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Sustainability Manager:in

BKW AG Switzerland Added on Aug 27, 2026
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As the strategic lead for the Power Grid business unit, you will transform the overarching corporate sustainability framework into a concrete, actionable roadmap. You will own the full cycle of impact, from defining measurable KPIs and governance structures to integrating ESG criteria directly into technical and operational decision-making processes. Your focus remains on ensuring that the grid’s expansion and maintenance align with rigorous climate and nature-positive objectives.

This role is vital because the power grid is the backbone of the energy transition; you are ensuring that the very infrastructure enabling renewable energy is itself managed responsibly. By bridging the gap between high-level group strategy and technical grid operations, you ensure that decarbonization and social responsibility are not just corporate goals but operational realities. This is a chance to influence the environmental footprint of one of Switzerland’s most critical infrastructure providers.

This suits someone who possesses a strong analytical mindset and the persuasive leadership skills to embed sustainability into engineering-heavy environments. You should be a structured strategist who enjoys navigating complex regulatory landscapes while fostering a proactive culture of change across diverse teams.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The core of this role involves developing and implementing a localized sustainability management system for the Power Grid division, specifically tailored from the broader group framework. You will be responsible for defining clear targets and measures across the pillars of people, climate, nature, and energy. Beyond strategy, you will ensure that sustainability becomes a core component of daily operations and decision-making. This includes monitoring KPIs and governance structures to maintain transparency, while also ensuring the division remains compliant with evolving international ESG regulations in collaboration with the central sustainability team.

Key learning opportunities for this job

You will gain deep expertise in applying ESG frameworks to critical infrastructure, a high-stakes sector at the center of the global energy transition. This role offers exposure to complex regulatory landscapes and the nuances of sustainability reporting within a large-scale international energy group. You will also sharpen your skills in change management and organizational design. Navigating the integration of sustainability into established technical processes provides a unique learning curve in operationalizing abstract environmental goals into tangible engineering outcomes.

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

The ideal candidate brings several years of proven experience in sustainability management, ideally within the energy or infrastructure sectors. You should hold a university degree focused on sustainability or business and possess a track record of leading cross-functional projects that require both analytical rigor and conceptual thinking. Soft skills are just as crucial; you must be a persuasive communicator capable of moderating workshops and presenting complex decision bases to executive management. Fluency in German is essential, and a good command of French is a significant advantage for navigating the Swiss market.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, demonstrate a clear understanding of how grid infrastructure relates to broader decarbonization goals. Your application should highlight specific instances where you successfully translated high-level ESG strategy into practical, measurable operational changes in a technical environment. Showcase your ability to act as a bridge-builder between corporate reporting requirements and the practical realities of project management. Since BKW emphasizes a culture of participation, emphasizing your experience in employee enablement and sustainability coaching will resonate strongly with their values.

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

This role centers on the environmental and social impact of grid operations. Key focus areas likely include the decarbonization of infrastructure projects, biodiversity management around grid sites, and ensuring energy efficiency across the division’s physical assets. Additionally, there is a strong focus on governance and transparency. You will be the point person for ensuring that the Power Grid division contributes accurately to the group's sustainability reporting, focusing on measurable progress in the 'Ambition Areas' of Climate and Nature.

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

A primary challenge will be the operational integration of ESG goals into a business unit that is traditionally focused on technical reliability and engineering precision. Balancing sustainability requirements with cost and speed in infrastructure projects requires significant diplomatic and analytical skill. You may also face the challenge of data aggregation across diverse projects to meet reporting standards. Navigating the rapidly changing landscape of ESG regulations while maintaining the momentum of internal cultural change will require resilience and a structured approach to prioritization.

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

A typical day might begin with a strategy session to refine KPIs for upcoming grid expansion projects, followed by meetings with department heads to advise on integrating ESG criteria into their workflows. You might spend time analyzing performance data to prepare a status report for the board of directors. Afternoons could be dedicated to internal workshops aimed at qualifying employees on new sustainability standards or collaborating with the central BKW sustainability team. Your day is a mix of high-level conceptual planning and active, hands-on advocacy for sustainable practices across the division.

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

Given the strategic importance of the Power Grid to BKW’s overall success, this role offers high visibility. Success here could lead to senior leadership positions within the group's central sustainability function or strategic management roles within the infrastructure division. There are also opportunities for horizontal development, such as specializing in ESG compliance or sustainable finance, as the company continues to expand its international footprint and adapt to global energy trends.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact closely with the Executive Board of Power Grid, providing them with strategic recommendations and decision bases. You will also collaborate daily with project managers, engineers, and department heads to implement sustainability measures on the ground. Externally, you will coordinate with the group-wide sustainability team to ensure alignment. You may also engage with regulatory bodies or industry partners to stay ahead of infrastructure standards and ESG compliance requirements.

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