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Sustainability Specialist

ABB • Austria • Added on Aug 5, 2026
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As a Sustainability Specialist at ABB’s Machine Automation division, you will take the lead on translating corporate ESG strategy into local action across Austria. Your daily focus involves building a robust KPI model, coordinating data collection for group-level reporting, and acting as the central internal consultant for sustainable improvements in production, logistics, and sales.

This role is a vital bridge between high-level industrial transformation and site-specific operational excellence. By integrating human rights due diligence into supply chain management and steering building efficiency projects, you directly contribute to ABB’s goal of enabling a more resource-efficient industrial future within a sector that is critical to global energy transitions.

This suits someone who possesses a blend of technical curiosity and diplomatic finesse, comfortable navigating the complexities of electrical engineering while building consensus among interdisciplinary teams to drive meaningful environmental and social change.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

You will be the primary architect for the local implementation of ABB's sustainability strategy, ensuring that corporate goals are translated into actionable plans for buildings, processes, and products. This involves establishing a structured KPI model to track progress accurately and coordinating with various functional departments to ensure alignment with business priorities. Furthermore, you will manage ESG data integrity for group reporting and external audits. You are expected to lead internal workshops and act as a consultant for sustainability issues, while also playing a critical role in Human Rights initiatives to secure a responsible and ethical supply chain.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Working within the Machine Automation division offers a unique window into the decarbonization of industrial systems. You will gain deep expertise in how automation technology, motion control, and mechatronics can be leveraged to reduce waste and energy consumption on a massive scale. Additionally, you will refine your skills in regulatory compliance and reporting within the complex framework of the electrical engineering industry. Exposure to international committees and environmental authorities will provide a high-level understanding of the evolving global ESG landscape and industrial standards.

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

The ideal candidate holds a degree in Sustainability Management, Environmental Sciences, or Engineering. Given the technical nature of ABB's portfolio, a background that combines business information systems or mechanical engineering with a passion for ESG is highly valued. You should demonstrate strong project management skills and the ability to operate effectively in an international, interdisciplinary environment. Fluency in both German and English is essential, as is a diplomatic yet assertive communication style that allows you to drive change across different levels of the organization.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, demonstrate a clear understanding of how industrial automation acts as an enabler for sustainability. Moving beyond general ESG knowledge to show you understand the specific environmental footprint of the electrical and electronics manufacturing industry will be highly impressive. Highlight your experience in data-driven decision-making and KPI implementation. ABB values a strategic and structured approach, so showcasing a successful project where you had to align diverse stakeholder interests toward a common sustainability goal will demonstrate the 'diplomatic skills and assertiveness' they are seeking.

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

The role focuses heavily on operational sustainability and supply chain integrity. You will likely spend significant time on initiatives related to building efficiency, green logistics, and the implementation of human rights due diligence in line with evolving European regulations. There is also a strong emphasis on product and process optimization. By working with the Quality and OpEx teams, you will help identify how ABB’s own production methods can be made leaner and how their automation solutions can help customers achieve their own carbon reduction targets.

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

One of the primary challenges will be standardizing sustainability data across diverse business units and functions. Ensuring that every department provides accurate and timely information for the KPI model requires persistence and clear communication. You may also face the challenge of balancing immediate operational priorities with long-term sustainability goals. In a high-output manufacturing environment, finding the common ground where 'green' initiatives also drive 'lean' efficiency will be key to your success and internal buy-in.

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

Your day might begin with a coordination meeting with the Head of Quality & OpEx to align on strategy, followed by an analysis of the latest energy consumption data from the Eggelsberg site. You might then shift to a workshop with the Supply Chain team to review supplier audit results for human rights compliance. In the afternoon, you could be preparing a management presentation on ESG performance or corresponding with ABB Group headquarters to clarify reporting requirements. Your day often concludes with stakeholder outreach, perhaps responding to a customer query about the environmental footprint of a specific automation product.

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

As this role sits at the intersection of Quality, Excellence, and Sustainability, it offers a path toward senior leadership roles in ESG management or operational leadership within a global industrial giant. Success here provides high visibility with regional management. ABB's extensive training and development programs allow for lateral moves into strategic procurement, environmental engineering, or global sustainability policy roles. For those interested in the 'S' of ESG, there are paths to specialize in human rights and social impact within the global supply chain.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will report directly to the Head of Quality & OpEx Management and collaborate frequently with site managers and department heads across production, sales, and logistics. These internal partners are crucial for implementing process-level changes. Externally, you will interact with environmental authorities, auditors, and industry committees. You will also maintain a close working relationship with the Global Sustainability team at the ABB Group level and the Supply Chain Management team to ensure end-to-end accountability.

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