Q: What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The Environmental Manager is primarily responsible for the development and maintenance of the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System . This includes identifying environmental aspects, evaluating risks, and ensuring that all operational processes align with both internal quality standards and external legal requirements. You will also take the lead on environmental reporting and internal auditing . This involves modeling and analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs) to track sustainability progress, managing the legal register to ensure compliance with Austrian environmental laws, and supporting the creation of comprehensive sustainability reports for the group.

Q: Key learning opportunities for this job

In this role, you will gain deep expertise in scaling environmental management within the complex logistics of the catering and hospitality industry. Managing waste, energy, and water across rail, airline, and event services provides a unique learning curve unlike standard office-based ESG roles. Candidates can expect to build significant experience in integrated management systems , potentially expanding their knowledge into ISO 9001 (Quality) alongside ISO 14001. Exposure to external audit processes and modern sustainability reporting frameworks will also offer valuable professional development in corporate governance.

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

The ideal candidate holds a degree with a focus on Environmental Management or Sustainability and has at least one year of professional experience specifically with ISO 14001 requirements. A background in the hospitality or manufacturing sectors is highly regarded but not strictly required. Key soft skills include assertiveness and communication strength , as the role requires influencing stakeholders at different levels of the organization. Proficiency in German and English is essential, as is a willingness to travel to different DoN locations across Austria.

Q: Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, demonstrate a practical understanding of ISO 14001 by mentioning specific audits you have participated in or process optimizations you have led. Since DoN prides itself on 'Catering with Character,' highlight your ability to apply rigid environmental standards to a creative and fast-moving service environment. Prepare to discuss how you balance regulatory compliance with operational efficiency . Showing that you understand the specific environmental challenges of the gastronomy sector—such as food waste tracking and energy-intensive kitchen operations—will demonstrate that you have researched the industry beyond generic CSR concepts.

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

The role focuses heavily on process optimization and resource efficiency . By managing the ISO 14001 system, you will directly influence how the company handles waste management, water consumption, and energy use across its restaurants and catering hubs. Furthermore, there is a strong emphasis on compliance and reporting . You will be instrumental in ensuring that the group’s sustainability claims are backed by rigorous data and that the company stays ahead of evolving EU and Austrian environmental regulations.

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

One of the primary challenges will be the decentralized nature of the operations . Implementing standardized environmental protocols across diverse settings—from trains to sports stadiums—requires high adaptability and constant monitoring to maintain consistency. Additionally, you may face the challenge of cultural change within a high-pressure kitchen or service environment. Convincing busy operational staff to prioritize environmental documentation and waste separation amidst tight deadlines requires persistence and excellent interpersonal skills.

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

A typical day might begin with reviewing the legal register to ensure compliance with new environmental codes, followed by a meeting with operations managers to discuss KPI trends. You might spend the afternoon preparing documentation for an upcoming external audit or conducting a site visit to a restaurant. You will also spend time analyzing environmental data to identify potential areas for cost and carbon savings. Collaborating with the quality management team ensures that environmental goals are integrated into the overall service excellence strategy of the group.

Q: The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact daily with Operations Managers and Restaurant Leads , serving as their guide for environmental best practices. On a corporate level, you will work closely with the Quality Management team and executive leadership to align environmental goals with business strategy. Externally, you will be the main point of contact for auditors and regulatory authorities . Engaging with these stakeholders ensures that the company maintains its certifications and stays compliant with all relevant environmental and hospitality laws.

Question 1

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

Accepted Answer

The Environmental Manager is primarily responsible for the development and maintenance of the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System. This includes identifying environmental aspects, evaluating risks, and ensuring that all operational processes align with both internal quality standards and external legal requirements. You will also take the lead on environmental reporting and internal auditing. This involves modeling and analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs) to track sustainability progress, managing the legal register to ensure compliance with Austrian environmental laws, and supporting the creation of comprehensive sustainability reports for the group.

Question 2

Key learning opportunities for this job

Accepted Answer

In this role, you will gain deep expertise in scaling environmental management within the complex logistics of the catering and hospitality industry. Managing waste, energy, and water across rail, airline, and event services provides a unique learning curve unlike standard office-based ESG roles. Candidates can expect to build significant experience in integrated management systems, potentially expanding their knowledge into ISO 9001 (Quality) alongside ISO 14001. Exposure to external audit processes and modern sustainability reporting frameworks will also offer valuable professional development in corporate governance.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The ideal candidate holds a degree with a focus on Environmental Management or Sustainability and has at least one year of professional experience specifically with ISO 14001 requirements. A background in the hospitality or manufacturing sectors is highly regarded but not strictly required. Key soft skills include assertiveness and communication strength, as the role requires influencing stakeholders at different levels of the organization. Proficiency in German and English is essential, as is a willingness to travel to different DoN locations across Austria.

Question 4

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Accepted Answer

To stand out, demonstrate a practical understanding of ISO 14001 by mentioning specific audits you have participated in or process optimizations you have led. Since DoN prides itself on 'Catering with Character,' highlight your ability to apply rigid environmental standards to a creative and fast-moving service environment. Prepare to discuss how you balance regulatory compliance with operational efficiency. Showing that you understand the specific environmental challenges of the gastronomy sector—such as food waste tracking and energy-intensive kitchen operations—will demonstrate that you have researched the industry beyond generic CSR concepts.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The role focuses heavily on process optimization and resource efficiency. By managing the ISO 14001 system, you will directly influence how the company handles waste management, water consumption, and energy use across its restaurants and catering hubs. Furthermore, there is a strong emphasis on compliance and reporting. You will be instrumental in ensuring that the group’s sustainability claims are backed by rigorous data and that the company stays ahead of evolving EU and Austrian environmental regulations.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

One of the primary challenges will be the decentralized nature of the operations. Implementing standardized environmental protocols across diverse settings—from trains to sports stadiums—requires high adaptability and constant monitoring to maintain consistency. Additionally, you may face the challenge of cultural change within a high-pressure kitchen or service environment. Convincing busy operational staff to prioritize environmental documentation and waste separation amidst tight deadlines requires persistence and excellent interpersonal skills.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

A typical day might begin with reviewing the legal register to ensure compliance with new environmental codes, followed by a meeting with operations managers to discuss KPI trends. You might spend the afternoon preparing documentation for an upcoming external audit or conducting a site visit to a restaurant. You will also spend time analyzing environmental data to identify potential areas for cost and carbon savings. Collaborating with the quality management team ensures that environmental goals are integrated into the overall service excellence strategy of the group.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

As the company continues to grow internationally, there are opportunities to take on broader ESG leadership roles or oversee environmental strategies for larger geographical territories. The internal promotion culture at DoN supports those who demonstrate initiative and leadership. You may also have the opportunity to specialize as a Lead Auditor or transition into strategic sustainability planning, moving from management systems into high-level corporate social responsibility and strategy development.

Question 9

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Accepted Answer

You will interact daily with Operations Managers and Restaurant Leads, serving as their guide for environmental best practices. On a corporate level, you will work closely with the Quality Management team and executive leadership to align environmental goals with business strategy. Externally, you will be the main point of contact for auditors and regulatory authorities. Engaging with these stakeholders ensures that the company maintains its certifications and stays compliant with all relevant environmental and hospitality laws.

Environmental Manager

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