Sustainability Supply Chain Manager Job Description

Navigating Sustainability in Supply Chains

As businesses around the world recognize the importance of sustainability, the role of a Sustainability Supply Chain Manager has emerged as a critical position to ensure responsible and sustainable practices within supply chains. With a unique set of skills and expertise, these professionals play a pivotal role in driving positive environmental and social impacts throughout the global business landscape.

Assessing and Mitigating Environmental Impact

  • Identify opportunities for reducing carbon emissions, waste generation, and energy consumption across the supply chain.
  • Implement measures to promote sustainable sourcing, packaging, transportation, and waste management practices.

Ensuring Ethical and Socially Responsible Practices

  • Collaborate with suppliers to ensure compliance with labor and human rights standards.
  • Promote fair trade, diversity, and inclusion within the supply chain.

Developing Sustainable Supplier Relationships

  • Evaluate and select suppliers based on sustainability criteria.
  • Collaborate with suppliers to implement sustainable practices and monitor their progress.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting

  • Establish metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track sustainability performance.
  • Prepare regular reports to communicate progress, achievements, and areas for improvement.

Background and Sectors

Sustainability Supply Chain Managers typically have a background in supply chain management, logistics, or sustainability. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field is often required, and professional certifications like Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or Certified Professional in Sustainable Supply Chain Management (CPSSCM) can be advantageous.
These professionals are sought after in various sectors, including retail, manufacturing, consumer goods, technology, and energy. With sustainability becoming a core focus in all industries, the demand for skilled Sustainability Supply Chain Managers continues to rise.

Driving Responsible Business Practices and Promoting Sustainability Across Global Supply Chains

  • Supply Chain Expertise: A deep understanding of supply chain management principles, logistics, and procurement practices is essential. This includes knowledge of supplier selection, risk assessment, lifecycle analysis, and supply chain mapping.
  • Sustainability Knowledge: Proficiency in sustainability frameworks, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) or Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), is crucial. Familiarity with environmental and social regulations, certifications (e.g., ISO 14001), and sustainability best practices is also important.
  • Data Analysis and Reporting: Competence in data analysis and reporting is necessary to measure and monitor key sustainability performance indicators. Proficiency in tools such as Excel, sustainability management software, and data visualization platforms is beneficial.

Soft Skills

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

The ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, suppliers, and external stakeholders is essential. Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills are necessary to drive sustainability initiatives across a complex network of partners.

Leadership and Change Management

Sustainability Supply Chain Managers need to lead and inspire teams, promoting a culture of sustainability and driving organisational change. They should possess strong leadership skills, including the ability to influence and mobilize others towards sustainable practices.

Salary Range

Salaries for Sustainability Supply Chain Managers can vary based on factors such as experience, industry, and geographic location. The following salary ranges are provided as estimates in USD for the UK, Middle East, Europe, and the US:

United Kingdom

$60,000 - $90,000 per year

United States

$75,000 - $110,000 per year

Europe

$65,000 - $95,000 per year

Middle East

$70,000 - $100,000 per year

Role Summary

As businesses increasingly recognize the need to integrate sustainability into their supply chains, the role of a Sustainability Supply Chain Manager becomes indispensable. These professionals serve as catalysts for change, driving responsible business practices and promoting sustainability across global supply chains. By combining their expertise in supply chain management with sustainability knowledge and a passion for positive impact, they contribute to building a more sustainable and resilient future for organisations and society as a whole.

Who we are and What we do

We are an exclusive Sustainability and ESG Executive Search and Recruitment Agency, offering both permanent and temporary contracts recruitment solutions, across all sectors. We assist employers find their next great hire in ESG and Sustainability Integration/ Green Energy & CleanTech/ Responsible Investment, Sustainable Finance & Impact Investing.

