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

The core of this role involves operationalizing the ESG strategy across the global supply chain. You will be responsible for managing sustainability tools and platforms, most notably EcoVadis , to track and improve supplier performance. This includes translating complex data into insights that help procurement teams make informed, resilient sourcing decisions while maintaining high data quality. Furthermore, you will lead engagement initiatives , such as webinars and workshops, to educate and align suppliers with KOSTAL’s sustainability requirements. Your goal is to move the supply base from mere compliance to active participation in long-term improvement projects, ensuring the group meets its ambitious sustainability targets.

Q: Key learning opportunities for this job

You will gain deep expertise in global supply chain due diligence , specifically navigating the complexities of the German Supply Chain Act (LkSG) and the upcoming CSDDD. Working within a specialized GBS center provides exposure to how large-scale manufacturing organizations integrate ESG into centralized business services. You can also expect to master sustainability assessment methodologies and software platforms. The role offers a unique vantage point to understand the intersection of automotive electronics and solar energy industries, providing a broad perspective on how different sectors tackle scope 3 emissions and ethical sourcing.

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

The ideal candidate brings over five years of professional experience , with at least three years specifically focused on supply chain sustainability. You should demonstrate technical proficiency in MS Office and hands-on experience with ESG rating tools like EcoVadis or similar platforms used for risk assessment. Beyond technical skills, a strategic and analytical mindset is essential. You must be able to solve problems independently while collaborating cross-functionally. Fluency in English is mandatory, as you will be communicating with a diverse, international network of suppliers and internal department heads.

Q: Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, demonstrate your ability to translate data into business value . KOSTAL is looking for someone who doesn't just report numbers but uses them to influence sourcing decisions. In your application, provide specific examples of how you have successfully engaged a difficult supplier or improved a sustainability KPI. Since this is a family-owned business with a long-term value orientation , emphasize your commitment to building lasting partnerships rather than just achieving short-term compliance. Tailor your resume to show your knowledge of the specific ESG risks prevalent in the automotive and solar electronics sectors.

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

The role focuses heavily on responsible sourcing and environmental due diligence . You will likely spend significant time addressing human rights and environmental risks within the tiers of the supply chain, ensuring that every component in KOSTAL’s electronic systems meets ethical standards. Another major focus will be Scope 3 decarbonization . By working with suppliers to set science-based targets and improve their energy efficiency, you will play a vital role in reducing the overall carbon footprint of the Group’s products.

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

One of the primary challenges will be data transparency across a vast and diverse global supplier network. Getting accurate information from lower-tier suppliers in different jurisdictions requires persistence and sophisticated tracking methods. You may also face the challenge of balancing sustainability goals with cost and delivery pressures common in the automotive industry. Finding the sweet spot where a sustainable supplier is also the most resilient and cost-effective partner is a complex but necessary task.

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

A typical day might begin with analyzing EcoVadis scorecards to identify high-risk suppliers who require immediate follow-up. You might then coordinate with the Group Head of Sustainability to align on upcoming reporting requirements for management. Afternoons could be spent hosting a webinar for international suppliers to explain new ESG standards or meeting with the Procurement team to discuss how sustainability metrics should influence a specific contract renewal. The role involves a mix of deep data analysis and high-level stakeholder communication.

Q: The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Your primary internal stakeholders include the Head of Global Supply Chain Sustainability and the Group Head of Sustainability. You will also work very closely with Procurement and Supply Chain managers across KOSTAL’s 47 global locations. Externally, your main interactions will be with supplier representatives , ranging from sustainability officers to account managers. You will also interact with third-party service providers like EcoVadis to manage the platform and ensure the integrity of the assessment data.

Question 1

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

Accepted Answer

The core of this role involves operationalizing the ESG strategy across the global supply chain. You will be responsible for managing sustainability tools and platforms, most notably EcoVadis, to track and improve supplier performance. This includes translating complex data into insights that help procurement teams make informed, resilient sourcing decisions while maintaining high data quality. Furthermore, you will lead engagement initiatives, such as webinars and workshops, to educate and align suppliers with KOSTAL’s sustainability requirements. Your goal is to move the supply base from mere compliance to active participation in long-term improvement projects, ensuring the group meets its ambitious sustainability targets.

