Group Sustainability Director

Our Mission

At Puratos, we create innovative food solutions for the health and well-being of people everywhere. As the global leader in bakery, patisserie and chocolate ingredients, we help our customers to be successful with their business, by turning technologies and experiences from food cultures around the world into new opportunities. We are more than 10.000 employees in over 70 countries and a consolidated turnover of 2.2 billion euros (in 2021). Our passion for innovation, a pioneering spirit and the unique Puratos culture drive our solid growth and vision for the future This, along with our commitment to our local communities, is what makes working at Puratos so magical.

To strengthen our team in, we are looking for:

Group Sustainability Director (m/w/d)

(Groot-Bijgaarden, Belgium)

Your Mission

The Group Sustainability Director is responsible at Group level to propose and implement the Group sustainability strategy and vision. She/He is leading the Sustainability Steering Committee and supporting the Sustainability Strategic Committee (Board Level). The Group Sustainability Director influences the relevant and involved stakeholders within the group, executing the sustainability objectives. She/He is ensuring compliance and accuracy of our certifications and reporting requirements. She/He has a transversal role, mobilizing the organization across all departments, considering complex and multi-disciplinary input (operations, commercial, legal and regulatory, internal and external communication) and aligning them on the delivery of the sustainability commitments. The Group Sustainability Director has an important focus on internal & external communication towards all stakeholders. She/He will also lead and inspire the sustainability team as well as our Sustainability Champion Network.

What you will do

• Further develop and implement a comprehensive sustainability strategy for the group, aligned with corporate objectives and values
• Market / Promote / Communicate about our sustainability strategy / performance / objectives inside & outside our organization. Facilitate and enable sustainability awareness throughout the full organisation
• Support sustainability reporting, ensuring that our reporting is transparent, accurate, and in compliance with industry standards and regulations
• Collaborate with external stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, NGOs, and industry groups, to share best practices and drive sustainable innovation
• Facilitate/enable internal bottom-up sustainability initiatives
• Be our ambassador and first point of contact in front of customers with regards to sustainability
• Attend & Lead the sustainability steerco/committee & prepare presentations with relevant content (inside out and outside-in)
• Benchmarking of competition, customers and best in class companies
• Build expertise in sustainability topics (certification, standard, audits) and organize internally certifications & audits (specific certifications and customer audits)
• Be the subject matter expert when it comes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
• Contribute to and develop sustainability knowledge within the Group
• Lead, inspire and engage the sustainability team as well as our Sustainability champion network
• Be the go-to-person for any question on sustainability

What we expect from you

• Master’s degree in a relevant field such as marketing, communication, sustainability, environmental science, business, or related fields
• At least 10 years of relevant experience, with a proven track record of developing and executing sustainability strategies
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to drive change and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and with external stakeholders
• Knowledge of sustainability reporting frameworks and industry standards
• Passion for sustainability and a strong commitment to driving positive environmental and social impact through business practices

What you can expect from Puratos

You will join a fast-growing, stable family business that has become an international market leader with a corporate culture in which innovation and entrepreneurship are part of our main priorities. You will benefit from a great deal of freedom in your work, with plenty of room for initiative. At Puratos, we cultivate an inclusive global workplace, that fully embraces diversity and equal opportunities for all. We strive to reflect the richness of our customers, communities and society, accelerating our ability to innovate and deliver on our commitments.