Lead- ESG

The Lead- ESG is responsible for the end-to-end implementation of sustainability standards across the organization. You will monitor and report on ESG key performance indicators (KPIs) while ensuring full alignment with international frameworks such as GRI, UN standards, and DJSI. A major part of the role involves the compilation of Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) data from various business units and locations. In addition to reporting, you will manage environmental compliance including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for e-waste, battery, and plastic waste. You are also tasked with developing emission control programs and conducting water and energy mapping to identify efficiency opportunities. Your goal is to ensure that operational parameters always remain within regulatory requirements while driving the company toward its long-term sustainability disclosures. Strategically, you will identify sustainability risks and develop mitigation strategies, while also leading capacity-building programs for middle and senior management. You will serve as an individual contributor reporting to the Vertical Head of EHS & ESG, ensuring that every branch and factory operates under a unified ESG manual and safe operating procedures.

Candidates in this role will gain profound expertise in the rapidly evolving Indian regulatory landscape, particularly regarding BRSR and SEBI mandates. Working within a legendary conglomerate like the Bajaj Group provides a unique window into how large-scale manufacturing integrates ESG into traditional business models. You will likely develop advanced skills in digitalizing ESG data management systems. Furthermore, you will broaden your technical knowledge in circular economy practices through the direct management of EPR for various waste streams. Exposure to supply chain sustainability will also provide experience in implementing 'green' procurement and vendor environmental assessments. The role offers a chance to master root cause analysis tools like 8D and Fault Tree Analysis within a corporate sustainability context.

The ideal candidate holds a degree or diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, or Environmental Engineering, complemented by an advanced diploma in industrial safety. We are looking for a veteran professional with 10 to 20 years of experience, ideally within the electrical, electronics, or automobile manufacturing sectors. This background ensures you speak the language of the factory floor while managing high-level compliance. Technical certifications are a significant advantage, particularly being a certified Lead Auditor for ISO 14001, 45001, or 50001. Beyond technical prowess, you should possess strong analytical skills to manage complex datasets and the communication skills necessary to influence senior leadership and government stakeholders. A proactive approach to liasioning with government offices and pollution control boards is essential.

To stand out, emphasize your hands-on experience with EPR compliance and BRSR reporting. If you have successfully led a company through a DJSI or GRI reporting cycle, make that the centerpiece of your application. Provide specific examples of how you have balanced statutory requirements with proactive sustainability initiatives, such as energy reduction or carbon footprinting. Given the manufacturing focus of Bajaj Electricals, demonstrate your understanding of the intersections between EHS and ESG. Align your cover letter with the company's commitment to 'Driving sustainable change, for a better tomorrow.' Showing that you are comfortable as an individual contributor who can still influence a large, diverse workforce will be key to a successful interview.

The role focuses heavily on environmental stewardship and regulatory transparency. You will be the primary driver for achieving sustainability disclosures required by rating agencies and the Indian government. This includes a strong emphasis on the environmental impact of products, specifically through waste management and recycling programs that fulfill the company's EPR obligations. On the social side, you will focus on stakeholder engagement and community awareness. This includes organizing sustainability training and capacity building for internal teams. Governance is also a pillar, as you will be responsible for ensuring that all ESG policies and safe operating procedures are implemented and audited regularly across the company’s expansive network of factories and offices.

The most significant challenge will be data integrity and collection across a massive network of 18 branch offices and numerous manufacturing locations. Ensuring that data from different business units is validated and ready for high-stakes digital reporting requires immense attention to detail and persistent internal follow-ups. You may also face the challenge of managing differing maturity levels regarding ESG awareness between factory workers and corporate management. Another challenge is the dynamic regulatory environment in India. Keeping pace with evolving pollution control laws, fire safety NOCs, and ever-changing EPR mandates requires constant vigilance. Balancing the need for zero accidents with the pressure of high-volume manufacturing throughput is a perpetual priority that demands a highly organized and resilient professional.

A typical day might begin with reviewing real-time emission data or waste collection reports from one of the manufacturing units. You might then transition to a meeting with the IT team to discuss the development of the digital ESG management system, ensuring that the KPIs being tracked align with BRSR requirements. Midday could involve a liasioning session with government officials regarding environmental statements or permit renewals. In the afternoon, you might switch to a more strategic mode, performing peer benchmarking research or drafting a change management strategy for a new sustainable supply chain initiative. Your day might conclude with a training session or a 'Why-Why' analysis to investigate a specific safety or environmental deviation, ensuring that root causes are addressed to prevent recurrence.

This role offers a platform to become a top-tier ESG strategist within one of India's most respected conglomerates. Success in this position could lead to broader regional or global sustainability leadership roles within the Bajaj Group. As an individual contributor with high visibility, you have the opportunity to prove the business value of ESG, potentially moving into an executive-level sustainability position. You will also build a robust professional network with regulators, ESG rating agencies, and industry peers. These connections, combined with the technical mastery of reporting frameworks and environmental engineering, make you a highly sought-after expert in the growing field of corporate ESG governance.

Your primary internal stakeholder is the Vertical Head of EHS & ESG, to whom you will provide strategic support and data-driven insights. You will also interact frequently with factory managers and business unit heads to ensure compliance and data accuracy on the ground. Collaborative work with the IT department is essential for digitizing sustainability workflows. Externally, you will be a key point of contact for Green India projects and government agencies, including State Pollution Control Boards and the Fire Department. You will also engage with vendors and suppliers to drive sustainability standards throughout the value chain, as well as ESG rating agencies who evaluate the company’s public disclosures and performance.