating across all material disclosures, with zero critical findings.
4. Freq: Annually, post-audit.
5. Example: Our Q1 2024 audit found 3 minor non-conformities, down from 10 last year, indicating improved data quality and process robustness.
6. Metric: Data Collection Cycle Time Reduction
7. Desc: The average time it takes from requesting data from a site to having validated, ready-to-report data in our system.
8. Target: Reduce the average cycle time by 20% year-on-year for key data streams (e.g., Scope 1 & 2 emissions).
9. Freq: Quarterly review of data submission timelines.
10. Example: Through process redesign, the average time to collect and validate EMEA utility data dropped from 45 days to 35 days in Q2.
11. Metric: Science-Based Targets (SBTi) Submission & Validation
12. Desc: Successful development and submission of our corporate emissions reduction targets to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for validation.
13. Target: Achieve SBTi validation for Scope 1, 2, and 3 targets within 18 months of starting the programme.
14. Freq: Once, upon submission and validation.
15. Example: Successfully submitted our SBTi commitment letter and detailed targets in Q3, with validation expected by Q1 next year.
16. Metric: Supplier ESG Risk Reduction
17. Desc: The percentage reduction in high-risk suppliers identified through our sustainable procurement programme.
18. Target: Reduce the number of 'critical' or 'high-risk' suppliers (based on EcoVadis/Sedex scores) by 15% annually.
19. Freq: Bi-annually, based on supplier assessment updates.
20. Example: Worked with Procurement to reduce high-risk suppliers in our top 100 by 18% through engagement and corrective action plans.

Qualitative Metrics

1. Metric: Strategic Programme Design Effectiveness
2. Desc: The clarity, practicality, and adoption rate of new sustainability data collection or reporting programmes you design.
3. Evidence: Positive feedback from regional EHS teams on ease of use. High compliance rates with new processes. Successful integration into existing operational workflows. Your designs are actually used, not just admired.
4. Metric: Cross-Functional Influence & Collaboration
5. Desc: Your ability to get different departments (e.g., Finance, Operations, Product) to actively participate in and support sustainability initiatives.
6. Evidence: You're proactively invited to strategic planning meetings. Other departments seek your input on sustainability implications for their projects. You successfully secure resources or budget from other teams for joint initiatives. People listen to you, basically.
7. Metric: Team Development & Mentorship
8. Desc: The growth and capability development of the junior team members you guide and mentor.
9. Evidence: Direct reports show increased autonomy and confidence. They successfully take on more complex tasks. Positive feedback from their performance reviews. They're learning and thriving under your guidance.
10. Metric: Regulatory Foresight & Preparedness
11. Desc: Your ability to anticipate upcoming regulatory changes (like CSRD updates) and proactively prepare the organisation.
12. Evidence: We're never caught off guard by new regulations. You've already scoped out the impact and started planning for compliance before the deadline hits. You're seen as the 'go-to' person for what's coming next in ESG.

Primary Traits

• Trait: Tenacious Investigator
• Manifestation: You're the person who won't take 'I don't know' for an answer when chasing that elusive Scope 3 data point. You'll dig through old invoices, call three different contacts at a supplier, and cross-reference multiple spreadsheets until you find the truth. When you see an emissions figure that doesn't quite add up, you'll relentlessly pursue the root cause, even if it means challenging an operational report from a regional manager. You're basically a detective for data.
• Benefit: Sustainability reporting is only as good as its underlying data. If you're not meticulous and persistent, we'll end up reporting inaccurate figures, which can lead to reputational damage, regulatory fines, and a complete loss of trust from our investors and customers. At this level, you're not just collecting data; you're ensuring its integrity for strategic decisions and external assurance.
• Trait: Pragmatic Influencer
• Manifestation: You can walk into a meeting with a busy Plant Manager in Germany and explain why installing new sub-meters isn't just a 'sustainability thing' but will actually save them money on energy bills and reduce operational risk. You're brilliant at translating complex ESG requirements into clear, business-relevant actions for different teams, whether it's Finance, Procurement, or Product Development. You know when to push hard and when to find a compromise that still moves the needle.
• Benefit: As a Lead, you've got to drive change across the business, but you won't have direct authority over most of the operational teams. Your success hinges entirely on your ability to build strong relationships, communicate effectively, and persuade colleagues to prioritise sustainability alongside their core duties. It's about making sustainability a 'must-do' for everyone, not just a 'nice-to-have'.
• Trait: Unflinching Integrity
• Manifestation: You're the one who, when Marketing wants to shout about a '100% sustainable product' claim, will politely but firmly ask, 'Can we back that up with auditable data?' You're comfortable telling a senior leader that a key target was missed and explaining the honest reasons why, rather than trying to massage the numbers. You value accuracy and transparency above all else, even when it's uncomfortable.
• Benefit: In today's world, 'greenwashing' is a huge risk. This role is the guardian of our company's ESG reputation. We need someone who is an immovable source of truth, someone who will always ensure our public statements are fully supported by verifiable data. Losing credibility here can have massive financial and reputational consequences, and frankly, it's just not how we operate.

