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Associate Vice President, Global Sustainability

AGCO Corporation • United Kingdom • Added on Sep 21, 2026
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As the Associate Vice President for Global Sustainability, you will take the helm of AGCO’s environmental and social transformation. This is a high-level strategic position responsible for designing the global roadmap, overseeing ESG governance, and ensuring that sustainability performance is woven into the fabric of the company’s financial and operational decision-making. You will transition sustainability from a standalone corporate program into a core engine of business value.

This role matters because it directly impacts how the world is fed. By embedding smart farming solutions and circular economy principles into a multi-billion dollar machinery portfolio, you will lead the charge in reducing the agricultural sector’s carbon footprint. Your work ensures that AGCO’s growth is decoupled from environmental impact, providing farmers with the sustainable tools necessary to combat climate change and resource scarcity.

This suits someone who is a seasoned strategist with a sophisticated understanding of global ESG regulations and the ability to influence C-suite leaders within a complex, heavy-industry manufacturing environment.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission is to serve as the strategic architect for AGCO’s global sustainability framework. You will be responsible for defining the long-term vision, setting ambitious performance targets, and ensuring that these objectives are integrated across all functional areas, including manufacturing, supply chain, and product development. Beyond strategy design, you will oversee the entire ESG disclosure ecosystem, managing relationships with rating agencies and ensuring compliance with rapidly evolving international regulations. You will also lead the global sustainability team, providing the vision and mentorship necessary to execute the company's performance roadmap.

Key learning opportunities for this job

In this role, you will gain real exposure to the intersection of precision agriculture and climate technology. You will learn how to navigate the complexities of a multi-brand global enterprise, understanding the nuances of driving sustainability across different geographies and manufacturing contexts. Additionally, you will refine your expertise in board-level governance. Regular interactions with the Senior Leadership Team and the Board of Directors will sharpen your ability to translate technical environmental metrics into strategic business risks and opportunities.

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

The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with at least 15 years of progressive experience in sustainability or corporate strategy. You must possess deep technical knowledge of ESG reporting frameworks and a track record of driving large-scale change within matrixed, global organizations. Beyond technical expertise, we are looking for a persuasive communicator. The ability to influence executive decision-making and build consensus among diverse stakeholders, from factory floor managers to the Board of Directors, is essential for success in this high-impact position.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, your application should demonstrate a clear understanding of the agricultural sector’s unique challenges, such as Scope 3 emissions in the supply chain and the role of precision technology in carbon sequestration. Don't just list achievements; explain how you have previously turned sustainability into a competitive advantage. Highlight your experience with global regulatory compliance and your ability to manage high-level external stakeholders. Showing that you can navigate the tension between short-term financial performance and long-term ESG goals will mark you as a top-tier candidate.

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

The focus is heavily weighted toward operational decarbonization and the development of sustainable product value propositions. This includes looking at how AGCO’s machinery can enable farmers to practice more sustainable agriculture through precision technology and reduced resource consumption. There is also a significant emphasis on governance and transparency. You will be tasked with maturing the company's reporting mechanisms to ensure that ESG data is as strong and reliable as financial data, reflecting the growing expectations of investors and regulators.

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

One of the primary challenges will be cultural integration. Moving sustainability from a peripheral function to a core driver of customer value requires significant shift in mindset across various business units and regions. Furthermore, managing the complexity of global supply chains and manufacturing footprints while maintaining consistent ESG standards can be difficult. You will need to balance the push for aggressive environmental targets with the practical realities of heavy machinery production and global logistics.

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

A typical day involves high-level strategic consultation with regional leads and functional heads to ensure sustainability initiatives are on track. You might spend the morning reviewing ESG disclosure drafts and the afternoon presenting a risk assessment to the Governance Committee. Given the global nature of the role, your day will likely include cross-time zone collaboration. You may be advising the AGCO Foundation one hour and discussing sustainable procurement strategies with the supply chain team the next, all while preparing for up to 50% travel.

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

As a senior leader, your growth will be measured by your enterprise-wide impact. Success in this role positions you as a key architect of the company’s future, with the potential to move into broader executive leadership or corporate strategy roles. You will have the opportunity to lead high-visibility global projects that define the company's reputation for the next decade. This role offers the chance to become a recognized thought leader in the sustainable agriculture space on an international stage.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Your most critical stakeholders are the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and the Board of Directors, whom you will advise on strategy and risk. You will also work closely with functional leaders in Finance, Legal, HR, and Supply Chain to implement the sustainability roadmap. Externally, you will engage with ESG rating agencies, investors, and regulatory bodies. You will also play a key role in communicating AGCO’s sustainability progress to customers, dealers, and the farming communities that rely on the company’s technology.

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