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

The ideal candidate holds a degree in Environmental Engineering , Management, or a related technical-scientific field such as Chemistry or Agronomy. You should have some previous experience in sustainability or circular economy, preferably within an industrial or manufacturing environment where you dealt with physical production impacts. Proficiency in analytical tools , particularly advanced Excel, is essential for managing the KPIs and roadmap data. Familiarity with sustainability frameworks like ISO 14001 or the GHG Protocol is considered a significant advantage. Culturally, the team seeks someone who is both a technical analyst and a proactive communicator. Fluency in both Italian and English (at least B2 level) is mandatory, as you will be navigating local brewery requirements while reporting to global corporate stakeholders.

Q: Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, demonstrate your ability to handle quantitative data without losing sight of the narrative. In your application, highlight specific examples where you have managed environmental metrics or contributed to a project focused on carbon or water reduction within a corporate or industrial framework. Since this role involves the corporate affairs function , show that you understand the reputational value of sustainability. Research HEINEKEN’s 'Brew a Better World' strategy beforehand and connect your technical skills to their specific pillars, such as social impact or circularity in the Ho.Re.Ca. sector. Candidates who can show they are comfortable communicating with diverse teams—from brewery directors to marketing specialists —will be highly valued. Tailor your resume to show a balance between technical environmental knowledge and the soft skills required for stakeholder engagement.

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

This role is heavily focused on environmental stewardship and compliance . A primary focus will be the decarbonization roadmap, specifically tracking the CO2 impacts of new investments and ensuring the Italian business unit meets its portion of the global Net Zero goals. Water management is another critical pillar, particularly water balancing initiatives in water-stressed regions like Massafra. You will also spend significant time on circularity initiatives, helping the company adapt to new European regulations regarding packaging materials and waste management. Finally, the role integrates social sustainability through community engagement and brand-specific sustainability plans, ensuring that brands like Ichnusa maintain a strong, positive reputation among local stakeholders and media.

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

One of the primary challenges will be the data-heavy nature of reporting . Ensuring that KPIs from different production facilities are accurate, certified, and aligned with global standards requires extreme attention to detail and a persistent follow-up with busy operational teams. You may also face the challenge of cross-functional coordination . Sustainability initiatives often require changes in supply chain or marketing workflows; as a junior specialist, you will need to build influence across these departments to ensure the PPWR and decarbonization targets are met. Balancing global reporting requirements with local Italian needs can also be demanding. You will need to translate corporate sustainability goals into practical actions that make sense for local breweries and stakeholders, often under tight planning deadlines.

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

A typical day might start with a data review on the SNOW platform , where you check the status of CAPEX projects and update their projected CO2 savings. You might then join a cross-functional meeting to discuss the implementation of new packaging regulations with the supply chain team. In the afternoon, you could switch to a more communication-focused task, such as reviewing sustainability content for a press release or coordinating with the External Communications team on a local Ichnusa brand partnership. This variety requires high mental flexibility. Your day will likely conclude with stakeholder reporting , perhaps drafting an update for the HEINEKEN Global S&R team or refining a presentation for the management team regarding progress against the annual sustainability plan.

Q: The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will frequently interact with the Sustainability Manager , who acts as your primary mentor and supervisor within the Corporate Affairs function. Together, you will serve as the bridge between different internal departments. Key internal stakeholders include the Supply Chain and Brewery directors , with whom you will collaborate on technical projects and data collection, as well as the Marketing and Brand teams for initiatives related to Ichnusa and responsible consumption. Externally, you will engage with strategic partners , local communities, and media influencers to promote HEINEKEN's sustainability achievements. You will also have periodic contact with the Global Sustainability & Responsibility counterparts to align local data and strategies with the worldwide group.

Question 1

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

Accepted Answer

The core of this role involves supporting the Sustainability Manager in the end-to-end execution of the Brewing a Better World strategy. You will be responsible for coordinating initiatives related to the Net Zero Pathway, focusing on decarbonization and water balancing targets specifically for the Massafra brewery. Technically, you will manage the SNOW platform to monitor CAPEX and CO2 impacts for approved projects, ensuring the roadmap is reflected in annual and strategic planning. You will also oversee the flow of CSR data toward the corporate headquarters, ensuring all KPIs are certified and reliable for external reporting. On the engagement side, you will support strategic partnerships and help develop communication plans for institutional and brand-led sustainability initiatives, notably for the Ichnusa brand. This includes drafting content that connects current environmental topics with the company's local impact.