Supporting Traits

• Trait: Methodical & Process-Oriented
• Desc: You're someone who naturally thinks in terms of systems and workflows. You can design and manage a complex data collection calendar across dozens of global sites, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. You love building repeatable processes that make things more efficient and less prone to error. Messy, ad-hoc approaches just aren't your style.
• Trait: Resilient
• Desc: You'll face pushback, slow progress, and changing priorities. Data will be late, systems will glitch, and some colleagues just won't 'get' why sustainability matters. You're the kind of person who can bounce back from these frustrations, learn from them, and keep pushing forward with a positive attitude. You don't get easily discouraged by the inherent messiness of corporate change.
• Trait: Diplomatic & Culturally Aware
• Desc: Our operations span the globe, and what works in London might not fly in Tokyo or São Paulo. You understand that requesting information or driving change requires a nuanced, culturally sensitive approach. You know how to build rapport and trust with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, adapting your communication style to get the best results. It's about respect and understanding, not just telling people what to do.

Primary Motivators

1. Motivator: Solving Complex, Ambiguous Problems
2. Daily: You thrive on figuring out how to calculate Scope 3 emissions for a new product category with limited data, or designing a new materiality assessment process that captures 'double materiality'. You're not looking for easy answers; you're excited by the challenge of untangling difficult, multi-faceted problems.
3. Motivator: Building & Optimising Systems
4. Daily: You get a real kick out of taking a messy, manual process (like quarterly waste data collection) and turning it into an automated, streamlined workflow. You enjoy designing new data models, configuring reporting platforms, and creating processes that make everyone's lives easier and our data more reliable.
5. Motivator: Driving Tangible Impact & Change
6. Daily: You're motivated by seeing your work directly contribute to our company's environmental performance or social impact. Whether it's seeing a new carbon reduction target get approved based on your analysis, or a supplier improve their labour practices because of a programme you helped design, you want to see real-world results.

Potential Demotivators

Honestly, this role isn't for everyone. If you need constant, immediate gratification or a perfectly smooth, predictable workday, you'll likely struggle. There's a lot of grunt work involved, and not every initiative you champion will see the light of day. We won't pretend it's all strategic brilliance and global impact; sometimes it's just chasing numbers.

Common Frustrations

1. The 'Data Janitor' role: Expect to spend a significant chunk of your time (sometimes 40-50%) chasing, cleaning, and standardising inconsistent data from global sites. Think converting kWh to MWh, cubic metres to gallons, and trying to make sense of utility bills in 10 different languages. It's not glamorous, but it's essential.
2. Accountability Without Authority: You'll be held accountable for hitting targets like a 10% reduction in energy consumption, but you'll have zero direct control over the capital budget for equipment upgrades or the day-to-day operational decisions made by plant managers. It's all about influence, which can be slow and frustrating.
3. The Greenwashing Squeeze: You'll often find yourself caught between the Marketing team's desire for bold, positive environmental claims and the messy, nuanced reality of the data you've painstakingly collected. You'll need to be the voice of truth, even when it's unpopular.
4. The Shifting Goalposts: Just when you've perfected your reporting process for one standard (say, GRI), a major new regulation (like CSRD) comes along, making your perfectly crafted process obsolete and requiring a complete overhaul. It's a constant learning curve, and sometimes it feels like you're running on a treadmill.
5. The 'Annual Report Scramble': Key stakeholders will often ignore your data requests for 10 months of the year, then suddenly treat the need for year-end data as a five-alarm fire in the two weeks before the reporting deadline. You'll need a thick skin and excellent organisational skills to manage this predictable chaos.

What Role Doesn't Offer

1. A quiet, predictable 9-to-5: Expect urgent requests, shifting priorities, and sometimes late nights around reporting deadlines.
2. Direct control over operational budgets or decisions: Your power comes from persuasion and data, not command and control.
3. A role where every single project you start will make it to full implementation: Some ideas will be deprioritised, some data will be too hard to get, and that's just the reality.
4. A purely theoretical or academic role: This is about practical application and getting things done in a real-world business context.

