ESG Manager

The ESG Manager will serve as the central hub for all ESG and sustainability matters within FRÄNKISCHE Industrial Pipes, acting as the interface to the Group and global locations. A core mission is to build, strategically develop, and implement the global ESG strategy, including carbon footprint tracking and climate strategy. This involves translating overarching sustainability goals into concrete targets, measures, and roadmaps for FIP, and then steering and monitoring their execution. The role also entails managing global sustainability management in coordination with the Group and relevant departments. You will define, control, analyse, and evaluate sustainability KPIs on a global scale, and drive the continuous development of sustainability reporting, ensuring data and content are coordinated with subject-matter experts. A significant part of the job is overseeing customer ESG questionnaires and requests, such as SAQ, CDP, and EcoVadis, and analysing ESG requirements from customer contracts. Furthermore, you will be responsible for developing and implementing tools and processes to assess and improve sustainability performance, planning and managing certification processes and audits, and conducting training on management systems. You will also assess risks and opportunities, report to management, and coordinate necessary actions with relevant departments and sites. The role includes responsibility for the global process and document management system.

The ESG Manager will gain deep expertise in global ESG strategy development and implementation, particularly in carbon footprint management and climate strategy. You will learn how to navigate complex regulatory environments, including the EU CSRD, and how to align with frameworks like CDP, EcoVadis, and SAQ. The role offers exposure to certification processes such as ISO 14001 and possibly ISO 50001, improving your auditing and compliance skills. You will also develop proficiency in sustainability data management and reporting tools, as the company seeks to digitalise its ESG data collection. Working with global sites will broaden your understanding of cultural and operational differences, improving your cross-cultural communication and project management abilities. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to lead training sessions, which can strengthen your presentation and leadership skills. Being part of the FRÄNKISCHE #yellowfamily, you might benefit from mentorship and internal training programs, positioning you for future leadership roles in sustainability.

The ideal candidate likely holds a Master's degree in industrial engineering, quality management, sustainability management, or a related field. They should have several years of professional experience in quality management or environmental management, ideally within a manufacturing context. A strong personal interest in sustainability topics is essential, as is a self-driven and structured working style. Excellent German and English language skills, both written and spoken, are required, along with proficiency in MS Office applications. Experience with ESG reporting frameworks and standards (e.g., GRI, CSRD, CDP, EcoVadis) would be a significant advantage. The candidate should be comfortable with data analysis and have a knack for translating complex requirements into actionable plans. Soft skills such as communication, stakeholder management, and the ability to influence without authority will be important. Certifications in quality or environmental management (e.g., ISO 14001 lead auditor) could be beneficial. Given the global scope, intercultural competence and willingness to travel occasionally are valued. The candidate should also demonstrate a proactive, hands-on approach and a commitment to FRÄNKISCHE's values of responsibility and resource stewardship.

To stand out, tailor your application to highlight experience with ESG strategy and carbon footprint management, particularly in manufacturing settings. Emphasise any hands-on work with frameworks like CSRD, CDP, or EcoVadis, and quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "reduced carbon emissions by X%" or "improved EcoVadis rating"). Since the role requires German and English fluency, ensure your application materials are flawless in both languages if applicable. Demonstrate a genuine passion for sustainability by referencing FRÄNKISCHE's commitment to resource protection and how you align with their family-oriented values. In your cover letter, explain why you want to work for a family business and how you can contribute to their global ESG goals. Prepare for interviews by researching FRÄNKISCHE's sustainability initiatives and recent developments in the plastics industry. Be ready to discuss how you would handle challenges like data collection across global sites or customer ESG requests. Showing that you understand the regulatory environment and can translate it into business action will set you apart.

This role will focus on a broad range of ESG topics, with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, particularly climate strategy and carbon footprint management. You will be responsible for developing and steering FRÄNKISCHE Industrial Pipes' climate strategy, which likely includes setting science-based targets, implementing energy efficiency measures, and transitioning to renewable energy sources. Another key area is sustainability reporting: you will coordinate the collection of ESG data and ensure compliance with frameworks such as the EU CSRD and customer requirements like CDP and EcoVadis. Social aspects may include supply chain due diligence and employee training on sustainability. Governance will involve risk assessment, policy development, and integration of ESG into business processes. Given the company's plastics manufacturing focus, circular economy and resource efficiency could also be important, as customers increasingly demand sustainable materials and lifecycle assessments.

One of the main challenges will be navigating the complexity of a global organisation with 16 locations, each at different stages of sustainability maturity. You will need to align diverse stakeholders and ensure consistent data collection and reporting across all sites. Regulatory requirements are rapidly evolving, especially with the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and German supply chain due diligence laws, so keeping abreast and ensuring compliance will be demanding. Another challenge is embedding sustainability into a traditional manufacturing environment where cost pressures and operational priorities may conflict with ESG goals. You may face resistance to change or difficulty in obtaining resources for sustainability initiatives. Additionally, managing customer questionnaires like CDP and EcoVadis can be time-consuming and requires meticulous attention to detail. Balancing strategic thinking with hands-on data management will be essential. Finally, as the role has global scope, you might need to coordinate across time zones and cultures, which can be challenging but rewarding.

A typical day for the ESG Manager might start with a virtual meeting with the global sustainability team to align on current projects and data collection status. You could then spend time analysing KPI data from various sites, preparing summaries for internal reporting or customer requests such as CDP or EcoVadis. In the afternoon, you might coordinate with the quality management team on upcoming audits or certification processes, or meet with site managers to discuss the implementation of carbon reduction measures. There will also be ad-hoc requests from customers or internal departments needing ESG-related information, so flexibility and quick response are key. The role likely involves a mix of strategic planning, data analysis, and stakeholder communication, with occasional travel to global sites for audits or training.

This role offers significant growth potential within FRÄNKISCHE Group, a global family business. As ESG becomes increasingly central to corporate strategy, successful performance could lead to expanded responsibilities, such as overseeing sustainability for the entire group or taking on a director-level position. The role's high visibility with executive management and external stakeholders provides a platform to show leadership capabilities. Professionally, you can deepen your expertise in specific areas like climate science, circular economy, or social impact, potentially becoming a subject-matter expert. The company's emphasis on training and development suggests opportunities to attend external courses or certifications, such as becoming a certified sustainability professional (e.g., GRI, SASB). Lateral moves into other functions like operations, strategy, or supply chain management are also possible, given the cross-functional nature of the role. For those interested in international careers, the global scope could lead to assignments abroad or roles at other FRÄNKISCHE locations.

The ESG Manager will interact with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. Internally, key contacts include the Group sustainability team, site managers at global locations, quality management, procurement, legal, and the executive management board. You will also work closely with colleagues in HR for training and with product development to integrate sustainability into new products. Externally, you will engage with customers, particularly those in the automotive and construction sectors, who request ESG data and demand transparency. You will also liaise with auditors and certification bodies for ISO 14001, EcoVadis, and other assessments. Suppliers may be involved in supply chain sustainability initiatives. The role likely requires regular communication and coordination, balancing diverse interests and ensuring alignment with the company's ESG goals.