Question 2

Key learning opportunities for this job

Accepted Answer

Joining a global leader like HEINEKEN provides unparalleled exposure to large-scale industrial sustainability. You will gain deep knowledge of the GHG Protocol and decarbonization roadmaps in a manufacturing context, learning how to bridge technical engineering data with financial planning through CAPEX monitoring. Furthermore, you will develop expertise in the European regulatory landscape, specifically regarding the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). This role offers a front-row seat to how a multinational aligns its local Italian operations with global environmental mandates. Mentorship from the Sustainability Manager and interaction with the Global S&R teams will sharpen your project management and high-level reporting skills, providing a robust foundation for a career in corporate ESG leadership.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The ideal candidate holds a degree in Environmental Engineering, Management, or a related technical-scientific field such as Chemistry or Agronomy. You should have some previous experience in sustainability or circular economy, preferably within an industrial or manufacturing environment where you dealt with physical production impacts. Proficiency in analytical tools, particularly advanced Excel, is essential for managing the KPIs and roadmap data. Familiarity with sustainability frameworks like ISO 14001 or the GHG Protocol is considered a significant advantage. Culturally, the team seeks someone who is both a technical analyst and a proactive communicator. Fluency in both Italian and English (at least B2 level) is mandatory, as you will be navigating local brewery requirements while reporting to global corporate stakeholders.

Question 4

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Accepted Answer

To stand out, demonstrate your ability to handle quantitative data without losing sight of the narrative. In your application, highlight specific examples where you have managed environmental metrics or contributed to a project focused on carbon or water reduction within a corporate or industrial framework. Since this role involves the corporate affairs function, show that you understand the reputational value of sustainability. Research HEINEKEN’s 'Brew a Better World' strategy beforehand and connect your technical skills to their specific pillars, such as social impact or circularity in the Ho.Re.Ca. sector. Candidates who can show they are comfortable communicating with diverse teams—from brewery directors to marketing specialists—will be highly valued. Tailor your resume to show a balance between technical environmental knowledge and the soft skills required for stakeholder engagement.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

This role is heavily focused on environmental stewardship and compliance. A primary focus will be the decarbonization roadmap, specifically tracking the CO2 impacts of new investments and ensuring the Italian business unit meets its portion of the global Net Zero goals. Water management is another critical pillar, particularly water balancing initiatives in water-stressed regions like Massafra. You will also spend significant time on circularity initiatives, helping the company adapt to new European regulations regarding packaging materials and waste management. Finally, the role integrates social sustainability through community engagement and brand-specific sustainability plans, ensuring that brands like Ichnusa maintain a strong, positive reputation among local stakeholders and media.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

One of the primary challenges will be the data-heavy nature of reporting. Ensuring that KPIs from different production facilities are accurate, certified, and aligned with global standards requires extreme attention to detail and a persistent follow-up with busy operational teams. You may also face the challenge of cross-functional coordination. Sustainability initiatives often require changes in supply chain or marketing workflows; as a junior specialist, you will need to build influence across these departments to ensure the PPWR and decarbonization targets are met. Balancing global reporting requirements with local Italian needs can also be demanding. You will need to translate corporate sustainability goals into practical actions that make sense for local breweries and stakeholders, often under tight planning deadlines.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

A typical day might start with a data review on the SNOW platform, where you check the status of CAPEX projects and update their projected CO2 savings. You might then join a cross-functional meeting to discuss the implementation of new packaging regulations with the supply chain team. In the afternoon, you could switch to a more communication-focused task, such as reviewing sustainability content for a press release or coordinating with the External Communications team on a local Ichnusa brand partnership. This variety requires high mental flexibility. Your day will likely conclude with stakeholder reporting, perhaps drafting an update for the HEINEKEN Global S&R team or refining a presentation for the management team regarding progress against the annual sustainability plan.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Within HEINEKEN, this role serves as a launchpad into more senior ESG leadership positions. As you master the reporting cycles and project management, you could move toward a more specialized role in Climate and Biodiversity or a broad Sustainability Manager position for a different OpCo. There are also significant lateral move opportunities. The technical skills gained in decarbonization and supply chain sustainability are highly transferable to functions like Procurement, Public Affairs, or Supply Chain Management within the global HEINEKEN network. Because sustainability is a top-tier priority in the Brewing a Better World strategy, you will have high visibility among the Management Team, providing a platform to demonstrate leadership potential and strategic thinking early in your career.

Question 9

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Accepted Answer

You will frequently interact with the Sustainability Manager, who acts as your primary mentor and supervisor within the Corporate Affairs function. Together, you will serve as the bridge between different internal departments. Key internal stakeholders include the Supply Chain and Brewery directors, with whom you will collaborate on technical projects and data collection, as well as the Marketing and Brand teams for initiatives related to Ichnusa and responsible consumption. Externally, you will engage with strategic partners, local communities, and media influencers to promote HEINEKEN's sustainability achievements. You will also have periodic contact with the Global Sustainability & Responsibility counterparts to align local data and strategies with the worldwide group.

Junior Sustainability Specialist

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