ADHD Positives

1. The varied nature of the work, from deep-dive analysis to cross-functional meetings, can be engaging and prevent boredom.
2. The need for creative problem-solving in ambiguous data situations can be a strong suit.
3. High energy and hyperfocus can be incredibly valuable during intense reporting periods or when chasing complex data threads.

ADHD Challenges and Accommodations

1. Maintaining focus on long, detailed documentation tasks can be challenging; breaking these into smaller, timed chunks can help.
2. Managing multiple ongoing projects and data streams requires strong organisational systems (digital task boards, structured calendars). We can support with tools and training here.
3. Dealing with frequent interruptions or 'urgent' requests might be difficult; strategies for managing notifications and dedicated 'focus time' blocks are encouraged.

Dyslexia Positives

1. Strong spatial reasoning and big-picture thinking are highly valued, especially in designing data flows and understanding complex systems.
2. Excellent verbal communication skills can shine in stakeholder engagement and presenting complex information.
3. Creative problem-solving approaches to data challenges are often a strength.

Dyslexia Challenges and Accommodations

1. Proofreading detailed reports and data entries can be more time-consuming; using grammar/spell-check tools (like Grammarly) and peer review is standard practice.
2. Reading large volumes of regulatory text might be tiring; text-to-speech software and summarised briefings can be helpful.
3. We can offer tools like ClaroRead or Read&Write, and encourage the use of dyslexic-friendly fonts and screen overlays.

Autism Positives

1. A strong preference for logic, data accuracy, and structured processes aligns perfectly with the core requirements of this role.
2. Exceptional attention to detail, especially in identifying data anomalies or inconsistencies, is a huge asset.
3. The ability to deeply analyse complex systems and frameworks (like GHG Protocol) is highly valued.

Autism Challenges and Accommodations

1. Navigating complex social dynamics and 'unwritten rules' in cross-functional influence might be challenging; clear communication, explicit expectations, and a supportive manager can help.
2. Unexpected changes or urgent requests can be disruptive; we aim for clear communication about upcoming changes and provide as much notice as possible.
3. Sensory considerations: our office environment is generally moderate, but we can provide noise-cancelling headphones and flexibility for quiet work spaces when needed.

Key Responsibilities

Experience Levels Responsibilities

1. Level: Lead International Sustainability Coordinator (L4)
2. Responsibilities: Architect new data collection processes and reporting strategies across our global operations. This means figuring out the 'how' for complex data points, like Scope 3 emissions for new product lines, and then building the actual system for it.
3. Lead and manage specific, complex sustainability programmes from end-to-end. Think setting and achieving Science-Based Targets (SBTi), or implementing a new global supplier sustainability assessment programme. You're accountable for the delivery of these.
4. Mentor and provide technical guidance to a small team of 3-5 junior or mid-level Sustainability Analysts. This involves reviewing their work, unsticking them from problems, and helping them develop their skills. You're their go-to person for technical challenges.
5. Design and implement advanced data analysis and visualisation solutions using tools like Power BI or Tableau. You'll create interactive dashboards that give business leaders actionable insights, not just pretty charts.
6. Influence senior internal stakeholders (e.g., VPs, regional leads) to adopt new sustainability practices or improve data quality. You'll present compelling business cases, often needing to translate technical ESG jargon into clear financial or risk terms.
7. Oversee and prepare for external ESG data assurance processes. You'll be the main point of contact for auditors, ensuring all evidence is ready and questions are answered accurately. This is where your unflinching integrity really comes into play.
8. Stay ahead of the curve on emerging ESG regulations and reporting standards (e.g., CSRD, ISSB). You'll assess their impact on our business and proactively adapt our reporting frameworks and data collection methods before they become a compliance headache.
9. Supervision: You'll typically have monthly strategic alignment meetings with your Sustainability Manager, but otherwise, you're largely autonomous on execution. We trust you to define the best approach for your programmes and team.
10. Decision: You have full technical decision-making authority within your domain (e.g., choice of LCA methodology, configuration of EHS data systems). You can approve programme-specific expenditure up to £50K without direct sign-off. You'll also be involved in hiring decisions for your direct reports and have significant input on their performance reviews. For larger strategic shifts or budgets above £50K, you'll consult with your Sustainability Manager.
11. Success: Success at this level means your programmes are running smoothly, your team is growing, and our ESG data is consistently robust and auditable. You're not just reacting to requests; you're proactively shaping our sustainability agenda and delivering tangible improvements that stand up to external scrutiny. When auditors praise our data quality, that's a win for you.

