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Sustainability Apprentice

Symrise AG • France • Added on Jul 8, 2026
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Joining the Global Procurement Sustainability department, you will support the team in aligning purchasing practices with environmental and social standards. You will track consumer trends, prepare sustainability reports, and create communication materials that demonstrate the integrity of the supply chain to major clients. Your work directly bridges the gap between high-level ESG strategy and the daily realities of sourcing natural raw materials.

This position is vital because it addresses the complexity of fragrance and flavor supply chains, involving thousands of natural ingredients like vanilla and citrus fruits. By helping to implement human rights risk assessments and compliance protocols, you ensure that global sourcing remains ethical as the industry shifts toward radical transparency. It is a chance to influence the footprint of products found in millions of households.

This suits someone who is pursuing a specialized degree in sustainability or engineering and seeks an international environment where they can apply analytical skills to complex supply chain challenges.

Job-FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

Within the Global Procurement Sustainability department, you will support the Vice President across multiple verticals. Your daily tasks involve monitoring sustainable sourcing activities to meet the rigorous requirements of global customers in the perfume and food industries. You will also be responsible for creating detailed presentations on consumer scouting and sustainability trends, while participating in large-scale global projects. These projects often include human rights risk assessments and ensuring compliance throughout a diverse and complex international supply chain.

Key learning opportunities for this job

This role offers a unique window into how a major chemical manufacturer integrates ESG into international procurement. You will learn the mechanics of sustainable sourcing and how to navigate global compliance standards like human rights due diligence. Furthermore, the position provides exposure to international project management and stakeholder communication. Working within an English-speaking team, you will refine your ability to translate technical sustainability data into compelling reports for corporate clients.

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

The ideal candidate is currently enrolled in a Master's program at an engineering school, business school, or university, specifically focusing on Sustainable Development or Environment. As this is a two-year apprenticeship, long-term commitment and a desire to grow within the department are essential. You must be fluent in English and possess strong analytical skills. A structured approach to complex tasks, the ability to work independently, and an agile mindset for collaborating with diverse stakeholders across different time zones are highly valued.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, highlight any experience or academic projects related to supply chain traceability or natural raw materials. Symrise relies heavily on natural ingredients, so showing an interest in the intersection of chemistry and biodiversity can be a major differentiator. In your application, demonstrate your ability to organize data and communicate it effectively. Since the role involves supporting the VP of Sustainability, showing that you are proactive and highly organized will be more persuasive than just listing general sustainability interests.

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

The role focuses heavily on the social and ethical dimensions of procurement, specifically through human rights risk assessments and compliance audits. This reflects the industry's need to ensure no exploitation occurs at the farm level for ingredients like vanilla or blossoms. There is also a strong environmental element regarding sustainable sourcing. You will likely work on projects that track the environmental footprint of ingredients and help the company meet the transparency demands of market-leading consumer goods brands.

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

The primary challenge involves the sheer complexity of the supply chain, which includes over 35,000 products sourced globally. Navigating different regional regulations and ensuring data accuracy across thousands of suppliers requires high attention to detail. Additionally, balancing administrative support with the strategic nature of global sustainability projects can be demanding. You will need to effectively prioritize tasks while working in a fast-paced corporate environment where client demands often change quickly.

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

A typical day might begin with a team meeting to discuss global sourcing updates or ongoing compliance audits. You might then spend the morning drafting a sustainability report or a presentation on emerging consumer trends in eco-friendly cosmetics. In the afternoon, you could be coordinating with procurement managers to gather data for a human rights risk assessment. Your day would likely end with updating communication toolkits used to answer specific sustainability inquiries from major international customers.

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

Performing well in this two-year apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for a career in Sustainable Procurement or ESG Compliance. Symrise is a global leader, and experience here is highly recognized throughout the fragrance and chemical industries. There are opportunities to take ownership of specific sustainability initiatives over the course of the two years. Exposure to senior leadership in the Global Procurement Sustainability department offers excellent networking and mentorship possibilities for future junior manager roles.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will report directly to the VP of Sustainability and work closely with the Global Procurement team. This ensures high visibility for your work within the department. Externally and cross-functionally, you will interact with Account Managers and client-facing teams to provide the sustainability data they need. You may also liaise with regional sourcing experts to ensure compliance standards are being met at various supply chain nodes.

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