General Manager - Sustainability

Ntice Sourcing Solutions; Durban; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in the sugar industry seeks a General Manager - Sustainability based in Durban. The role involves leading sustainability strategies, advocating for policy changes, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Candidates must possess a master's degree related to sustainability, along with 8 years of relevant experience. Strong communication skills and the ability to manage stakeholder relationships are crucial. This position is fundamental for driving the sugar industry's sustainability efforts.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field required.
• 8 years of experience in sustainability or related roles.
• Ability to analyze and merge scientific information.

Responsibilities

• Lead the sustainability portfolio and strategy.
• Advocate for renewable energy policies.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Skills

Sustainability strategies

Policy advocacy

Environmental management

Technical analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Master's degree in environmental management, economics, engineering, energy studies

Job description

Job Location : Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Application Deadline : February 22, 2026

Job Description

• The South African Sugar Association (SASA) has a permanent opportunity available for the General Manager - Sustainability based at Kwa-Shukela in Mount Edgecombe, Durban.
• This role will be based in the External Affairs Division.
• SASA provides a diverse range of highly specialized services to the South African sugar industry. Our activities are funded in the main by the sugarcane growers and sugar milling companies. We provide specialist services which enhance the profitability, global competitiveness and sustainability of the industry.
• Reporting to the External Affairs Director, the position's overall objective within the External Affairs Division of SASA is to strategically lead and manage the sustainability portfolio encompassing industry product diversification, natural resources, and environmental management.
• Furthermore, this role is responsible for driving and coordinating the industry's diversification agenda while providing strategic oversight of natural resources and environmental management functions.
• This includes monitoring the legislative, regulatory, and market landscape to formulate policies, strategies, and guidelines that promote an enabling natural resources framework; enable diversification and sustainable industry practices; and support the development of new value chains and markets; as well as collaborating with key stakeholders to influence policy shifts and support the industry's transition towards diversified, resilient, and sustainable business models.

Duties

• Participate in the External Affairs Division Management meetings to discuss and present plans, priorities, and resourcing provisions to support the key Sustainability Portfolio deliverables.
• Keep abreast of policy and legislative prescripts and trends and developments pertaining to sustainability, natural resources and diversification.
• Advocate for and lead on policy advocacy related to renewable energy and green products.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve sustainability strategies using established sustainability principles, practices, and frameworks.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations while leading climate change mitigation initiatives and conducting social impact assessments. Manage and contribute to research related to diversification opportunities, environmental management, natural resource use, and other sustainability-related topics relevant to the sugar industry.
• Lead the identification, evaluation, and advancement of diversification interventions, projects and programmes that serve to support the sustainability and performance of the industry.
• Formulate recommendations, provides strategic advice and presents the industry position on sustainability and diversification.
• Build and maintain strategic stakeholder relationships to advance sustainability and diversification objectives.
• Provides strategic oversight, guidance, and support to the Sustainability Officer responsible for administrative, coordination, and secretariat functions in support of sustainability and diversification initiatives.

Requirements / Competencies

• Master's degree in environmental management, economics, engineering, energy studies or a related field of study.
• 8 years' work experience in sustainability, environmental management, energy, or related strategic roles.
• Experience in industry development will be an advantage.
• Analysis and interpretation of scientific information and the capability of working with and, merging and consolidating information from various sources.
• Resilience together with an ability to work to and meet strict deadlines.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• In possession of a driver's licence and own transport.