Decision-Making Authority

• Type: Data Collection Methodology for a New Scope 3 Category
• Entry: Follow established templates and escalate any deviations.
• Mid: Propose a methodology based on research, seek manager approval.
• Senior: Design the methodology, consult with manager on potential risks, then implement. Accountable for its accuracy.
• Type: Supplier Engagement Strategy for ESG Improvement
• Entry: Send out pre-defined supplier assessments.
• Mid: Identify high-risk suppliers and propose engagement tactics to manager.
• Senior: Design the entire engagement strategy, including corrective action plans and KPIs, and lead its implementation with Procurement. Budget authority up to £50K for related tools/training.
• Type: Configuration of ESG Reporting Platform (e.g., Workiva)
• Entry: Enter data into existing fields.
• Mid: Suggest minor improvements to existing templates.
• Senior: Design and configure new disclosure templates, map controls, and manage the platform's workflow for a major reporting framework (e.g., CSRD). You're the expert here.
• Type: Hiring a Junior Sustainability Analyst
• Entry: Not involved in hiring decisions.
• Mid: Participate in interviews as a panel member.
• Senior: Lead the interview process, make recommendations, and have final say on candidate selection for your direct reports (with manager's approval).

Competency Requirements

Foundation Skills (Transferable)

Beyond the technical know-how, success in this Lead role hinges on your ability to think critically, communicate persuasively, and navigate complex organisational landscapes. These are the bedrock skills that allow you to translate data into action and influence change.

• Category: Communication & Influence
• Skills: Strategic Storytelling: Ability to craft compelling narratives from complex data for diverse audiences (e.g., board members, plant managers, investors).
• Cross-Cultural Communication: Adapting communication style and content for global teams with varying levels of English proficiency and cultural norms.
• Negotiation & Persuasion: Skillfully negotiating with internal and external stakeholders to gain buy-in and drive action on sustainability initiatives.
• Executive Presentation: Delivering clear, concise, and impactful presentations to senior leadership, anticipating and handling tough questions.
• Category: Problem-Solving & Strategic Thinking
• Skills: Complex Problem Deconstruction: Breaking down ambiguous, multi-faceted sustainability challenges (e.g., Scope 3 calculation for new business models) into manageable components.
• Root Cause Analysis: Going beyond symptoms to identify the fundamental reasons for data discrepancies or programme failures.
• Strategic Foresight: Anticipating future regulatory changes, market trends, and stakeholder expectations to proactively adapt our sustainability strategy.
• Trade-off Analysis: Evaluating different approaches to sustainability challenges, considering their costs, benefits, and risks, and making pragmatic recommendations.
• Category: Leadership & Team Development
• Skills: Mentorship & Coaching: Guiding and developing junior team members, providing constructive feedback, and fostering their growth.
• Programme Leadership: Leading complex, multi-stakeholder sustainability programmes from conception to completion, ensuring accountability and delivery.
• Delegation & Empowerment: Effectively delegating tasks whilst providing the necessary support and autonomy for team members to succeed.
• Conflict Resolution: Mediating disagreements or conflicting priorities amongst team members or between departments to maintain programme momentum.
• Category: Adaptability & Resilience
• Skills: Navigating Ambiguity: Thriving in situations where information is incomplete or requirements are evolving, and still being able to define a path forward.
• Change Management: Guiding teams and stakeholders through new processes, systems, or strategic shifts, addressing resistance constructively.
• Stress Tolerance: Maintaining effectiveness and composure during high-pressure periods (e.g., annual reporting deadlines or external audits).
• Continuous Learning: Proactively seeking out new knowledge on emerging sustainability trends, technologies, and regulations.

Functional Skills (Role-Specific Technical)

These are the specific methodologies, technical tools, and industry knowledge you'll need to apply day-to-day to succeed in this Lead role. You're not just using these; you're often designing how they're used and teaching others.

