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Sustainability Project Specialist

Lely • Netherlands • Added on Jul 20, 2026
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As a Sustainability Project Specialist, you will act as the internal engine for change, moving from high-level strategy to concrete operational improvements. You will lead diverse projects across circularity, waste management, and mobility, while acting as a dedicated advisor to procurement and R&D teams. Your primary objective is to embed sustainable thinking into the daily routines of every department, ensuring that environmental goals are not just corporate targets but active workstreams.

This role is vital because Lely sits at the intersection of high-tech robotics and global food production. By optimizing factory waste and fostering circular manufacturing for dairy robots, you directly influence the footprint of modern agriculture. It is a rare opportunity to drive decarbonization within a large-scale family business that maintains a long-term, impact-first perspective on planetary health and animal welfare.

This suits someone who is a proactive connector with several years of experience in project management and a natural ability to translate complex ESG frameworks into actionable team tasks.

Preguntas frecuentes

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

As a Sustainability Project Specialist, you will steer the implementation of the sustainability program by translating high-level ambitions into practical, departmental work plans. You will take charge of leading cross-functional projects in areas such as circularity, waste management, and energy efficiency, ensuring that every shift in policy leads to a measurable operational improvement. Beyond project management, a significant portion of your role involves building an internal ESG culture and community. You will facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions, identify sustainability ambassadors, and work closely with HR to deliver tailored training programs that empower employees to take full ownership of their specific environmental and social goals.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Working at Lely offers deep exposure to the intersection of high-tech robotics and agricultural sustainability. You will gain a masterclass in how circularity principles are applied within a complex manufacturing environment, learning how to manage life-cycle assessments and sustainable procurement strategies for sophisticated hardware. Furthermore, because you work closely with the Lely Academy, you will have the chance to refine your change management and educational skills. Developing and delivering tailored workshops for different functions like R&D and Commercial will enhance your ability to lead organizational transformation at a global scale.

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

The ideal candidate brings at least three years of experience in sustainability project management, specifically within a manufacturing or industrial context. You should possess a relevant degree and a deep understanding of circularity and waste management frameworks. Since this is an international environment, excellent English communication is required, while Dutch is a distinct advantage. Soft skills are paramount for this position. We are looking for a natural connector and influencer who can listen to the needs of different departments and translate them into relevant sustainability actions. A proactive, results-oriented mindset is essential to navigate the complexities of a large, diverse organization.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, move beyond general sustainability passion and demonstrate your hands-on project management track record. Highlight specific instances where you successfully integrated circularity or carbon reduction into a business process that was previously traditional or resistant to change. Since Lely is an innovation-driven family business, your application should reflect an alignment with their long-term thinking and farmer-centric mission. Show that you understand the unique challenges of the agricultural sector and how technical innovation in robotics can be a lever for planetary health.

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

The role focuses heavily on optimizing the internal footprint and the product lifecycle. This includes managing waste and energy within the state-of-the-art Lely Campus, as well as driving circularity initiatives that influence how robots are designed, produced, and eventually decommissioned or refurbished. There is also a strong emphasis on the social and cultural aspect of ESG. You will be instrumental in ensuring that the 'Sustainable Farm Model' is supported by a workforce that is fully trained and engaged with the company's 2050 food challenge goals.

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

One of the primary hurdles will be breaking down silos in a large organization with diverse functions. Convincing busy teams in procurement or production to prioritize sustainability alongside their existing performance KPIs requires high levels of diplomacy and persistence. Additionally, you may face the challenge of translating complex legislation into simple, actionable steps for non-experts. Keeping up with the rapidly evolving ESG regulatory landscape while maintaining a focus on hands-on project execution requires significant mental agility and prioritization skills.

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

A typical day might start with a cross-functional meeting with the Procurement team to discuss sustainable sourcing criteria for new robotic components. By mid-morning, you could be drafting an update for the internal newsletter or preparing a dashboard to track waste reduction progress across the Maassluis campus. Your afternoon might involve facilitating an ESG workshop for R&D engineers to brainstorm circular design improvements. The day often concludes with a strategic check-in with the Head of Sustainability to ensure that project timelines are aligned with the broader Public Affairs and ESG reporting cycles.

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

This role offers a clear path toward strategic sustainability leadership. By managing high-visibility projects that touch every part of the business, you will build a profile as an expert who understands both the technical and operational sides of the company. There are also opportunities for lateral growth into specialized areas like sustainable supply chain management or corporate reporting. Given the international nature of the business, you will have the platform to influence sustainability practices across fifty countries, providing a global perspective on your career development.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will be a central node in the organization, reporting to the Head of Sustainability & Public Affairs. You will work side-by-side with specialists in data and farm models to ensure your projects are grounded in solid metrics and agricultural reality. Externally and internally, your connections will span from Global Procurement and HR to R&D and Commercial teams. You will also collaborate with Corporate Communications to ensure that Lely’s sustainability progress is shared transparently and effectively with both employees and the wider world.

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