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Sustainability Specialist

Igor Gorgonzola • Italy • Added on Jul 28, 2026
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As a key member of the Igor Gorgonzola sustainability team, you will act as the operational engine behind the company’s ESG transformation. Reporting to the Sustainability Manager, you will take ownership of the multi-faceted reporting process, translating complex operational data into valid sustainability insights. Your daily focus involves tracking carbon emissions, managing international ESG ratings like EcoVadis, and ensuring that the business remains ahead of rapidly evolving European regulatory requirements.

This role offers a unique opportunity to embed sustainability into one of Italy’s most iconic food heritages. You will bridge the gap between nearly a century of dairy tradition and modern climate action, specifically targeting decarbonization across the agricultural supply chain and championing circular economy initiatives in packaging. It is about proving that high-quality, protected-origin products (DOP) can lead the way in environmental stewardship.

This suits someone who possesses sharp analytical skills and a genuine passion for the agri-food sector. You should be comfortable navigating technical ESG frameworks and possess the collaborative spirit needed to influence diverse departments from procurement to quality control.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The central pillar of this role is the collection and analysis of ESG data to support the creation of the Sustainability Report. You will be responsible for calculating and monitoring the company's carbon footprint (Scope 1, 2, and 3) and tracking several environmental, social, and governance KPIs throughout the year. Beyond internal reporting, you will manage external ESG assessments from major retail clients and international platforms such as EcoVadis, CDP, and Sedex. This ensures that the company maintains its competitive edge and transparent reputation in the over 60 countries where its products are sold. Strategically, you will assist in the implementation of the CSRD and EU sustainability regulations. This involves working cross-functionally to integrate ESG requirements into existing business processes, from HR to supply chain management, ensuring the company meets its long-term decarbonization goals.

Key learning opportunities for this job

In this role, you will gain hands-on expertise with the most advanced European sustainability frameworks, specifically the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). Since you will be involved in the first-hand transition to these new standards, this experience is highly valuable. Technically, you will refine your proficiency in carbon accounting and supply chain life cycle assessments. Working within the dairy industry provides a complex and interesting ecosystem for learning about Scope 3 emissions, as it involves intense agricultural and logistics data modeling. Exposure to professional platforms like EcoVadis and Sedex will build your expertise in sustainable procurement and supply chain transparency. You will also learn how a traditional DOP product adapts to modern circular economy requirements, particularly regarding sustainable packaging under the PPWR.

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

The successful candidate typically holds a degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, or Economics. You should bring 2 to 5 years of experience in ESG reporting or sustainability consulting, although highly motivated juniors with a relevant specialized master's degree will be considered. Technical fluency in GRI and CSRD frameworks is essential, as is a high level of comfort with Microsoft Excel for managing large data sets. Because Igor Gorgonzola is a global exporter, a solid command of English (minimum B2 level) is necessary for communicating with international stakeholders. On a personal level, we look for someone with initiative and analytical precision. You need to be able to work autonomously while possessing the communication skills required to bridge the gap between traditional cheese production and modern corporate sustainability reporting.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, demonstrate a deep understanding of the agri-food sector's specific ESG challenges, such as methane emissions from dairy livestock or the complexities of plastic packaging reduction in food safety. Mentioning your specific experience with carbon footprinting (Scope 3) will be a major advantage. Since Igor is a family-owned company with global reach, emphasize your ability to balance corporate rigor with a hands-on, flexible approach. Tailor your cover letter to show why you value the preservation of 'DOP' heritage and how sustainability can serve as a catalyst for future growth in the dairy industry. Prepare to discuss your Excel and data management skills in detail. The hiring team is looking for someone who isn't just a theorist but can practically handle the data gathering and validation tasks required for rigorous sustainability reporting.

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

The role will focus heavily on decarbonization of the dairy supply chain. Given the nature of Gorgonzola production, milk sourcing and transportation are critical areas for emission reduction and Scope 3 management projects. Another core area is packaging and circularity. With the incoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), this role will contribute to developing solutions that reduce plastic waste without compromising the quality and safety of the cheese. Finally, governance and transparency are key. You will be at the forefront of ensuring the company's social and environmental performance is accurately captured and reported to both the board of directors and international retail partners who demand high ESG standards.

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

The most significant challenge might be the coordination of data collection across various departments that may not yet have automated sustainability tracking. You will need to be persuasive and organized to gather information from various factory and administrative teams. Adapting to the rapidly changing regulatory landscape in Brussels is another hurdle. Keeping up with CSRD, VSME, and sectoral dairy regulations requires constant learning and the ability to translate technical legal text into actionable company policies. Lastly, balancing innovation with tradition can be complex. Finding sustainable solutions that do not alter the strictly regulated production process of a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) product requires creative thinking and sensitivity to the company's heritage.

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

A typical morning might start with analyzing energy consumption data from the production plant or reviewing updated carbon emission factors for agricultural additives. You will spend time ensuring the digital trackers for ESG KPIs are accurate and up to date. In the afternoon, you might join a cross-functional meeting with the Quality and Procurement teams to discuss the sustainability requirements of a key international supermarket client. You'll likely spend time responding to an EcoVadis questionnaire or preparing a presentation for the management team. The day often concludes with monitoring legislative updates. You will be checking for new developments in EU directives to ensure that the company's roadmap for the next two years remains compliant and forward-thinking.

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

This position offers significant visibility within the company, as you will be working directly with the Sustainability Manager and frequently interfacing with departmental heads. This provides a great path toward a more senior management role within the ESG function. You will have the chance to lead high-impact strategic projects, such as the full implementation of a new sustainability reporting software or a supply chain-wide decarbonization pilot. Success in these high-stakes projects will establish you as a leader in the field. Given the importance of ESG in the food industry, this role builds a highly marketable skill set. You will become an expert in the food sector's transition to a green economy, which is one of the most active and well-funded areas of sustainability careers today.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will report directly to the Sustainability Manager and work closely with the Leonardi family management. Your core internal circle includes heads of Quality, Human Resources, Finance (Controllo di Gestione), and Sales. External stakeholders are diverse, ranging from national and international retail buyers who require sustainability transparency to certification bodies and environmental consultants. You will also communicate with trade associations within the food industry. Finally, you may interact with supplier representatives. Part of your role will involve engaging with the milk supply chain and packaging vendors to assess their environmental impact and encourage shared sustainability improvements.

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