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

The primary mission is to manage the end-to-end ESG data lifecycle , ensuring that all environmental and social metrics are accurate, audit-ready, and compliant with evolving standards like CSRD and ESRS. You will be responsible for the technical calculations of the corporate carbon footprint, with a specific emphasis on the complexities of Scope 3 emissions across the logistics value chain. Beyond data collection, you will support the Sustainability Manager in translating these metrics into actionable decarbonization initiatives . This involves monitoring KPIs across various business units, benchmarking performance against industry peers, and contributing to the preparation of comprehensive sustainability disclosures for stakeholders and financial markets.

Q: Key learning opportunities for this job

You will gain deep expertise in the technical implementation of ESRS and the EU Taxonomy within an industrial context, moving beyond theory into practical regulatory application. This role offers a significant opportunity to master GHG Protocol methodologies , particularly regarding upstream and downstream Scope 3 categories which are often the most challenging to quantify. Furthermore, you will be exposed to the latest developments in Product Carbon Footprinting (PCF) and lifecycle assessment. Working within a global group also provides insights into how sustainability strategies are localized across thirty different countries, offering a masterclass in international ESG management and limited assurance audit processes.

Q: Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, emphasize your specific experience with industrial carbon accounting rather than just general sustainability coordination. Highlighting your familiarity with the transition from GRI to ESRS frameworks will demonstrate that you are prepared for the immediate regulatory challenges Kardex faces as a listed company. Research the specific intralogistics products Kardex manufactures—such as their AutoStore™ partnerships. Mentioning how you would approach gathering data from manufacturing sites versus global offices shows an analytical depth that goes beyond the job description, proving you understand the operational reality of the role.

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

The role is heavily weighted toward environmental transparency and climate action . Given the nature of automation machinery, energy efficiency and the reduction of GHGs across the product lifecycle are central themes. You will likely focus on optimizing the data flow from manufacturing operations to better reflect the company's progress on science-based targets. Additionally, there is a strong governance and compliance angle. As the company is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, ensuring the integrity of ESG disclosures to meet the expectations of institutional investors and auditors will be a constant priority throughout the reporting cycle.

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

One of the toughest challenges will be Scope 3 data collection . Gathering reliable information from suppliers and logistics partners across an international network requires persistence and the ability to influence stakeholders over whom you have no direct authority. Another obstacle is the rapidly shifting regulatory landscape in the EU. Keeping internal processes agile enough to adapt to new reporting requirements while maintaining day-to-day operations can be demanding. You will need to balance the need for meticulous detail with the broader strategic goal of driving real environmental change.

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

A typical day might begin with validating energy consumption data from a manufacturing site, followed by a meeting with the procurement team to discuss supplier emissions factors. You could spend your afternoon modeling climate scenarios or refining the methodology for a specific ESG KPI in preparation for an internal audit. Interspersed with data work are cross-functional workshops where you might be training colleagues on new reporting software or presenting sustainability trends to department heads. The role is a mix of quiet analytical focus and active collaboration to ensure sustainability is embedded across the organization.

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

This role is a springboard for becoming a Senior Sustainability Manager or a Reporting Lead. As the department grows to meet increasing regulatory demands, there is potential to take on more strategic responsibility, such as overseeing the company's full climate transition plan or leading specific decarbonization workstreams. Kardex offers extensive onboarding and specialized training via their academy , which can help you bridge any skill gaps in automation technology or advanced ESG software. Success in this mid-level role demonstrates the leadership and technical capability required for high-visibility roles in corporate ESG functions.

Q: The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will work most closely with the Sustainability Manager and the local site teams in Neuburg an der Kammel. Externally, you will be the primary point of contact for ESG auditors and consultants who provide assurance on the company's public disclosures. Internally, you will interact with Finance and Controlling to align ESG reporting with financial cycles, as well as Procurement, Engineering, and Operations teams. Acting as a 'business partner' means you will frequently engage with these departments to provide guidance on how their operational decisions impact the group’s overall sustainability performance.

