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Apprentice Specialist Sustainability France

DKSH • France • Added on Jul 16, 2026
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This two-year apprenticeship offers a hands-on immersion into the global CSR strategy of a major chemicals distributor. You will support the deployment of sustainability initiatives across the Performance Materials unit, moving beyond theory to ensure ESG goals are met across diverse international markets. Your work focuses on the operational reality of corporate responsibility, from data consolidation to project monitoring.

Working within the chemical and performance materials sector provides a unique vantage point on the industry’s green transition. By helping formalize global strategies and tracking environmental impacts, you act as a bridge between high-level sustainability targets and local execution. This position is vital for DKSH as it navigates complex regulations and strives to deliver measurable social and environmental value through its extensive supply chain.

This suits someone who is currently pursuing a relevant Master’s degree and possesses a strong analytical mindset complemented by creative flair for internal communications. You should be comfortable with data and eager to thrive in a global corporate environment.

FAQ de l’offre

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

As an apprentice within the Performance Materials unit, your primary mission is to support the global CSR strategy. You will be responsible for the planning and implementation of projects that drive measurable environmental and social change. This includes providing operational support to ensure that sustainability initiatives are applied consistently across different business units. You will also take ownership of data collection and analysis. This involves consolidating complex ESG datasets to produce reports that inform executive decision-making. Additionally, you will be expected to monitor regulatory trends and proactively propose new initiatives that keep the company ahead of local and international compliance requirements.

Key learning opportunities for this job

This role provides a deep dive into international ESG frameworks and corporate reporting standards within the chemical sector. You will gain mastery over data analysis tools, specifically Excel and PowerPoint, while learning how to communicate sustainability progress effectively using design tools like Canva. Beyond technical skills, you will develop a strategic perspective on how a global organization aligns sustainability with commercial goals. Working in a market expansion services company offers unique exposure to diverse supply chain challenges and the chance to understand the regulatory landscapes of multiple regions simultaneously.

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

The ideal candidate is a Master 1 student specializing in sustainable development, environmental management, or business. You must already have a foundational understanding of CSR, ideally gained through a previous internship or work-study placement. Strong technical proficiency in Microsoft Excel is non-negotiable for the data-heavy aspects of the role. Soft skills are equally important; the team looks for someone with proactive autonomy and the ability to manage multiple projects at once. Since the role involves significant international coordination, a high level of written and spoken English is essential for success.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between data and storytelling. Show examples where you have translated complex information into clear, engaging content or reports. DKSH values entrepreneurship, so emphasize moments where you took the initiative to improve a process during your previous experiences. Tailor your application by researching DKSH’s current sustainability reports. Mentioning specific areas where you believe you can add value based on their Performance Materials business unit will show that you have a genuine interest in their specific industry challenges rather than just sustainability in general.

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

The role focuses heavily on environmental impact tracking and social responsibility within the supply chain. You will likely work on decarbonization efforts, waste reduction targets, and ensuring that the distributing partners adhere to the company's rigorous CSR standards. Another significant focus is transparency and reporting. You will help the company navigate the shift toward more stringent ESG disclosures, ensuring that every claim made regarding their performance materials is backed by solid, verifiable data.

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

One of the primary challenges will be the coordination of data across different markets and business units. Ensuring data accuracy and consistency from various stakeholders who may have different levels of CSR maturity can be difficult and requires persistence. You might also face the challenge of balancing local constraints with global strategy. Adapting a worldwide sustainability directive to fit the specific regulatory or cultural context of a local market in France or elsewhere requires significant diplomatic skills and professional rigor.

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

A typical day might begin with a morning spent analyzing environmental metrics in Excel to prepare for a month-end report. You might then shift to a creative task, such as designing an internal newsletter or a PowerPoint presentation to share the latest CSR results with the wider team. In the afternoon, you could find yourself in coordination meetings with international colleagues to discuss the progress of a specific social impact project. The day often ends with a period of regulatory monitoring, where you research upcoming European ESG laws and how they might impact the company's operations.

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

Given the two-year duration of this apprenticeship, there is significant room for increased responsibility as you become more familiar with the company's processes. You could move from supporting projects to managing your own workstreams. Successful apprentices at a global company like DKSH often find themselves well-positioned for Junior CSR Manager roles upon graduation. The international exposure gained here is a highly sought-after asset for careers in ESG consultancy or in-house sustainability departments.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact daily with the Global Sustainability Team and managers within the Performance Materials Business Unit. These interactions are crucial for aligning your local actions with the broader corporate vision. External interactions might include communicating with suppliers and partners regarding data collection or compliance audits. Internally, you will also engage with colleagues from HR, Communications, and Operations to drive company-wide awareness and participation in CSR initiatives.

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