Senior Sustainability Manager – System Development

Role Overview

• Leading the strategic development of the 4C business model, including identifying new market opportunities and developing robust business cases
• Driving the global positioning of 4C in the coffee and cocoa sector by monitoring regulatory developments (e.g. EUDR, CSRD, HRDD) and translating them into practical and market-oriented services
• Providing strategic input and innovation impulses directly to executive management and supporting decision-making processes
• Driving the acquisition, development and implementation of international sustainability projects in origin countries, including climate, biodiversity and yield improvement initiatives in collaboration with partners, donors and industry stakeholders
• Building and maintaining strong partnerships and stakeholder relationships across the value chain to support project development and long-term collaboration
• Taking responsibility for the 4C Carbon Footprint Module, including analysing market uptake, certification coverage and the use of claims and labels, and deriving strategic recommendations
• Advancing approaches in regenerative agriculture and biodiversity, including the development of practical tools, methodologies and audit frameworks, as well as alignment with existing market standards and initiatives
• Coordinating interdisciplinary collaboration across the group, working closely with affiliated organisations such as ISCC, Meo, GRAS and ClimatePal, and facilitating stakeholder dialogue
• Contributing to the continuous improvement and further development of the 4C system
• Supporting ongoing projects to strengthen internal expertise and contributing to the development of integrated, hybrid strategic-operational approaches

Requirements

• University degree in sustainability, agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, economics or a related field
• Several years of professional experience in consulting, sustainability standards, business development or related fields in an international context
• Strong expertise in sustainability topics such as carbon accounting, biodiversity, regenerative agriculture and regulatory frameworks (e.g. EUDR, CSRD, HRDD)
• Proven experience in developing and managing complex projects and partnerships
• Ability to bridge global market requirements with on-the-ground realities in agricultural supply chains
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills combined with a hands-on, solution-oriented approach
• Excellent communication, presentation and networking skills with high intercultural competence
• High level of integrity, reliability and professionalism
• Excellent English and German language skills (at least C1, written and spoken); additional languages are an asset (e.g. Vietnamese, Spanish, Portuguese, French)

Benefits

• Great Team Environment
• Various team events throughout the year (Celebrating Diversity, Summer Team Event, Christmas Party)
• Close collaboration with our sister companies ISCC System GmbH, Meo Carbon Solutions GmbH, GRAS Global Risk Assessment Services, ClimatePal, and TYC
• The opportunity to work independently and shape processes
• Individual learning and development plan
• Professional onboarding to help you have an ideal start with us
• Frequent feedback sessions to ensure a high quality of communication and mutual reflection
• Many free language classes
• Access to several trainings as well as specific technical courses
• We promote from within!
• Work-Life Balance
• Hybrid set-up
• 4 weeks remote work at a place of choice (after probation)
• Flexible working hours and trust based working time
• 30 vacation days and 3 additional vacation days (Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, Carnival Monday)
• Sabbatical options
• A generous pension scheme (bAV) in line with our sustainability values
• JobTicket/Deutschlandticket
• Annual bonus scheme based on performance
• Wellness Programs
• Subsidized Urban Sports Club
• Health weeks promoting healthy habits in personal and professional life