Question 1

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

Accepted Answer

The primary mission is to manage the end-to-end ESG data lifecycle, ensuring that all environmental and social metrics are accurate, audit-ready, and compliant with evolving standards like CSRD and ESRS. You will be responsible for the technical calculations of the corporate carbon footprint, with a specific emphasis on the complexities of Scope 3 emissions across the logistics value chain. Beyond data collection, you will support the Sustainability Manager in translating these metrics into actionable decarbonization initiatives. This involves monitoring KPIs across various business units, benchmarking performance against industry peers, and contributing to the preparation of comprehensive sustainability disclosures for stakeholders and financial markets.

Question 2

Key learning opportunities for this job

Accepted Answer

You will gain deep expertise in the technical implementation of ESRS and the EU Taxonomy within an industrial context, moving beyond theory into practical regulatory application. This role offers a significant opportunity to master GHG Protocol methodologies, particularly regarding upstream and downstream Scope 3 categories which are often the most challenging to quantify. Furthermore, you will be exposed to the latest developments in Product Carbon Footprinting (PCF) and lifecycle assessment. Working within a global group also provides insights into how sustainability strategies are localized across thirty different countries, offering a masterclass in international ESG management and limited assurance audit processes.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The ideal candidate holds a degree in environmental science, engineering, or business with a heavy sustainability focus and brings at least three years of professional experience. You must have a proven track record in sustainability reporting and a high level of comfort with complex datasets and Excel-based modeling. Fluency in both German and English is essential for communicating with site teams in Bavaria and global stakeholders. A solution-oriented mindset is key, as you will need to proactively identify data gaps and work with cross-functional partners who may not have a background in sustainability to ensure reporting accuracy.

Question 4

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Accepted Answer

To stand out, emphasize your specific experience with industrial carbon accounting rather than just general sustainability coordination. Highlighting your familiarity with the transition from GRI to ESRS frameworks will demonstrate that you are prepared for the immediate regulatory challenges Kardex faces as a listed company. Research the specific intralogistics products Kardex manufactures—such as their AutoStore™ partnerships. Mentioning how you would approach gathering data from manufacturing sites versus global offices shows an analytical depth that goes beyond the job description, proving you understand the operational reality of the role.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The role is heavily weighted toward environmental transparency and climate action. Given the nature of automation machinery, energy efficiency and the reduction of GHGs across the product lifecycle are central themes. You will likely focus on optimizing the data flow from manufacturing operations to better reflect the company's progress on science-based targets. Additionally, there is a strong governance and compliance angle. As the company is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, ensuring the integrity of ESG disclosures to meet the expectations of institutional investors and auditors will be a constant priority throughout the reporting cycle.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

One of the toughest challenges will be Scope 3 data collection. Gathering reliable information from suppliers and logistics partners across an international network requires persistence and the ability to influence stakeholders over whom you have no direct authority. Another obstacle is the rapidly shifting regulatory landscape in the EU. Keeping internal processes agile enough to adapt to new reporting requirements while maintaining day-to-day operations can be demanding. You will need to balance the need for meticulous detail with the broader strategic goal of driving real environmental change.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

A typical day might begin with validating energy consumption data from a manufacturing site, followed by a meeting with the procurement team to discuss supplier emissions factors. You could spend your afternoon modeling climate scenarios or refining the methodology for a specific ESG KPI in preparation for an internal audit. Interspersed with data work are cross-functional workshops where you might be training colleagues on new reporting software or presenting sustainability trends to department heads. The role is a mix of quiet analytical focus and active collaboration to ensure sustainability is embedded across the organization.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

This role is a springboard for becoming a Senior Sustainability Manager or a Reporting Lead. As the department grows to meet increasing regulatory demands, there is potential to take on more strategic responsibility, such as overseeing the company's full climate transition plan or leading specific decarbonization workstreams. Kardex offers extensive onboarding and specialized training via their academy, which can help you bridge any skill gaps in automation technology or advanced ESG software. Success in this mid-level role demonstrates the leadership and technical capability required for high-visibility roles in corporate ESG functions.

Question 9

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Accepted Answer

You will work most closely with the Sustainability Manager and the local site teams in Neuburg an der Kammel. Externally, you will be the primary point of contact for ESG auditors and consultants who provide assurance on the company's public disclosures. Internally, you will interact with Finance and Controlling to align ESG reporting with financial cycles, as well as Procurement, Engineering, and Operations teams. Acting as a 'business partner' means you will frequently engage with these departments to provide guidance on how their operational decisions impact the group’s overall sustainability performance.

Sustainability Specialist

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