Technical Competencies

• Skill: Sustainability Reporting Frameworks (GRI, SASB, TCFD, CSRD)
• Desc: You'll need a deep, practical understanding of how to apply these global standards, especially the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and its double materiality concept. This isn't just about knowing what they are, but how to map our operations and data to their specific disclosure requirements, and how to prepare for external assurance.
• Level: Expert
• Skill: Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol & Carbon Accounting (SBTi)
• Desc: Mastery of calculating and reporting Scope 1, 2, and the notoriously difficult Scope 3 emissions. You'll be designing the methodology for complex Scope 3 categories and leading our Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) submission, including target setting and validation.
• Level: Expert
• Skill: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Methodology (ISO 14040/14044)
• Desc: You'll be designing and overseeing LCA studies for our products or services, interpreting complex results, and using these insights to inform product development or procurement decisions. This means understanding the principles, data requirements, and critical review processes.
• Level: Advanced
• Skill: Materiality Assessment (including Double Materiality)
• Desc: You'll lead the formal process of identifying and prioritising ESG topics most significant to our business and stakeholders. This includes designing the stakeholder engagement process, conducting the assessment, and presenting the findings to leadership, with a strong focus on double materiality.
• Level: Advanced
• Skill: Environmental & Safety Management Systems (ISO 14001, ISO 45001)
• Desc: Expertise in the implementation, auditing, and continuous improvement of ISO 14001 (Environmental) and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety) standards. You'll use this knowledge to ensure our operational data collection aligns with these management systems.
• Level: Advanced
• Skill: Stakeholder Engagement & Mapping
• Desc: You'll design and lead structured approaches to identifying, prioritising, and engaging with a wide range of internal (employees, management) and external (investors, NGOs, regulators) stakeholders to understand their expectations and build consensus around sustainability initiatives.
• Level: Advanced

Digital Tools

• Tool: Enablon, Cority, Intelex, or Sphera (EHS & Sustainability Data Management)
• Level: Advanced
• Usage: Configuring data collection templates, managing user permissions, building custom dashboards, and training site-level users on the system. You're the super-user and system champion.
• Tool: SimaPro, GaBi, or OpenLCA (Life Cycle Assessment)
• Level: Expert
• Usage: Building complex LCA models from scratch (cradle-to-grave), defending methodological choices, and interpreting hotspots for product design or strategic teams. You're the go-to person for LCA.
• Tool: Workiva, OneTrust, Diligent ESG, or ServiceNow GRC (ESG Reporting & GRC Platforms)
• Level: Advanced
• Usage: Managing the end-to-end ESG reporting workflow, mapping controls to disclosures, and preparing the platform for external assurance/audit. You own the reporting process within the platform.
• Tool: Excel (Power Query, Pivot Tables, Advanced Formulas)
• Level: Advanced
• Usage: Automating complex data transformations, cleaning large datasets, and performing ad-hoc analysis when the main systems can't quite do it. You're a wizard with Excel, especially Power Query.
• Tool: Power BI or Tableau (Data Analysis & Visualization)
• Level: Advanced
• Usage: Designing and building interactive dashboards that provide actionable insights for business leaders, defining key ESG KPIs, and ensuring data integrity in visualisations. You make the data tell a story.
• Tool: EcoVadis, Sedex, or Sourcemap (Supply Chain Sustainability)
• Level: Advanced
• Usage: Analysing supplier performance data, identifying high-risk suppliers for audits, and collaborating with procurement on corrective action plans. You use these platforms to drive supplier improvement.

Industry Knowledge

• Area: Global Environmental & Social Regulations
• Desc: A deep understanding of key environmental regulations (e.g., waste, water, air emissions) and social regulations (e.g., labour laws, human rights) across major operating regions (EU, UK, US, APAC). You'll need to know how these impact our operations and reporting.
• Area: Sustainable Finance & Investor Expectations
• Desc: Knowledge of how ESG factors influence investment decisions, an understanding of sustainable finance regulations (e.g., SFDR), and familiarity with the expectations of institutional investors regarding ESG disclosure and performance.
• Area: Circular Economy Principles
• Desc: Understanding the concepts of circular economy (e.g., waste reduction, material loops, product-as-a-service) and how they can be applied to our products, processes, and supply chain to drive innovation and reduce environmental impact.

Regulatory Compliance Regulations

• Reg: EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)
• Usage: You'll be leading the implementation of CSRD across our organisation, including conducting double materiality assessments, mapping data to ESRS (European Sustainability Reporting Standards), and preparing for external assurance. This is a critical focus.
• Reg: UK Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR)
• Usage: Ensuring our UK entities are fully compliant with SECR requirements, including accurate energy and carbon reporting in annual accounts. You'll oversee the data collection and reporting process for this.
• Reg: Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
• Usage: You'll be responsible for ensuring our climate-related disclosures are fully aligned with TCFD's four pillars (Governance, Strategy, Risk Management, Metrics & Targets), and driving the integration of climate risk and opportunity into our business strategy.
• Reg: Modern Slavery Act (UK & Australia)
• Usage: Overseeing the data collection and reporting for our Modern Slavery Statements, working closely with Procurement and Legal to identify and mitigate risks within our supply chain.

