Sustainability Lead-Central EMEA (F/M)

DS Smith; Sitkówka; On-site; PLN 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

DS Smith is seeking a Sustainability Lead for Central EMEA to drive the regional sustainability vision and execution, aligning with DS Smith Group strategy. You will collaborate with Sales, Marketing and Innovation to strengthen customer engagement and growth, serving as the primary contact for customer sustainability initiatives and disclosures.

You will lead strategy development, manage stakeholder relationships, and represent the company at events, with travel across the Central EMEA region.

Qualifications

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

English fluent

Communication skills

Travel willingness

Education

Degree in Sustainability/Environmental Science/Engineering/Business

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

We are DS Smith, together with International Paper, we are a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions and other fibre-based products.We believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible with the right people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change. We employ more than 60,000 colleagues in North America and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), who are experts in innovation,manufacturing, design, sales, sustainability, supply chain, and much more. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Become part of a world-leading organisation and do your best work with us! As the journey continues of bringing together the strengths of both organisations, during your candidate experience you may engage with our colleagues from International Paper! You could visit an International Paper or DS Smith site or office.