Senior Sustainability Lead

Sterling Engineering Ltd - Ireland & Europe; Munster; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Engineering Ltd is seeking a Senior Sustainability Lead to drive a comprehensive programme across the organisation, focusing on carbon management, ESG reporting, regulatory compliance, and supply chain engagement.

You will shape the climate transition strategy, lead CSRD/ESRS reporting, manage EcoVadis assessments, and partner with Finance, Operations, and suppliers to embed sustainable practices.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years' experience in corporate sustainability, ESG, or environmental management.
• Experience leading carbon transition or decarbonisation strategies.
• Strong knowledge of CSRD and ESRS reporting requirements.
• Familiarity with supplier sustainability audits and EcoVadis assessments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the organisation's sustainability programme.
• Drive climate transition strategy and ESG reporting initiatives.
• Ensure CSRD/ESRS compliance and external assurance of disclosures.
• Engage suppliers and influence senior stakeholders to embed sustainable practices.

Skills

GHG Protocol

Carbon accounting

Climate strategy

Project management

Stakeholder influence

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Degree in Environmental Science/Sustainability

Tools

Sphera GaBi

EcoVadis

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Sustainability Lead to lead the development and execution of a comprehensive sustainability programme for a leading international organisation. This is a high-impact role for a sustainability professional with extensive experience in carbon management, ESG reporting, regulatory compliance, and supply chain engagement.

Working across multiple business functions, you will drive the organisation's climate transition strategy, lead ESG reporting initiatives, and ensure compliance with evolving European sustainability regulations. You will also play a key role in engaging suppliers, influencing senior stakeholders, and embedding sustainability across the business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the annual calculation, analysis, and reporting of Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with the GHG Protocol.
• Improve the accuracy of Scope 3 emissions data by replacing assumptions with supplier-specific Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) using Sphera (GaBi) or equivalent tools.
• Develop, implement, and monitor the organisation's Climate Transition Plan.
• Lead quarterly reviews of carbon reduction initiatives and progress against targets.
• Prepare and manage the validation of near- and long-term emissions reduction targets through the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

ESG Reporting & CSRD Compliance

• Lead the organisation's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) programme.
• Develop robust, audit-ready sustainability data collection and reporting processes aligned with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS).
• Collaborate with Finance, Operations, and other internal stakeholders to support external assurance of sustainability disclosures.
• Monitor regulatory developments and ensure ongoing compliance with emerging ESG reporting requirements.

EcoVadis & Sustainability Performance

• Manage the annual EcoVadis assessment process from planning through submission.
• Gather supporting evidence, identify performance gaps, and implement improvement plans to enhance sustainability ratings.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across environmental, social, and governance performance.

Strategic Leadership

• Act as the organisation's subject matter expert on sustainability, climate strategy, ESG reporting, and EU sustainability legislation.
• Influence and engage stakeholders across all business functions to embed sustainable practices and deliver behavioural change.
• Develop executive dashboards, reports, and presentations for senior leadership and Board-level stakeholders on sustainability performance and key carbon metrics.

Responsible Sourcing & Supply Chain Sustainability

• Manage the supplier sustainability audit programme, ensuring annual audit targets are achieved through external audit partners.
• Conduct sustainability audits of local and European suppliers where required.
• Partner with suppliers to map, monitor, and reduce Scope 3 emissions across the value chain.
• Promote responsible sourcing practices and support supplier sustainability improvements.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline.

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years' experience in corporate sustainability, ESG, or environmental management.
• At least 3–5 years' experience in a senior or leadership role.
• Demonstrated success developing and implementing carbon transition or decarbonisation strategies.
• Experience preparing and managing Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) target submissions or validations.
• Strong practical knowledge of CSRD and ESRS reporting requirements.
• Experience managing and improving EcoVadis assessments.
• Experience conducting or overseeing supplier sustainability audits is advantageous.
• Familiarity with carbon accounting platforms such as Sphera (GaBi) or similar sustainability software is desirable.

Key Skills

• Strong knowledge of GHG Protocol, carbon accounting, and climate strategy.
• Excellent project management and programme delivery skills.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence senior stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and communicate complex sustainability data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to executive leadership.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a dynamic environment.
• Experience working collaboratively with suppliers and external partners to drive sustainability improvements.