Essential Prerequisites

• Proven experience (8-12 years) in a dedicated sustainability, ESG, or EHS role, with at least 2-3 years in a lead or senior capacity.
• Demonstrable experience leading complex data collection and reporting programmes across multiple international sites.
• Track record of successfully influencing cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders without direct authority.
• Expert-level proficiency in at least one major EHS/Sustainability data management platform (e.g., Enablon, Cority).
• Deep, practical knowledge of GHG Protocol and experience with Scope 3 emissions calculation and reporting.
• Experience preparing for and managing external ESG data assurance processes.
• A strong understanding of the business context for sustainability – you can speak the language of finance and operations, not just ESG.

Career Pathway Context

To step into this Lead role, you'll need to have moved beyond simply executing tasks. We're looking for someone who has already demonstrated the ability to design solutions, manage projects independently, and guide junior colleagues. You should be comfortable taking ownership of significant workstreams and presenting your findings and recommendations to more senior audiences. It's about showing you can not only do the work but also shape it and lead others through it.

Qualifications & Credentials

Emerging Foundation Skills

• Skill: Prompt Engineering & LLM Integration for ESG
• Why: Honestly, competitors are already using tools like ChatGPT and Claude to draft reports in 10 minutes that used to take 2 hours. Analysts who figure this out will outproduce peers 3:1. As a Lead, you'll need to design how your team uses these tools responsibly and effectively, ensuring accuracy and avoiding 'hallucinations'.
• Concepts: [{'concept_name': 'Context Windows & Token Limits', 'description': 'Understanding how much information an AI can process at once and how to optimise prompts for large datasets or complex queries.'}, {'concept_name': 'RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation)', 'description': 'Learning how to integrate LLMs with our internal, proprietary ESG data to generate accurate, context-specific reports and analyses without sharing sensitive information externally.'}, {'concept_name': 'Output Validation & Hallucination Detection', 'description': "Developing robust processes to critically review and verify AI-generated content for accuracy, bias, and potential 'hallucinations' (false information)."}, {'concept_name': 'Prompt Chaining & Agentic Workflows', 'description': "Designing multi-step AI processes where one AI's output feeds into another, automating complex analytical or reporting tasks."}]
• Prepare: This week: Set up GitHub Copilot (if you're coding) or a similar AI assistant for your daily tasks. Use it for every email summary or initial draft.
• This month: Experiment with a public LLM (like ChatGPT or Claude) to draft a section of a sustainability report using some of our public data. See how good it is.
• Month 2: Research RAG architectures and identify one internal ESG use case where integrating an LLM with our data could save significant time (e.g., summarising internal audit reports).
• Month 3: Lead a small internal project to pilot an AI-assisted workflow for a specific data analysis or reporting task, documenting productivity gains and challenges.
• QuickWin: Start using Claude or ChatGPT to draft email summaries, code comments, or initial report outlines today. No approval needed, immediate benefit. Just remember to critically review everything it produces!
• Skill: ESG Data Governance & Quality Assurance
• Why: With CSRD and other regulations demanding auditable, high-quality ESG data, robust data governance isn't just 'nice to have' – it's a legal and reputational necessity. You'll need to design the policies, processes, and controls that ensure our data is accurate, consistent, and reliable from source to disclosure.
• Concepts: [{'concept_name': 'Data Lineage & Audit Trails', 'description': 'Understanding how to track data from its origin through all transformations to its final reported form, ensuring full traceability for auditors.'}, {'concept_name': 'Data Ownership & Stewardship', 'description': 'Defining clear roles and responsibilities for who owns, manages, and validates specific ESG data points across the organisation.'}, {'concept_name': 'Data Quality Rules & Validation', 'description': 'Establishing automated and manual checks to ensure data accuracy, completeness, consistency, and timeliness.'}, {'concept_name': 'Master Data Management for ESG', 'description': 'Developing strategies for consistent definitions and classifications of key ESG data elements across all systems.'}]
• Prepare: This week: Review our current data flow for a critical ESG metric (e.g., Scope 1 emissions). Map out where the data comes from, who touches it, and where it goes.
• This month: Research best practices in data governance frameworks (e.g., DAMA-DMBOK) and identify 2-3 areas where we could significantly improve.
• Month 2: Draft a proposal for a new data quality check or a clearer data ownership policy for a specific ESG data stream, present it to your manager.
• Month 3: Lead a small project to implement one of these data governance improvements, working with IT and relevant data owners.
• QuickWin: Start documenting the data definitions and sources for the top 5 most critical ESG metrics. This simple step will immediately improve clarity and consistency.
• Skill: Climate Risk Modelling & Scenario Analysis
• Why: TCFD and upcoming regulations require us to understand and report on the financial impacts of climate change. This means moving beyond simple carbon accounting to actual financial modelling of physical and transition risks. As a Lead, you'll need to interpret these models and translate their implications into strategic recommendations.
• Concepts: [{'concept_name': 'Physical Climate Risks', 'description': 'Understanding the potential financial impacts of extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and chronic climate shifts on our operations and supply chain.'}, {'concept_name': 'Transition Climate Risks', 'description': 'Analysing the financial impacts of policy changes, technology shifts, and market preferences related to the low-carbon transition (e.g., carbon taxes, new regulations).'}, {'concept_name': 'Climate Scenario Analysis (e.g., IEA NZE, RCPs)', 'description': 'Using recognised climate scenarios (e.g., from the IEA or IPCC) to model how our business might perform under different future climate pathways.'}, {'concept_name': 'Financial Impact Quantification', 'description': 'Learning how to translate climate risks into quantifiable financial metrics (e.g., increased operational costs, asset impairment, revenue loss).'}]
• Prepare: This week: Read the latest TCFD guidance on scenario analysis and identify which climate scenarios are most relevant to our industry.
• This month: Attend a webinar or online course on climate risk modelling or sustainable finance to grasp the fundamentals.
• Month 2: Work with our Finance team to understand how they currently model other financial risks, and identify potential synergies for climate risk.
• Month 3: Develop a preliminary framework for how we could start to quantify one specific climate risk (e.g., increased energy costs due to carbon pricing) for a key business unit.
• QuickWin: Start by identifying 3-5 key climate-related risks and opportunities for our business. Even a qualitative assessment is a good start for TCFD alignment.

