Sustainability Engineer

Sumitomo Electric Group

Newcastle upon Tyne

On-site

GBP 60,000 - 90,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems (Europe) Ltd is seeking a Sustainability Engineer to lead the PPWR implementation across UK and EU sites, ensuring packaging compliance, recyclability, and proper waste management. The role requires cross-functional collaboration and accountability for regulatory reporting.

You will develop roadmaps through 2030, coordinate recyclability assessments, and oversee DoCs, data reporting and audits while aligning with ESG objectives. Travel to SEWS-E sites is required.

Qualifications

Degree in engineering or environmental disciplines with relevant compliance knowledge.
Experience leading cross-functional regulatory or compliance programmes.
Knowledge of packaging regulations and sustainability reporting.
Experience coordinating stakeholders across international locations.

Responsibilities

Lead EU PPWR implementation across business units and entities.
Develop and maintain PPWR strategy and governance.
Coordinate packaging recyclability assessments and compliance roadmaps.
Manage regulatory reporting and supplier audits.
Collaborate with sustainability, engineering, purchasing and logistics.

Skills

Regulatory compliance management

Stakeholder management

Project management

Analytical reporting

Leadership without direct authority

Communication skills

Education

Degree in engineering or environmental disciplines

Job description

Description

Position at Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems (Europe) Ltd

SUMITOMO ELECTRIC WIRING SYSTEMS (EUROPE) LTD AND SUMITOMO ELECTRIC GROUP

Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems (Europe) Ltd employ in excess of 30,000 people across Europe and North Africa. Automotive engineering is our industry, and we are proud of the diverse team of world‑class engineers and support staff who work at the highest level to provide products and services to our customers. Our people are our greatest asset and respect for human resources is a fundamental principle of the Sumitomo Business Spirit.

Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. is a recognized global technology leader with over 280,000 employees working at around 415 subsidiaries and affiliates in over 40 countries worldwide.

Sustainability Engineer - Packaging, Waste and Circularity

Job Description

Type of contract: Permanent

Place of Work

Any UK or EU site

Job Duties and Responsibilities

To lead and coordinate the implementation of the EU packaging and packaging waste regulation (PPWR) across all business units and legal entities. The role will act as the central point of contract for packaging compliance, ensuring that all packaging placed on the EU market meets regulatory requirements relating to recyclability, reuse, substance restrictions, reporting obligations, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and waste management. The role holder will drive cross functional collaboration, develop implementation roadmaps, monitor compliance risks and ensure timely submission of all regulatory reporting requirements. Tasks will include but not be limited to:

PPWR Programme Leadership

Develop and maintain the company wide PPWR implementation strategy
Establish programme governance, milestones and project plans
Coordinative activities across sustainability, engineering, purchasing, logistics, finance, legal and business units
Track regulatory developments and assess impacts on company operations
Provide regular status reports and compliance updates to senior management
Lead PPWR steering committee meetings and cross functional working groups

Sustainability & circular economy

Develop and maintain the company’s PPWR compliance roadmap through 2030
Coordinate packaging recyclability assessments
Monitor progress against recyclability and recycled content targets
Support packaging reduction initiatives
Ensure alignment with corporate sustainability objectives and ESG reporting requirements
Drive programmes to improve packaging circularity and resource efficiency

Product design & engineering compliance

Coordinate packaging redesign projects to meet PPWR requirements
Ensure packaging designs achieve recyclability performance criteria
Support packaging weight reduction initiatives
Identify and eliminate non-compliant packaging formats
Coordinate implementation of reuse and refill requirements where applicable
Establish engineering review processes for packaging compliance approval

Purchasing & supply chain compliance

Develop supplier engagement and compliance programmes
Collect, review and maintain packaging Declarations of Conformity (DoCs)
Ensure availability of technical documentation supporting PPWR compliance
Coordinate supplier audits and compliance assessments
Monitor supplier performance against PPWR requirements
Establish documentation management system to maintain compliance records

HSE & quality assurance

Coordinate compliance verification programmes for regulated substances
Ensure packaging meets chemical restrictions including heavy metals, PFAS and other restricted substances
Work with quality assurance teams to establish audit procedures
Coordinate testing and verification activities where required
Support implementation of compliant waste segregation and packaging disposal processes
Maintain evidence required for regulatory inspections and audits

Finance, legal & extended producer responsibility (EPR)

Coordinate registration with relevant EU EPR schemes
Monitor EPR obligations across all operating countries
Support eco-fee budgeting and financial reporting
Coordinate packaging data reporting requirements
Work with legal teams to ensure compliance with national implementation requirements
Maintain oversight of documentation required by regulators and compliance schemes

Business unit management

Act as the primary PPWR contact for all business units
Develop standard reporting templates and compliance processes
Monitor completion of required actions across sites
Ensure submission of regulatory reporting within required deadlines
Identify and elevate non‑compliance risks to management
Support site teams during implementation and audit activities

Skills, Qualifications and Experience required

Essential

Degree in engineering, environmental science, sustainability, packaging technology, compliance or related discipline
Experience managing cross functional regulatory or compliance programmes
Knowledge of packaging regulations, sustainability reporting, or environmental compliance
Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders across international locations
Strong project management experience
Excellent analytical, reporting and presentation skills

Desirable

Detailed knowledge of EU packaging and packaging waste regulation (PPWR)
Experience with extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes
Knowledge of packaging design, recyclability assessment and circular economy principles
Experience in automotive, manufacturing, logistics or industrial sectors
Familiarity with ISO 14001, environmental management systems and sustainability frameworks

Special Conditions

Travel to SEWS-E sites as required

Key Competencies Required