Question 2

Key learning opportunities for this job

Accepted Answer

You will gain deep expertise in global supply chain due diligence, specifically navigating the complexities of the German Supply Chain Act (LkSG) and the upcoming CSDDD. Working within a specialized GBS center provides exposure to how large-scale manufacturing organizations integrate ESG into centralized business services. You can also expect to master sustainability assessment methodologies and software platforms. The role offers a unique vantage point to understand the intersection of automotive electronics and solar energy industries, providing a broad perspective on how different sectors tackle scope 3 emissions and ethical sourcing.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The ideal candidate brings over five years of professional experience, with at least three years specifically focused on supply chain sustainability. You should demonstrate technical proficiency in MS Office and hands-on experience with ESG rating tools like EcoVadis or similar platforms used for risk assessment. Beyond technical skills, a strategic and analytical mindset is essential. You must be able to solve problems independently while collaborating cross-functionally. Fluency in English is mandatory, as you will be communicating with a diverse, international network of suppliers and internal department heads.

Question 4

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Accepted Answer

To stand out, demonstrate your ability to translate data into business value. KOSTAL is looking for someone who doesn't just report numbers but uses them to influence sourcing decisions. In your application, provide specific examples of how you have successfully engaged a difficult supplier or improved a sustainability KPI. Since this is a family-owned business with a long-term value orientation, emphasize your commitment to building lasting partnerships rather than just achieving short-term compliance. Tailor your resume to show your knowledge of the specific ESG risks prevalent in the automotive and solar electronics sectors.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The role focuses heavily on responsible sourcing and environmental due diligence. You will likely spend significant time addressing human rights and environmental risks within the tiers of the supply chain, ensuring that every component in KOSTAL’s electronic systems meets ethical standards. Another major focus will be Scope 3 decarbonization. By working with suppliers to set science-based targets and improve their energy efficiency, you will play a vital role in reducing the overall carbon footprint of the Group’s products.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

One of the primary challenges will be data transparency across a vast and diverse global supplier network. Getting accurate information from lower-tier suppliers in different jurisdictions requires persistence and sophisticated tracking methods. You may also face the challenge of balancing sustainability goals with cost and delivery pressures common in the automotive industry. Finding the sweet spot where a sustainable supplier is also the most resilient and cost-effective partner is a complex but necessary task.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

A typical day might begin with analyzing EcoVadis scorecards to identify high-risk suppliers who require immediate follow-up. You might then coordinate with the Group Head of Sustainability to align on upcoming reporting requirements for management. Afternoons could be spent hosting a webinar for international suppliers to explain new ESG standards or meeting with the Procurement team to discuss how sustainability metrics should influence a specific contract renewal. The role involves a mix of deep data analysis and high-level stakeholder communication.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

As the Supply Chain Sustainability Specialist, you are positioned in a high-visibility role that reports to global leadership. This offers a clear path toward more senior strategic roles within the Group’s sustainability or procurement functions. Given the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape, you will become a subject-matter expert in a field that is currently in high demand. Successful implementation of global processes from the Budapest GBS center could lead to opportunities for lateral moves into broader ESG management or global supply chain leadership.

Question 9

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Accepted Answer

Your primary internal stakeholders include the Head of Global Supply Chain Sustainability and the Group Head of Sustainability. You will also work very closely with Procurement and Supply Chain managers across KOSTAL’s 47 global locations. Externally, your main interactions will be with supplier representatives, ranging from sustainability officers to account managers. You will also interact with third-party service providers like EcoVadis to manage the platform and ensure the integrity of the assessment data.

Supply Chain Sustainability Specialist

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

Key learning opportunities for this job

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

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

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

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

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

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

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

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