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Corporate Sustainability Manager

JTI (Japan Tobacco International) • Netherlands • Added on Aug 7, 2026
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This role acts as a central engine for JTI’s sustainability transformation, overseeing medium-to-high complexity projects that move the needle on global targets. You will be responsible for translating high-level strategy into operational reality by coordinating cross-functional teams and using data-driven insights to guide executive decision-making. Much of the daily work involves bridging the gap between technical sustainability requirements and core business functions to ensure agile delivery of ESG goals.

Working within the tobacco industry presents a unique and high-stakes environment for ESG professionals. This role is pivotal because it directly impacts the company’s ability to evolve its product portfolio and social footprint, focusing on long-term value creation through the pillars of innovating products and protecting the planet. It is an opportunity to lead change in a sector undergoing massive transition, where sustainability is not just a reporting exercise but a survival strategy.

This suits someone who is a collaborative project leader with a sharp analytical mind and the assertiveness to influence senior stakeholders. You should thrive in complex, fast-paced environments where agile methodologies are the norm and data transparency is paramount.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission is to orchestrate complex sustainability projects across diverse business functions, ensuring that strategic priorities like product innovation and environmental protection are integrated into daily operations. You will be responsible for defining project milestones, managing resources, and ensuring that all initiatives align with the company's long-term ESG ambitions. Beyond project management, a core responsibility involves data analysis and insight generation. You will be expected to transform raw sustainability metrics into clear, actionable visualizations that help senior leadership make informed business decisions. This ensures that sustainability is not a siloed function but a core component of the corporate strategy.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates will gain significant exposure to agile project management within a global corporate context, learning how to deliver high-impact results under tight deadlines. This role offers a unique vantage point to see how a multinational company navigates the complexities of the tobacco industry's ESG transition, providing rare experience in high-stakes sustainability transformation. You will also have the opportunity to expand your expertise through cross-functional collaboration, working on projects outside your core domain to broaden your business acumen. Exposure to AI-driven data tools and advanced MS Office applications will further sharpen your technical toolkit in a professional ESG setting.

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

The ideal candidate brings a proven track record of managing cross-functional projects in a complex organizational structure. They possess strong analytical skills and the ability to visualize data in a way that is easily understandable for non-experts. Assertiveness and the ability to influence without direct authority are critical for mobilizing teams around common sustainability goals. A background in sustainability is essential, but it must be paired with an outcome-focused mindset. Proficiency in AI tools and MS Office is required, along with excellent communication skills to present findings to diverse stakeholders. Flexibility and a willingness to travel are also important for success in this global role.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, demonstrate your assertiveness and influencing skills through specific examples where you led a team to a successful outcome without having direct hierarchical power. JTI values an agile mindset, so emphasize your ability to adapt to changing priorities and how you use data to drive decisions. Research JTI’s specific sustainability pillars—Innovating Product, Empowering People, and Protecting Planet—and align your previous achievements with these themes. Showing a clear understanding of the unique challenges facing the tobacco industry and how sustainability can mitigate these risks will demonstrate a sophisticated level of preparation.

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

This role is likely to focus on the circular economy and product innovation, as the company seeks to evolve its tobacco and nicotine portfolio. You will work on projects that reduce the environmental footprint of products while ensuring social responsibility standards are met across the global value chain. Another major focus will be stakeholder transparency and data integrity. As reporting requirements become more stringent, this role ensures that JTI’s sustainability claims are backed by rigorous data and that the company is making measurable progress toward its 2030 and 2050 environmental targets.

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

One of the main challenges is navigating the complexities of the tobacco industry, where external scrutiny is high and the transition to sustainable business models is particularly scrutinized. You may face resistance when trying to integrate ESG metrics into traditional business processes that prioritize short-term gains. Additionally, managing competing priorities across different markets and functions can be difficult. You will need to balance the specific needs of local teams with the global sustainability strategy, all while maintaining high standards of accuracy under pressure.

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

A typical day might begin with a stand-up meeting with a cross-functional project team to track progress on a key ESG initiative. You might then spend several hours analyzing data from various departments to prepare a briefing for a senior manager on the environmental impact of a new product line. Afternoons are often dedicated to stakeholder engagement, which could involve collaborating with the supply chain team or meeting with external consultants. The day often concludes with project planning and documentation, ensuring that all milestones are updated and that the team remains focused on upcoming deadlines.

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

Growth in this role often comes through increased project scale and visibility. Successfully leading high-complexity global initiatives can pave the way for senior management roles within the sustainability department or strategic positions in other business units. JTI’s commitment to internal development means there are paths for lateral moves into corporate strategy, communications, or operations. The global nature of the company also provides opportunities for international assignments and exposure to different regulatory and cultural contexts in the ESG space.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact extensively with internal functional leads in areas such as R&D, Supply Chain, and Marketing to ensure sustainability is embedded in their work. Regular communication with the Corporate Sustainability team and senior leadership is essential for strategic alignment. Externally, you may engage with consultants and industry partners to benchmark performance and stay ahead of emerging trends. Building strong relationships with these stakeholders is key to mobilizing the collective effort needed to achieve JTI's ambitious sustainability goals.

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