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Sustainability Lead

Koopman International B.V. • Netherlands • Added on Aug 14, 2026
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As the central figure for sustainability at a global trading hub, you will bridge the gap between high-level ESG strategy and the everyday mechanics of international commerce. You are responsible for transforming sustainability ambitions into practical, commercially viable actions across a vast assortment of consumer goods. Your work ensures that environmental considerations are not just theoretical but are deeply embedded in how the company sources, develops, and sells its products.

This role matters because it addresses the immense footprint of global wholesale. By influencing procurement and product development within a massive supply chain, you have the power to steer thousands of products toward better environmental standards. It is a rare chance to move the needle in a fast-paced commercial environment where pragmatism outweighs reporting for reporting’s sake, directly impacting the lifecycle of goods distributed worldwide.

This suits someone who possesses a grounded, results-oriented mindset and thrives in building functions from the ground up. You should be comfortable navigating complex regulations and translating them into clear, actionable advice for commercial teams.

Job-FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

You will serve as the primary architect for the company's sustainability roadmap, translating broad ambitions into concrete, operational actions. This involves advising the board on strategic direction while simultaneously working on the ground with purchasing and product development teams to improve the environmental profile of over 30,000 items. Monitoring and interpreting evolving EU legislation is a critical responsibility. You will need to turn complex regulatory requirements into simple, pragmatic guidelines that various departments can follow without disrupting the commercial flow of the business.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates will gain deep expertise in sustainable global sourcing and the complexities of managing a massive, diverse supply chain involving thousands of suppliers. You will stay at the forefront of European environmental law, learning how to implement compliance frameworks in a real-world, high-volume trading context. There is also a significant opportunity to develop change management skills. Because this is a role focused on building a new function, you will learn how to secure buy-in from diverse departments—from quality control to sales—and drive cultural shifts within an established family business.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate brings 3 to 5 years of experience in sustainability, compliance, or supply chain management, ideally within a retail or wholesale environment. You need to be highly self-sufficient and possess a 'down-to-earth' mentality that aligns with a pragmatic commercial culture. Strong communication skills in both Dutch and English are essential, as you will be the main point of contact for sustainability internally and externally. You must demonstrate a track record of being result-oriented rather than just theory-focused, showing that you understand how sustainability drives long-term business value.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, emphasize your commercial acumen. This company values pragmatism over thick reports, so provide specific examples of where you implemented sustainable changes that actually worked in a business setting without sacrificing operational efficiency. Research the specific challenges of non-food consumer goods sourcing. Demonstrating that you understand the regulatory landscape for products like toys, tools, and household items will show that you are ready to hit the ground running in their specialized market.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role focuses heavily on product environmental footprints and supply chain ethics. Given the company's vast inventory, a large portion of your work will likely involve improving material choices, packaging efficiency, and ensuring supplier adherence to evolving social and environmental standards. Additionally, you will likely tackle circularity and waste reduction. With a massive distribution center and constant product turnover, finding ways to integrate circular economy principles into the wholesale model will be a significant strategic focus.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

The most significant challenge will be integrating sustainability into a high-volume business where price and speed are traditionally dominant. You will need to balance environmental goals with commercial realities, ensuring that green initiatives remain competitive and viable. Working within a family-owned business with an established way of working means you might face initial resistance to change. Building trust and demonstrating the 'why' behind sustainability initiatives will be crucial to overcoming organizational inertia.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day involves a mix of strategic advisory and cross-functional coordination. You might start by meeting with the procurement team to discuss sustainable sourcing for a new product line, followed by a session analyzing the impact of new EU reporting regulations on current operations. In the afternoon, you could be presenting a progress update to the directors or working with the quality department in the laboratory to verify the environmental claims of a supplier. The role is highly varied, reflecting the diverse nature of the 30,000-item inventory.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

As the first dedicated Sustainability Lead in an environment that is 'still being built,' you have the unique opportunity to shape your own career path. Success in this role could lead to building out a dedicated sustainability department as the company's ESG maturity grows. Given the international nature of the firm, there is also potential for global visibility. You will be interacting with stakeholders across 24 countries, positioning you as a key leader within a major European importer.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Your primary internal stakeholders include the Board of Directors, whom you will advise on strategy, and the purchasing and product development teams who execute daily sourcing. You will also work closely with the quality and safety department to ensure environmental compliance. Externally, you will interact with global suppliers to drive improvements in the supply chain and potentially engage with retail customers who are increasingly demanding sustainable product options for their shelves.

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