Advancing Technical Skills

• Skill: Advanced Data Architecture for ESG
• Why: As our ESG data needs grow, you'll need to design more robust, scalable, and integrated data architectures. This means understanding how our EHS platforms, ERPs (like SAP), and other operational systems can feed into a single source of truth for sustainability.
• Concepts: [{'concept_name': 'Data Lake/Warehouse Concepts', 'description': 'Understanding how to store and manage large volumes of diverse ESG data for analytical purposes.'}, {'concept_name': 'API Integrations', 'description': "Learning how different software systems can 'talk' to each other to automate data flows."}, {'concept_name': 'Data Modelling for ESG', 'description': 'Designing logical and physical data models that accurately represent ESG metrics and their relationships.'}, {'concept_name': 'Cloud Data Platforms (e.g., Azure, AWS)', 'description': 'Familiarity with cloud-based solutions for data storage, processing, and analytics.'}]
• Prepare: This week: Map out the current data flow from source to our reporting platform for 2-3 key ESG metrics.
• This month: Take an online course on data warehousing or data architecture fundamentals.
• Month 2: Research how other companies in our sector are integrating their ESG data across different systems.
• Month 3: Propose a conceptual architecture for how we could better integrate our EHS data management system with our ERP for more seamless reporting.
• QuickWin: Identify one manual data transfer process that could be automated with a simple script or API integration, and start exploring solutions.
• Skill: Advanced LCA & Product Footprinting
• Why: Customers and regulators are increasingly demanding product-level environmental information. You'll need to lead more sophisticated LCA studies, potentially integrating them into product design software and supply chain management tools to drive eco-design.
• Concepts: [{'concept_name': 'Attributional vs. Consequential LCA', 'description': 'Understanding the different approaches to LCA and when to apply each for specific business questions.'}, {'concept_name': 'LCA Software Integration', 'description': 'Exploring how LCA tools can be integrated with CAD software or ERP systems for automated product footprinting.'}, {'concept_name': 'Critical Review of LCA Studies', 'description': 'Developing the expertise to critically evaluate external LCA reports and ensure their robustness and compliance with ISO standards.'}, {'concept_name': 'Product Environmental Footprint (PEF)', 'description': "Understanding the EU's PEF methodology and its implications for product-level environmental claims and reporting."}]
• Prepare: This week: Review our current product portfolio and identify 2-3 products where a detailed LCA would provide significant business value.
• This month: Deep-dive into advanced features of SimaPro/GaBi or explore other specialised LCA software.
• Month 2: Research case studies of companies that have successfully integrated LCA into their product design process.
• Month 3: Develop a proposal for a pilot project to conduct a more advanced LCA for a specific product, outlining methodology and expected insights.
• QuickWin: Conduct a quick 'hotspot' analysis for one of our key products using existing data to identify the biggest environmental impacts in its life cycle.

Education Requirements

• Level: Minimum
• Req: A Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• Alts: We're pragmatic. If you've got 10+ years of highly relevant experience in a senior EHS or sustainability role, coupled with demonstrable technical expertise and a strong track record, we're happy to consider that as equivalent.
• Level: Preferred
• Req: A Master's degree in Environmental Management, Sustainability, or an MBA with a focus on ESG.
• Alts: Relevant professional certifications (see below) can often compensate for a lack of a Master's degree, especially if combined with extensive practical experience.

