Regional Enviro Audit Lead, AWS Environmental

The Regional Enviro Audit Lead is responsible for managing and evolving AWS's environmental audit program across EMEA. Key missions include leading regional audits, assessing environmental risks, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. You would develop strategic plans to address significant environmental risks, oversee the design and deployment of audit processes, and establish performance monitoring systems. Day-to-day, you might conduct internal audits of the Environmental Management System, analyse data to identify trends and gaps, and present findings to senior leadership. You would also lead training programs to embed audit skills across the organisation and drive continual improvement by implementing corrective actions and innovative approaches. Long-term, you would contribute to AWS's sustainability goals by ensuring the audit program remains effective and aligned with evolving environmental challenges and stakeholder expectations.

The role offers significant learning opportunities in environmental auditing, regulatory compliance, and risk management within a global cloud infrastructure context. You would gain deep exposure to AWS's environmental management systems and sustainability initiatives, including the Climate Pledge commitments. Working across EMEA, you would develop expertise in diverse environmental regulations and permitting requirements, improving your ability to manage complex audits. Collaboration with senior leaders and cross-functional teams could strengthen your strategic thinking, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills. Additionally, you might have access to mentorship, training programs, and the chance to contribute to innovative approaches in environmental performance, positioning you as a subject-matter expert.

The ideal candidate likely has substantial experience in environmental compliance, auditing, and program management, with a strong understanding of regulatory frameworks, waste management, and environmental impact assessments. Project management skills, including scope, schedule, and budget management, are essential, as is experience building and evaluating technical designs. Soft skills such as excellent communication, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels are essential. A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, along with a passion for sustainability, is highly valued. Fluency in French, Spanish, German, or Italian is preferred, given the regional scope. A degree in environmental science, engineering, or a related field, and certifications like ISO 14001 auditor, could be advantageous.

To stand out, tailor your application to highlight experience in environmental auditing, compliance, and program management, particularly in complex, cross-functional environments. Emphasise any work with data centres, cloud infrastructure, or large-scale operations, as well as familiarity with EMEA regulations. Demonstrate strategic thinking and stakeholder influence by providing concrete examples of audits led, risks mitigated, and improvements implemented. Show alignment with AWS's sustainability commitments, such as the Climate Pledge, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. If you speak French, Spanish, German, or Italian, make that clear. In interviews, prepare to discuss how you've navigated ambiguity, driven change without direct authority, and presented to senior leadership. Research AWS's environmental initiatives and be ready to suggest how you could improve the audit program.

This role focuses on the environmental compliance and audit aspects of AWS's sustainability strategy, particularly in the EMEA region. You would ensure that AWS data centre operations adhere to environmental regulations, manage risks related to waste, water discharge, and permits, and drive continuous improvement in environmental performance. The position directly supports Amazon's Climate Pledge commitments, including achieving 100% renewable energy by 2025 and net-zero carbon by 2040, by verifying that operations meet stringent environmental standards. You might also contribute to reducing the environmental impact of AWS's growing infrastructure through rigorous audit and risk management practices. Additionally, the role could involve engaging with stakeholders to promote transparency and best practices in environmental management, aligning with AWS's broader sustainability goals.

One of the main challenges could be navigating complex, ambiguous audit initiatives across organisational boundaries, requiring strong project management and stakeholder influence. Balancing short-term operational needs with long-term strategic environmental goals might also be demanding, especially in a fast-paced cloud infrastructure environment. Keeping the audit program relevant amidst rapidly evolving regulations and AWS's expanding global footprint could pose difficulties, as would embedding audit skills and a culture of compliance across diverse teams. Additionally, presenting to senior leadership and driving change without direct authority may require exceptional communication and consensus-building skills. The role's regional scope across EMEA, with potential travel and cultural nuances, might add layers of complexity to audit execution and stakeholder engagement.

A typical day might involve leading an internal audit of an AWS data centre's environmental management system, analysing data to identify compliance gaps, and developing corrective action plans. You could also spend time collaborating with operations leaders to integrate audit findings into operational processes, preparing reports for senior management, or delivering training to embed audit skills across the organisation. Regular interactions with the wider EMEA environmental team and stakeholders from legal, operations, and engineering would be common, as you work to align the audit program with evolving regulatory requirements and AWS's sustainability goals. The role likely involves a mix of on-site audits, virtual meetings, and desk-based analysis. Given AWS's dynamic environment, priorities can shift quickly, so flexibility and strong project management skills are essential to balance multiple audits and initiatives simultaneously.

This role could serve as a springboard for advancement within AWS's environmental or operations teams, given its high visibility and impact on long-term organisational goals. Successful performance might lead to expanded regional or global responsibilities, such as overseeing audit programs across multiple geographies. You would have opportunities to work on innovative sustainability projects, contribute to AWS's Climate Pledge, and develop expertise in cloud infrastructure environmental management. Mentorship and knowledge-sharing are part of AWS's culture, supporting career growth into senior leadership roles in sustainability, compliance, or operations. Additionally, the experience gained could be highly transferable to other tech companies or sustainability-focused organisations.

You would interact with a diverse set of stakeholders, including the AWS Environmental team across EMEA, operations leaders, and top management. Collaboration with cross-functional teams such as legal, engineering, and supply chain is essential to integrate environmental requirements into business processes. External stakeholders might include regulatory bodies, auditors, and consultants, as you ensure compliance and represent AWS's environmental commitments. You would also engage with senior leadership to present audit findings and strategic recommendations, requiring strong communication and influencing skills. The role involves building consensus and driving change across organisational boundaries, so relationship management and stakeholder engagement are critical.