Q: What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

You will be responsible for defining and harmonizing Packaging Sustainability requirements across the global portfolio. This involves translating complex regulations like the EU's PPWR into actionable engineering standards for various manufacturing units. Beyond packaging, you will lead the creation of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and conduct detailed Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs). Your goal is to identify environmental hotspots and provide data-driven recommendations to R&D teams to improve the circularity of electrical products.

Q: Key learning opportunities for this job

This role offers deep exposure to advanced LCA methodologies and ecodesign frameworks within a heavy-industry context. You will gain expertise in navigating the rapidly evolving environment of European environmental legislation and its practical application in global manufacturing. Working within a Center of Excellence , you will also be mentored by senior sustainability engineers. This environment provides unique insights into how large-scale industrial players transition toward a circular economy model across multiple international markets.

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

The ideal candidate holds a degree in materials science, design, or engineering and brings at least two years of professional experience in packaging development. A solid technical understanding of how different materials impact environmental outcomes is essential for success in this role. Soft skills are equally important; you should be a collaborative team player capable of influencing stakeholders across different countries. An innovative mindset is required to solve the technical challenges of replacing traditional packaging with sustainable alternatives without compromising product safety.

Q: Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, demonstrate your technical proficiency in LCA software and your ability to interpret environmental data. ABB values practical examples of where you have successfully integrated sustainability into a product’s lifecycle or reduced packaging waste. Ensure your application highlights your knowledge of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) . Show that you understand how global regulatory trends impact industrial supply chains and that you are prepared to turn these compliance requirements into a competitive advantage for the company.

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

The role focuses heavily on circularity and resource efficiency . You will be at the forefront of the company’s efforts to decouple business growth from material consumption by rethinking how products are housed and transported. There is also a strong emphasis on transparency and reporting . By producing rigorous EPDs, you help the company meet its targets for product lifecycle transparency, directly supporting the broader corporate goal of enabling a low-carbon society through smart electrification.

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

A primary challenge will be harmonizing standards across diverse manufacturing units and global locations with varying local constraints. Balancing strict sustainability targets with the functional requirements of industrial packaging, such as durability and cost, requires constant negotiation. Additionally, staying ahead of rapidly changing legislation across different jurisdictions can be demanding. You must be able to synthesize complex legal updates into clear, technical guidance for R&D and procurement teams who may not be sustainability experts themselves.

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

A typical day involves a mix of analytical tasks and cross-functional meetings . You might spend your morning running LCA simulations for a new circuit breaker packaging design and your afternoon in a video call with a supplier in Germany to discuss sustainable material alternatives. You will also coordinate with local sustainability leads at manufacturing units to monitor the progress of pilot projects . The role requires shifting between high-level strategic planning and the detailed technical documentation needed for regulatory compliance.

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

Success in this role could lead to senior leadership positions within the Center of Excellence or global sustainability management roles. As ABB continues to integrate ESG into its core business, specialists with technical LCA expertise are increasingly positioned for high-visibility strategic functions. There are also opportunities for lateral moves into R&D leadership or Supply Chain management. The cross-functional nature of the work ensures you build a broad internal network, making you a strong candidate for various expert roles within the global organization.

Q: The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact extensively with the Global R&D and Engineering teams to embed sustainability into the design phase. Collaborating with the Center of Excellence Leader will be essential for strategic alignment and reporting on division-wide KPIs. Externally, you will engage with packaging suppliers and regulatory committees to stay informed on industry trends. Internally, you will also support Manufacturing Unit managers and Procurement specialists to ensure that sustainable designs are both feasible to produce and commercially viable.

Question 1

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

Accepted Answer

You will be responsible for defining and harmonizing Packaging Sustainability requirements across the global portfolio. This involves translating complex regulations like the EU's PPWR into actionable engineering standards for various manufacturing units. Beyond packaging, you will lead the creation of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and conduct detailed Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs). Your goal is to identify environmental hotspots and provide data-driven recommendations to R&D teams to improve the circularity of electrical products.

Question 2

Key learning opportunities for this job

Accepted Answer

This role offers deep exposure to advanced LCA methodologies and ecodesign frameworks within a heavy-industry context. You will gain expertise in navigating the rapidly evolving environment of European environmental legislation and its practical application in global manufacturing. Working within a Center of Excellence, you will also be mentored by senior sustainability engineers. This environment provides unique insights into how large-scale industrial players transition toward a circular economy model across multiple international markets.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The ideal candidate holds a degree in materials science, design, or engineering and brings at least two years of professional experience in packaging development. A solid technical understanding of how different materials impact environmental outcomes is essential for success in this role. Soft skills are equally important; you should be a collaborative team player capable of influencing stakeholders across different countries. An innovative mindset is required to solve the technical challenges of replacing traditional packaging with sustainable alternatives without compromising product safety.

Question 4

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Accepted Answer

To stand out, demonstrate your technical proficiency in LCA software and your ability to interpret environmental data. ABB values practical examples of where you have successfully integrated sustainability into a product’s lifecycle or reduced packaging waste. Ensure your application highlights your knowledge of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Show that you understand how global regulatory trends impact industrial supply chains and that you are prepared to turn these compliance requirements into a competitive advantage for the company.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The role focuses heavily on circularity and resource efficiency. You will be at the forefront of the company’s efforts to decouple business growth from material consumption by rethinking how products are housed and transported. There is also a strong emphasis on transparency and reporting. By producing rigorous EPDs, you help the company meet its targets for product lifecycle transparency, directly supporting the broader corporate goal of enabling a low-carbon society through smart electrification.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

A primary challenge will be harmonizing standards across diverse manufacturing units and global locations with varying local constraints. Balancing strict sustainability targets with the functional requirements of industrial packaging, such as durability and cost, requires constant negotiation. Additionally, staying ahead of rapidly changing legislation across different jurisdictions can be demanding. You must be able to synthesize complex legal updates into clear, technical guidance for R&D and procurement teams who may not be sustainability experts themselves.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

A typical day involves a mix of analytical tasks and cross-functional meetings. You might spend your morning running LCA simulations for a new circuit breaker packaging design and your afternoon in a video call with a supplier in Germany to discuss sustainable material alternatives. You will also coordinate with local sustainability leads at manufacturing units to monitor the progress of pilot projects. The role requires shifting between high-level strategic planning and the detailed technical documentation needed for regulatory compliance.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Success in this role could lead to senior leadership positions within the Center of Excellence or global sustainability management roles. As ABB continues to integrate ESG into its core business, specialists with technical LCA expertise are increasingly positioned for high-visibility strategic functions. There are also opportunities for lateral moves into R&D leadership or Supply Chain management. The cross-functional nature of the work ensures you build a broad internal network, making you a strong candidate for various expert roles within the global organization.

Question 9

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Accepted Answer

You will interact extensively with the Global R&D and Engineering teams to embed sustainability into the design phase. Collaborating with the Center of Excellence Leader will be essential for strategic alignment and reporting on division-wide KPIs. Externally, you will engage with packaging suppliers and regulatory committees to stay informed on industry trends. Internally, you will also support Manufacturing Unit managers and Procurement specialists to ensure that sustainable designs are both feasible to produce and commercially viable.

Packaging & Product Sustainability Specialist

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

Key learning opportunities for this job

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

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

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

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

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

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

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

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