Experience Requirements

You'll need roughly 8-12 years of progressive experience in sustainability, ESG, or EHS roles. This should include a significant period (at least 3-5 years) where you've been leading projects, managing complex data streams, and influencing cross-functional teams. We're looking for someone who has moved beyond execution to design and strategic oversight. Experience with international operations and diverse regulatory landscapes is a must.

Preferred Certifications

• Cert: GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard
• Prod: World Resources Institute (WRI) / World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
• Usage: Demonstrates expert-level knowledge in carbon accounting, which is foundational for setting and reporting against emissions reduction targets.
• Cert: ISO 14001 Lead Auditor / Implementer
• Prod: Various accredited bodies (e.g., BSI, LRQA)
• Usage: Shows deep understanding of environmental management systems, which is crucial for data collection and operational compliance.
• Cert: Certified Sustainability Professional (CSP)
• Prod: International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP)
• Usage: A broad certification that validates comprehensive knowledge across various sustainability domains and professional competencies.
• Cert: SA8000 Lead Auditor / Social Compliance Specialist
• Prod: Social Accountability International (SAI)
• Usage: Valuable for managing social aspects of our supply chain and ensuring ethical labour practices, especially relevant for Scope 3 and human rights due diligence.

Recommended Activities

• Actively participate in industry working groups or professional associations (e.g., IEMA, WBCSD, CDP) to stay current and expand your network.
• Attend webinars, conferences, and workshops on emerging ESG topics like biodiversity, circular economy, or sustainable finance.
• Read key publications and reports from organisations like the WEF, IPCC, and relevant regulatory bodies.
• Seek out mentorship opportunities with senior sustainability leaders, either internally or externally.
• Volunteer for internal projects that stretch your skills beyond your immediate remit, especially those involving cross-functional collaboration or new technologies.

Career Progression Pathways

Entry Paths to This Role

• Path: Senior Sustainability Specialist (L3)
• Time: 3-5 years as a Senior Specialist
• Path: EHS Manager (with strong sustainability focus)
• Time: 5-8 years in EHS management
• Path: ESG Consultant (from a consultancy firm)
• Time: 6-10 years in ESG consulting

Career Progression From This Role

• Pathway: Sustainability Manager (L5)
• Time: 3-5 years as a Lead International Sustainability Coordinator
• Pathway: Principal Sustainability Architect (Individual Contributor Path)
• Time: 3-5 years as a Lead International Sustainability Coordinator

Long Term Vision Potential Roles

• Title: Director of Sustainability & ESG (L6)
• Time: 5-10 years from Lead Coordinator
• Title: Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) (L7)
• Time: 10-15+ years from Lead Coordinator
• Title: Head of Compliance, Quality, Health & Safety
• Time: 8-12 years from Lead Coordinator

How Zavmo Delivers This Role's Development

DISCOVER Phase: Skills Gap Analysis

Zavmo maps your current competencies against all requirements in this job description through conversational assessment. We evaluate your foundation skills (communication, strategic thinking), functional skills (CRM expertise, negotiation), and readiness for career progression.

Output: Personalised skills gap heat map showing strengths and priorities, estimated time to competency, neurodiversity accommodations.

DISCUSS Phase: Personalised Learning Pathway

Based on your DISCOVER results, Zavmo creates a personalised learning plan prioritised by impact: foundation skills first, then functional skills. We adapt to your learning style, pace, and neurodiversity needs (ADHD, dyslexia, autism).

Output: Week-by-week schedule, each module linked to specific job responsibilities, checkpoints and milestones.

DELIVER Phase: Conversational Learning

Learn through conversation, not boring modules. Zavmo uses 10 conversation types (Socratic dialogue, role-play, coaching, case studies) to build competence. Practice difficult QBR presentations, negotiate tough renewals, and handle churn conversations in a safe AI environment before facing real clients.

Example: "For 'Stakeholder Mapping', Zavmo will guide you through analysing a complex enterprise account, identifying key decision-makers, and building an engagement strategy."

DEMONSTRATE Phase: Competency Assessment

Zavmo automatically builds your evidence portfolio as you learn. Every conversation, practice scenario, and application example is captured and mapped to NOS performance criteria. When ready, your portfolio supports OFQUAL qualification claims and demonstrates competence to employers.

Output: Competency matrix, evidence portfolio (downloadable), qualification readiness, career progression score.