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Sustainability Manager - Climate and Nature

Holcim Australia • Australia • Added on Aug 14, 2026
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This senior position bridges the gap between high-level corporate governance and operational reality by owning the implementation of climate and nature strategies across Australia and New Zealand. You will manage the transition of complex sustainability targets into practical site-level projects while streamlining the auditable data systems required for precise reporting. It is a dual-track role focused on both rigorous compliance and tangible environmental action.

The role is critical because Holcim is a leader in a hard-to-abate sector where decarbonization and biodiversity are not just checkboxes but essential to the company’s survival and growth. By leading the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting campaigns and nature-based risk frameworks, you directly influence how one of the world’s largest construction material suppliers mitigates its environmental footprint in the Pacific region.

This suits someone who is a framework specialist and a master collaborator, capable of translating technical ESG requirements into functional tools for site managers and global executives alike.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The core of this role involves operationalizing climate and nature strategies across a vast network of sites. You will be responsible for translating high-level sustainability goals into concrete transition projects, ensuring that biodiversity, water stewardship, and carbon reduction initiatives are implemented effectively at the operational level. Beyond project management, you will lead mandatory sustainability reporting, including the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) campaigns. This involves establishing auditable data collection systems and embedding climate-related risks into the broader enterprise risk management framework to ensure full transparency and compliance.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates can expect to gain deep expertise in transitioning heavy industry toward net-zero. Working within a global organization like Holcim provides exposure to sophisticated European-based sustainability frameworks and global best practices that are currently setting the pace for the construction materials sector. You will also sharpen your skills in advanced carbon accounting and nature-related disclosure. Navigating the complexities of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions in a resource-intensive industry offers a unique learning curve that few other sectors can provide, especially concerning NGER compliance and biodiversity metrics.

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

The ideal candidate is a blend of a strategic thinker and a data-savvy analyst. You should hold a degree in environmental science, engineering, or sustainability and possess a proven track record in carbon accounting and sustainability disclosure frameworks. The ability to handle complex datasets is just as important as the ability to interpret them for different audiences. Strong soft skills are essential, as you must be a master collaborator. You need the professional maturity to engage with global executives in Switzerland while remaining relatable and practical when working with site-level operators across Australia and New Zealand to implement new processes.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, demonstrate your ability to translate complex data into actionable insights. Holcim isn't just looking for someone to report numbers, but for a professional who understands how those numbers impact the bottom line and the environment. Highlight specific instances where you have improved data collection efficiency or managed cross-functional environmental projects. Align your application with their Top Employer 2026 culture by showcasing a proactive, problem-solving mindset. Mentioning familiarity with the specific challenges of the building materials industry, such as low-carbon concrete or circular construction, will show that you have done your homework on their specific market position.

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

The role focuses heavily on decarbonization and nature restoration. Given Holcim's industry, the primary focus is on reducing the carbon intensity of building materials and ensuring that extraction sites are managed with high biodiversity and water stewardship standards. There is also a significant governance and transparency component. By integrating climate and nature risks into the Enterprise Risk Management process, the role ensures that sustainability is not a standalone department but a core pillar of the company's financial and operational risk strategy.

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

One of the primary challenges is bridging the gap between corporate ambition and operational reality. Translating global ESG targets into something that makes sense for a site manager at a concrete plant requires high levels of diplomacy and practical problem-solving. Additionally, the evolving regulatory landscape in Australia regarding greenhouse gas reporting and nature disclosures means the candidate must stay constantly updated. Maintaining data integrity across hundreds of sites while meeting strict audit requirements can be a high-pressure task during reporting cycles.

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

A typical day might begin with a coordination meeting with the European global sustainability team to align on reporting standards, followed by a session with a site manager to troubleshoot data capture for carbon emissions. You might spend the afternoon analyzing biodiversity metrics or refining risk mitigation frameworks. The day often involves cross-functional collaboration, where you provide expertise to the planning or environmental teams. You will likely alternate between technical data analysis and strategic communication, ensuring that all business units are on track with their sustainability KPIs.

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

As a member of a small, high-impact team, you will have significant visibility with senior leadership in the APAC region and at the global headquarters. Success in this role could lead to global mobility opportunities within the Holcim group or higher-level strategic leadership positions in the sustainability function. Holcim emphasizes cross-functional pathways, meaning you could eventually transition into senior planning, environmental management, or operational leadership roles. The experience gained in leading mandatory national reporting is also a highly transferable skill that is increasingly in demand for executive-level ESG roles.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will report to the Head of Planning, Environment and Sustainability and maintain a close working relationship with business unit leaders across Australia and New Zealand. These stakeholders rely on you for the frameworks and data needed to hit their operational targets. Externally, you will interact with regulatory bodies for NGER reporting and potentially environmental auditors. Internally, your reach extends to the global sustainability teams in Switzerland, requiring you to act as the primary liaison between local operations and global strategy.

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