Destination Steward Europe

Iberostar Group; Santa Cruz de Tenerife; Hybrid; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

Wellness activities

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Iberostar Group is seeking a Destination Steward Europe to coordinate sustainability efforts across Europe’s destinations from our Palma de Mallorca HQ. You will lead a regional team, engage with local governments and associations, and drive joint initiatives aligned with Iberostar’s Agenda 2030 goals.

The role demands strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a proactive, collaborative approach to solve complex sustainability challenges in the region.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a sustainability/institutional relations role, preferably in the Mediterranean.
• Proven leadership, mentoring and team management experience.
• Experience working with local governments and public bodies to influence policies.
• Proven experience in creating/managing public‑private partnerships and sustainability initiatives.
• Previous involvement in Mediterranean tourism projects and institutional relations.
• Strong understanding of local environmental policies and community dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and lead a regional team of destination stewards (Spain: Mallorca, Ibiza, Andalucía, Canarias; Greece, Portugal, Montenegro).
• Define regional priorities with WoC and other departments and develop annual plans.
• Act as primary liaison for regional Destination Stewards, ensuring alignment with Operations and other departments.
• Represent Iberostar in prioritizing local associations, tourism boards, and sustainability orgs.
• Lead multi‑sector initiatives to promote sustainable tourism and address issues like over‑tourism and waste management.
• Collaborate across the company to tailor sustainability objectives to regional needs and priorities.
• Build relationships with local governments, NGOs, businesses and communities to foster partnerships.
• Engage with local authorities to influence policy for sustainable regional development.
• Work with communities to ensure their needs are integrated into decision‑making and solutions.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic planning

Sustainability

Public‑private partnerships

Education

Bachelor degree in economics, humanities, environmental sciences, or related field

Master’s degree in sustainability or related area

Job description

At Iberostar Group we are looking for a Destination Steward Europe (Sustainability Alliances Responsible) for Europe’s destinations, to join our Iberostar Sustainability Office based in our headquarters in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. But before knowing more about the position, we think it's important that you learn a little about us:

• We are a 100% family-owned company with 70 years of experience in the tourism sector. Today, we welcome millions of travelers with the promise of creating happy vacations and memorable experiences, with a value proposition based on quality and the customer and employee experience.
• We operate in more than 100 establishments spread across 35 destinations in 13 countries around the world, located in privileged beachfront locations.
• We are part of a family of more than 35,000 people of 95 nationalities, sharing the same values: Responsibility, Transparency, Humility, Passion, and Creativity.
• We work to create a place where people can thrive: we take care of the people who are part of the Iberostar family, promoting their growth, attending to their well‐being, and promoting equity as the basis for our decisions.
• Our Iberostar Wave of Change movement is our roadmap for driving our purpose of leading a model of responsible tourism.

If this sounds interesting to you... maybe this is your place! Your Mission: This role is integral in ensuring that Iberostar’s sustainability objectives align with the local needs and priorities of the different regions in Europe where Iberostar is located, while actively engaging with local associations and organizations to address pressing tourism challenges. The Destination Steward will not only act as a bridge between Iberostar and the destination but will also be a proactive leader in the region. The role requires deep engagement with public and private stakeholders to create sustainable solutions, represent Iberostar’s interests in regional tourism discussions, and advocate for policies that support both the local community and Iberostar's Agenda 2030 goals. What will your day‑to‑day work be like? Reporting to the Destination Stewardship Director, your main responsibilities will be:

• Manage, supervise, and provide strategic direction to the team of destination‑specific Destination Stewards within the assigned region (Spain: Mallorca, Ibiza, Andalucía, Canarias; Greece, Portugal and Montenegro), ensuring operational alignment and leadership across all locations.
• Define, in coordination with WoC, Operations and other departments, the priorities of each of the regions and create a year by year action plan with them.
• As the representative of Destination Stewardship in Mallorca’s headquarters, act as the primary liaison and unifying force between regional Destination Stewards, Operations, and other key company departments to ensure seamless alignment and integrated management of all regional sustainability objectives.
• Act as Iberostar’s representative in prioritizing local associations, tourism boards, or sustainability‑focused organizations in the different regions, advocating for solutions that address the region’s current tourism and environmental challenges.
• Lead and collaborate on multi‑sector initiatives and movements to promote sustainable tourism, addressing local issues like over‑tourism, ecosystem degradation, and waste management. Facilitate Iberostar’s involvement in public‑private partnerships that drive regional sustainability efforts.
• Collaborate with other areas of the company to create the conditions to ensure Iberostar's sustainability objectives, including waste management, water usage, and ecosystem regeneration, are tailored to the specific needs of the regions and aligned with the previously identified priorities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, such as local governments, NGOs, businesses, and communities to foster partnerships that contribute to the region’s long‑term sustainability.
• Actively participate in and influence discussions and policymaking related to tourism and sustainability, aligning with local authorities to ensure policies support sustainable development in the region.
• Work closely with local communities to ensure that their needs and challenges are considered in all decision‑making processes, promoting inclusive and community‑based solutions for sustainable tourism.

The successful candidate for this position has to bring excellent leadership capabilities to coordinate actions with local destination stewards. Proactive in obtaining results and innovative in solving problems. Empathic listening ability. Ability to anticipate challenges and propose innovative, practical solutions to complex sustainability issues in the region. Strong interpersonal skills to build lasting partnerships with local communities, governments, and private‑public sector stakeholders.

Studies / Academic qualifications:

• Degree in economics, humanities, environmental sciences, or a related field.
• Master’s degree in sustainability or a related area is an advantage.

Experience / Background / Knowledge:

• At least 5 years of experience in a similar role with a focus on sustainability and institutional relations, preferably in the Mediterranean region.
• Proven leadership experience, including a demonstrated track record of successfully managing, mentoring, and leading professional teams.
• Experience working with local governments and public bodies to influence policies that align with sustainable tourism and community growth.
• Proven experience in creating and managing public‑private partnerships and sustainability initiatives.
• Prior involvement in tourism sector projects and institutional relations in the Mediterranean area
• Strong understanding of local environmental policies, tourism issues, and community dynamics.

Languages:

• Fluent in Spanish, English, and Catalan.
• Portuguese, greek and/or montenegrin is a plus.

Availability to travel: to the different Europe destinations where we're operating.

Skills and competencies:

• Deep understanding of the Baleares Islands', Spanish and Mediterranean environmental, tourism, and social-political context.
• Proven ability to lead sustainability initiatives and drive collaboration among various stakeholders in the tourism sector.
• Ability to anticipate challenges and propose innovative, practical solutions to complex sustainability issues in the region.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build lasting partnerships with local communities, governments, and private sector stakeholders.
• Capability to create long‑term strategies that balance Iberostar’s goals with regional sustainability needs with a strong focus on creating sustainable solutions.
• Capability to effectively collaborate with individuals from diverse cultural, geographical, and professional backgrounds. Shows respect for different perspectives, foster inclusive communication, and adapts to varying work styles.
• A well‑connected individual who can navigate and influence local associations, and who has a deep understanding of the socio‑political landscape.
• Passionate about creating a positive impact through sustainability, with a collaborative and innovative mindset.

Our Proposal for you

We offer you the opportunity to be part of a great company in a constant sustainable growth and develop your career with us and enjoy:

• Permanent contract, full‑time, with a hybrid‑working model
• Variety of opportunities and projects that will allow you to develop your potential and grow professionally every day.
• Work in an inspiring environment that is committed to people, values and a responsible tourism model
• You will be part of our Iberostar Vitality community, with access to a multitude of wellness activities.

What are you waiting for to join our team? We are looking forward to meeting you