Job Purpose
The Sustainable Procurement Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that all procurement activities for the project adhere to sustainability principles and practices. This role involves sourcing materials, products, and services that meet environmental and ethical standards, ensuring minimal environmental impact while supporting the overall sustainability goals of the project. The Sustainable Procurement Coordinator works closely with project teams, suppliers, and contractors to ensure sustainable procurement practices are followed throughout the project lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
Sustainable Procurement Strategy Development
- Develop and implement a sustainable procurement plan that aligns with the project’s sustainability goals.
- Define and communicate sustainable procurement criteria, including environmental impact, lifecycle costs, and social responsibility, to all relevant teams and stakeholders.
- Ensure procurement processes prioritize materials, services, and products that have minimal negative environmental impact.
Supplier and Vendor Management
- Identify and collaborate with suppliers and vendors who meet the project’s sustainability criteria, including those with certifications such as ISO 14001, FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), and similar environmental certifications.
- Engage with suppliers to ensure that they meet the project’s sustainability requirements, and encourage them to adopt sustainable practices.
- Monitor supplier performance in terms of sustainability and provide feedback for continuous improvement.
Product Selection and Materials Sourcing
- Assist in the selection of sustainable materials, ensuring they are ethically sourced, energy-efficient, and recyclable or reusable.
- Work closely with the design and construction teams to ensure that sustainable products are specified in project plans.
- Prioritize sourcing of locally available products to reduce transportation-related carbon emissions.
Procurement Compliance and Certification
- Ensure that all procurement activities comply with environmental regulations, sustainability certifications, and local laws.
- Assist in the documentation process to obtain sustainability certifications for materials and products used in the project (e.g., LEED, BREEAM).
- Ensure that all required sustainability-related documentation, including product certifications, environmental product declarations (EPD), and sustainability reports, are properly maintained.
Sustainability Reporting and Documentation
- Track and report on sustainable procurement activities, including material sourcing, supplier sustainability performance, and environmental impact.
- Maintain records of procurement activities and sustainable materials used, providing data for environmental audits and certification purposes.
- Prepare sustainability reports for internal and external stakeholders, including project owners and regulatory bodies.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
- Work closely with project teams, designers, and contractors to ensure that sustainability is integrated into procurement processes from the early stages of the project.
- Collaborate with other sustainability coordinators to ensure consistency in sustainability practices across all areas of the project.
- Engage with internal and external stakeholders to raise awareness of sustainable procurement practices and their benefits.
Continuous Improvement
- Continuously review and refine the sustainable procurement strategy, identifying opportunities for improvement and innovation.
- Stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and new technologies in sustainable procurement, and incorporate these into the project’s procurement activities.
- Promote the adoption of circular economy principles, encouraging the reuse and recycling of materials throughout the project lifecycle.
Required Qualifications
Academic Credentials
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Environmental Science, Sustainability Management, or a related field.
- Additional certifications in sustainable procurement or environmental management (e.g., ISO 20400 – Sustainable Procurement) are advantageous.
Professional Experience
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in procurement, supply chain management, or sustainability roles, preferably within construction, infrastructure, or large-scale projects.
- Experience with sustainable procurement strategies and sourcing eco-friendly materials.
- Familiarity with sustainability certifications and standards such as LEED, BREEAM, ISO 14001, and FSC.
Skills
- Strong understanding of sustainable procurement practices and materials sourcing.
- Ability to assess and prioritize suppliers based on sustainability criteria.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence suppliers and stakeholders.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple procurement activities simultaneously.
- Knowledge of environmental regulations, sustainability certifications, and ethical procurement practices.
Required Certifications and Accreditations
Sustainability and Procurement Certifications
- ISO 20400 – Sustainable Procurement certification.
- LEED Green Associate or LEED AP – Certification in sustainable building practices.
- Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) – Certification in supply chain management.
- WELL AP – Certification for promoting health and wellness in building materials.
Other Relevant Certifications
- ISO 14001 – Environmental Management Systems certification.
- Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certification – Certification for sustainable sourcing of wood and paper products.
- BREEAM Assessor – Certification for assessing sustainability, including procurement, in buildings.
Additional Duties
- Stay informed about new trends in sustainable procurement, such as circular economy models and green product innovations.
- Contribute to internal sustainability initiatives, promoting the adoption of best practices across other departments.
- Participate in industry forums and sustainability conferences to expand knowledge and network with like-minded professionals.