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Chef de projets Environnement

Coopérative U • France • Added on Jul 8, 2026
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As the lead for environmental projects at one of France’s largest retail cooperatives, you will take ownership of the group’s ecological roadmap across diverse operational workstreams. This role involves orchestrating complex initiatives ranging from carbon footprint assessments to the large-scale implementation of circular economy practices. You will work within the Quality and Sustainability department to ensure that environmental commitments are translated into concrete actions across more than 1,600 stores.

This position is critical because it bridges the gap between high-level sustainability strategy and the operational realities of massive retail logistics and food distribution. By tackling food waste and optimizing waste recovery, you directly influence the resource efficiency of a decentralized cooperative model. Your work ensures that the group remains at the forefront of environmental regulatory compliance while driving innovation in climate action.

This suits someone who possesses at least five years of experience in environmental management and thrives when coordinating cross-functional teams. You should be comfortable with data-heavy reporting and possess a pragmatic approach to problem-solving in a fast-paced retail context.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission involves piloting environmental projects within the group’s CSR roadmap, specifically focusing on the Quality and Sustainability department. You will be responsible for defining project scopes, managing timelines, and ensuring the delivery of strategic environmental objectives. Key responsibilities include conducting and analyzing carbon footprint assessments and developing strategies to reduce the group's climate impact. You will also oversee circular economy initiatives, specifically focusing on waste valorization and anti-waste practices within the retail network. Furthermore, you will act as an internal consultant, providing environmental expertise to various business directions. This requires constant monitoring of environmental regulations to ensure that the cooperative's operations remain compliant and ahead of emerging legal requirements.

Key learning opportunities for this job

In this role, you will gain deep expertise in large-scale carbon accounting and the practical challenges of implementing climate strategies in a decentralized retail environment. You will learn to navigate the complexities of circular economy logistics, transforming waste streams into value-added resources for a massive cooperative network. Additionally, the position offers significant exposure to multi-stakeholder project management, allowing you to refine your ability to influence diverse internal departments. You will likely become an expert in the specific regulatory frameworks governing the French retail sector, such as the AGEC law and climate-related transparency requirements.

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

The ideal candidate holds a Master's degree in Environmental Engineering or a similar scientific field, paired with at least five years of professional experience in sustainability roles. You must have a proven track record in project management and feel comfortable using data tools like Excel or Google Sheets for complex reporting. Technical knowledge of carbon footprint methodologies is highly valued, as is experience with waste management or retail operations. Beyond technical skills, the role requires a rigorous and analytical mindset combined with the ability to communicate technical concepts to non-experts effectively.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, emphasize your ability to drive change in decentralized or cooperative environments, as the independent nature of U stores requires a persuasive rather than top-down management style. Highlight specific examples where you successfully implemented a waste reduction or carbon project from conception to measurable results. Show your proficiency with data analysis by mentioning specific tools or frameworks you have used for environmental reporting. Aligning your application with the values of proximity and local impact—core to the U brand—will demonstrate that you understand their unique cultural and organizational model.

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

The role is heavily focused on the decarbonization of the cooperative’s activities, including logistics and food retail operations. This includes refining the carbon footprint measurement process and identifying actionable leverage points to meet climate targets. Another significant focus area is resource management, particularly regarding the reduction of food waste and the optimization of waste sorting and recycling in stores. You will be instrumental in helping the company transition towards a more impact-positive business model that respects the planetary boundaries.

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

One of the main challenges is the decentralized nature of the cooperative, where you must influence independent store owners to adopt group-wide environmental standards without direct hierarchical authority. This requires exceptional diplomacy and a results-oriented approach. Another challenge lies in the technical complexity of tracking environmental data across thousands of locations. Success depends on your ability to synthesize vast amounts of information into actionable insights while navigating a rapidly changing regulatory landscape in France.

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

A typical day might begin with a coordination meeting with the Quality department to review progress on carbon assessment data collection. You could spend your afternoon drafting a strategic memo on a new waste management initiative for the logistics department. Interactions are common with functional departments like purchasing or marketing to discuss eco-design or anti-waste practices. Your day will likely involve a mix of analytical deep-dives into spreadsheets and collaborative workshops to pitch new environmental projects to internal stakeholders.

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

Within a large group like Coopérative U, there are clear paths toward Senior Sustainability Management or specialized leadership roles within the Quality and Sustainability department. You could eventually oversee larger international environmental strategies or pivot into specialized EHS management. Furthermore, the transferable skills gained in large-scale retail sustainability are highly sought after, providing opportunities to lead sustainability in other FMCG companies or consultancy firms focusing on retail transformation.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will frequently interact with the Director of Quality and Sustainability and the Head of the Environment Pole. Your success also depends on strong relationships with Logistics Managers and Store Leads who execute environmental policies on the ground. Additionally, you will engage with cross-functional teams in central purchasing, marketing, and legal departments. Externally, you might manage relationships with environmental consultants, waste management vendors, and industry associations involved in sector-wide sustainability initiatives.

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