The Paris Agreement at COP21 identified capacity building as a core challenge our governments, institutions, organisations and civil society need to overcome to build a sustainable world.
Companies need to build business strategies and develop activities to keep growing and create value for their shareholders without exhausting resources or harming future generations. Therefore, engaging in building a decarbonised and equitable economy is at the core of their mission and success in the long term. Their ability to build resilience of human and ecological systems will enable them to navigate this ever-evolving world.
As a recruitment agency, we truly believe, we have a substantial part to play in equipping those thriving businesses with the best candidates to conquer those challenges.
Our purpose is to support businesses in their sustainability journey by connecting them with the best talents in the ESG and Sustainability job market.
We focus to provide tailored solutions to our clients’ needs and enhance candidates’s experience in finding their ideal jobs.

Qualifications and Education: Building Expertise in the Field

In terms of qualifications, academic programs and certifications in sustainability and ESG management have gained prominence. Universities and professional organisations offer courses and certifications that equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the field. Additionally, relevant degrees in environmental science, sustainability, business administration, and finance are highly valued by employers.
The ESG and sustainability job market is experiencing significant growth and offers diverse opportunities for professionals. Dedicated roles, as well as the integration of ESG knowledge into traditional job functions, highlight the increasing importance of sustainability in business strategies. Specialized skills, regulatory expertise, and industry knowledge are highly sought after.
​As companies strive to embed ESG practices into their operations, professionals with ESG expertise will continue to play a crucial role in driving positive change and shaping a sustainable future.

Diverse Opportunities: ESG and Sustainability Across Industries

The ESG and sustainability job market is not limited to specific industries. While sectors such as renewable energy, cleantech, and sustainable finance have a well-established presence, organisations across diverse industries are recognizing the need to prioritize ESG and sustainability practices. From manufacturing and retail to technology and healthcare, professionals with ESG expertise are sought after to drive sustainability initiatives and help companies future-proof their operations.

Navigating the Regulatory Landscape: Compliance and Governance Expertise

The increasing regulatory focus on ESG factors has led to a rise in demand for professionals who can navigate the evolving compliance landscape. Knowledge of relevant regulations and frameworks, such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is highly valued. This includes expertise in managing ESG risks, conducting audits and assessments, and implementing sustainable governance structures.

Specialised Skills and Knowledge: Key Areas in High Demand

The ESG and sustainability job market also offers opportunities for specialised skills and knowledge. Professionals with expertise in renewable energy, circular economy, sustainable supply chain management, impact investing, and environmental conservation are in high demand. Additionally, individuals with experience in sustainability reporting frameworks, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) or Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), are sought after to ensure transparent and standardized reporting.

ESG Expertise in Traditional Job Roles: The Integration of Sustainability Principles

Another emerging trend is the growing importance of ESG expertise in traditional job roles. Professionals in finance, legal, marketing, operations, and human resources are increasingly expected to have a solid understanding of ESG principles and their implications for their respective fields. For example, financial analysts need to assess the financial risks and opportunities associated with ESG factors, while marketing professionals must effectively communicate a company’s sustainability initiatives to consumers.

Dedicated ESG and Sustainability Roles: A Shift Towards Holistic Approaches

One significant trend in the job market is the rise in dedicated ESG and sustainability roles. Previously, these responsibilities were often dispersed across different departments, such as corporate social responsibility, environmental management, or investor relations. However, as companies recognize the need for a holistic approach, they are creating specialised positions such as ESG managers, ESG analysts, and corporate sustainability officers. These roles focus on integrating ESG considerations into business strategies, measuring and reporting on sustainability performance, and engaging with stakeholders.

ESG and Sustainability Job Market Trends

The ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and sustainability integration job market has experienced significant growth and transformation in recent years. As companies worldwide recognize the importance of incorporating ESG principles into their operations, the demand for professionals with expertise in this field has surged. This article will explore the evolving landscape of the ESG and sustainability job market, highlighting key trends and opportunities.
The integration of ESG and sustainability practices into business strategies has become a top priority for organisations across industries. This shift is driven by various factors, including the increasing awareness of climate change, social justice issues, and corporate governance standards. As a result, companies are actively seeking professionals who can navigate the complexities of ESG and sustainability and drive positive change within their organizations.