Sustainability Lead-Central EMEA (F/M)

DS Smith Europe; Kielce; On-site; PLN 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

DS Smith Europe is seeking a Sustainability Lead for the Central EMEA region to drive the regional sustainability vision and action plan. You will collaborate with Sales, Marketing and Innovation to strengthen customer engagement and support growth, serving as the go‑to expert for disclosures and external stakeholder engagement.

You will lead strategy development, build customer partnerships and support RFIs, tenders and contracts while delivering internal training and representing DS Smith at

Qualifications

• Degree in Sustainability, Environmental Science, Engineering, Business or related field.
• Several years of experience in sustainability, ESG or related areas.
• Strong understanding of sustainability topics including circular economy, carbon reduction and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Fluent English.
• Willingness to travel across the Central EMEA region.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of the sustainability strategy and roadmap for the Central EMEA sub-region.
• Act as the regional sustainability expert, supporting customer collaborations, disclosures, and sustainability-related projects.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with strategic customers, supporting sustainability discussions, workshops, and engagement sessions.
• Partner with Sales, Marketing and Innovation teams to identify opportunities that strengthen customer value propositions and business growth.
• Support sustainability-related RFIs, tenders, customer presentations, and contract reviews.
• Deliver sustainability training sessions for internal stakeholders and increase sustainability awareness across the organization.
• Represent DS Smith at conferences, trade fairs, industry events, and customer meetings, including presenting as a speaker when applicable.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders, industry organizations, NGOs, and other sustainability partners.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Fluent English

Sustainability knowledge

Presentation skills

Analytical mindset

Self-driven attitude

Education

Degree in Sustainability, Environmental Science, Engineering, Business or related field

Job description

About the role

As a Sustainability Lead for Central EMEA, you will drive the development and execution of our regional sustainability vision and action plan, aligned with DS Smith Group sustainability strategy. You will work closely with Sales, Marketing and Innovation teams, as well as other key stakeholders, to strengthen customer engagement, support commercial growth, and position DS Smith as a trusted sustainability partner across the region. The role serves as the key point of contact for customer sustainability initiatives, disclosures, and external stakeholder engagement.

Your Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and implementation of the sustainability strategy and roadmap for the Central EMEA sub-region
• Act as the regional sustainability expert, supporting customer collaborations, disclosures, and sustainability-related projects
• Build and maintain strong relationships with strategic customers, supporting sustainability discussions, workshops, and engagement sessions
• Partner with Sales, Marketing and Innovation teams to identify opportunities that strengthen customer value propositions and business growth
• Support sustainability-related RFIs, tenders, customer presentations, and contract reviews
• Deliver sustainability training sessions for internal stakeholders and increase sustainability awareness across the organization
• Represent DS Smith at conferences, trade fairs, industry events, and customer meetings, including presenting as a speaker when applicable
• Collaborate with external stakeholders, industry organizations, NGOs, and other sustainability partners

Our Requirements:

• Degree in Sustainability, Environmental Science, Engineering, Business or related field
• Several years of experience in sustainability, ESG or related areas
• Strong understanding of sustainability topics including circular economy, carbon reduction and regulatory requirements
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Fluent English
• Willingness to travel across the Central EMEA region

Nice to have:

• Matrix organisation experience
• Analytical mindset
• Presentation skills
• Self-driven attitude

What We Offer:

• A strategic regional role with a direct impact on our sustainability journey and customer partnerships
• Opportunity to shape and implement sustainability initiatives across multiple countries
• Close collaboration with international teams and key business stakeholders
• Exposure to global sustainability projects, industry events, and customer engagement activities
• Professional development opportunities within a leading international organization
• Position located near one of our operational sites to maintain close collaboration with local teams
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• A supportive and collaborative working environment focused on innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement