Assistant Manager, Sustainability Operation

Apical; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Apical is hiring an Assistant Manager to support Sustainability Operations, reporting to the Senior Manager or Manager. The role involves coordinating with certification bodies to secure RSPO, ISCC, INS, GMP+ and related certifications across business units and trading offices, while ensuring compliance with ISPO, RSPO, ISCC and other standards.

The candidate will lead audits, assist in NDPE verification, data consolidation, and annual sustainability reporting, and engage with customers,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field.
• 5–8 years of relevant sustainability experience (certification, auditing, or supply chain) preferred.
• Auditor or Lead Auditor training/certification is advantageous.
• Proficient in English and Bahasa Malaysia/Indo; Mandarin a plus.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with certification bodies to obtain and maintain certifications (RSPO, ISCC, INS, GMP+, GGL).
• Ensure palm oil supply chain meets sustainability standards (ISPO, ISCC, RSPO).
• Lead internal and external verification and audit activities, including data verification for NDPE commitments, traceability, and deforestation-free requirements.
• Conduct internal audits to monitor compliance and identify improvements.
• Support refinery/mill teams in meeting certification requirements.
• Gather, consolidate and analyze sustainability data for reporting and stakeholder requests.
• Engage with customers, suppliers, bankers, consultants, and standard bodies on sustainability matters.
• Manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Skills

Sustainability management

Auditing & verification

Stakeholder engagement

Data analysis

Report writing

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Forestry, Sustainability, Social Sciences

Job description

At Apical, Sustainability is integral to our business in ensuring sustainable growth, and in line with Apical2030, we seek to hire an Assistant Manager to assist the Senior Manager or Manager of Sustainability Operations in achieving our sustainability commitments. This person will be reporting to immediate superior, and entrusted with the following tasks and responsibilities:

Job Description:

• Coordinate with certification bodies to obtain and maintain certifications (RSPO, ISCC, INS, GMP+, GGL) across the company's business units and trading offices.
• Ensure the company's palm oil supply chain complies with the industry sustainability standards (ISPO, ISCC, RSPO etc.).
• Lead internal and external verification and audit activities, including sustainability data verification related to NDPE commitments, traceability and deforestation free requirements and others.
• Conduct internal audit or assessment to monitor compliance and identify improvements required to meet various sustainability standards throughout the company's palm oil supply chain.
• Support other teams at refinery or mills in meeting certification requirements when required.
• Support the collection, consolidation and analysis of sustainability data to monitor performance and impacts, contribute to annual sustainability reporting, and respond to stakeholder information requests.
• Engage with external stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, bankers, consultants, and standard organization bodies on sustainability related matters;
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Forestry, Sustainability, Social Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 to 8 years of relevant experience in sustainability, certification, auditing, verification, compliance, or supply chain sustainability management, preferably within the palm oil industry.
• Strong understanding of the palm oil supply chain, including environmental and social sustainability issues, biodiversity conservation, High Conservation Value (HCV), High Carbon Stock (HCS), traceability, and responsible sourcing practices.
• Good knowledge of sustainability certification and verification standards, including RSPO, ISCC, ISPO, MSPO, GMP+, and other relevant industry frameworks.
• Auditor or Lead Auditor training/certification in ISO, RSPO, MSPO, ISPO, or equivalent standards is preferred. Hands-on experience in audits, assessments, certification processes, or verification activities is essential.
• Experience in sustainability data management, analysis, verification, and reporting, with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent report writing, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate technical information into clear and concise communications.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, certification bodies, suppliers, customers, consultants, and external organizations.
• Proficient in English and Bahasa Malaysia and/or Bahasa Indonesia, both written and spoken. Proficiency in Mandarin would be an added advantage.
• Self-motivated, well-organized, and able to manage multiple priorities independently while working effectively in a team environment.
• Willingness to travel regularly to mills, refineries, plantations, and other operational sites, including remote locations.