Sr. Sustainability Officer

At Royal IHC, sustainability is embedded in our business governance and compliance framework rather than positioned as a standalone initiative. As Sr. Sustainability Officer, you translate ESG and CSRD requirements into structured, operational processes and controls across the organization.

In this role, you operationalize and coordinate the ESG Governance & Control Framework, ensuring that sustainability is consistently embedded in performance management, data structures and decision-making. The focus is on implementation, consistency and auditability - not on defining strategy, but on ensuring it is effectively executed and measurable.

You act as the central coordinator between ESG domain owners (e.g. HSE, Finance, Procurement, HR, Legal), ensuring that ESG requirements are implemented in a controlled and aligned manner. This includes establishing clear KPI definitions, reliable data structures and standardized processes that enable compliant CSRD reporting and support external assurance.

You report to the Head of QA & Security and play a key role in building a robust, auditable ESG system that aligns with regulatory expectations and supports sustainable business performance.

Your responsibilities

• Operationalize the ESG Governance & Control Framework across all layers:
  • governance & accountability
  • scope & double materiality
  • processes & controls
  • data & reporting
  • assurance & improvement
• Coordinate ESG implementation across domain owners and ensure:
  • clear ownership
  • aligned KPI definitions
  • consistent processes and controls
• Support and structure the double materiality assessment and ESG scope definition
• Define and implement ESG processes, KPI frameworks and internal controls, aligned with QMS and audit requirements
• Ensure reliable data collection, validation and dashboarding, in alignment with Finance for CSRD reporting
• Prepare and coordinate internal audits and external assurance readiness (e.g. accountant review)
• Drive continuous improvement based on:
  • KPI deviations
  • audit findings
  • management review outcomes

Profile

We are looking for a structured and implementation-driven professional with a strong environmental and governance background.

• Minimum of 5 years relevant experience in environmental management, ESG or sustainability within an industrial or technical environment

• Proven experience with ISO 14001 (implementation, maintenance or ownership of an environmental management system)

• Demonstrated experience with ESG/CSRD implementation, including translation of regulatory requirements into business processes and reporting structures

• Strong affinity with process design, KPI definition and internal control frameworks (experience within a QMS environment is a plus)

• Experience with:

• • Data management and reporting structures (e.g. KPI dashboards, alignment with Finance)
  • Cross-functional coordination in complex organizations
  • Supporting audits and assurance processes (internal and/or external)

• Personal capabilities:

• • Strong analytical and structuring skills (able to translate complex requirements into practical solutions)
  • Hands-on and implementation driven, not only advisory
  • Able to operate independently in a governance driven environment
  • Effective stakeholder management across different disciplines and organizational levels

• Language:

• • Fluent in English (Dutch preferred)