Q: Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates will gain deep expertise in regenerative hospitality , specifically how to manage sustainability within high-heritage and historic buildings. Navigating the complexities of a 15th-century estate provides a unique education in balancing modern efficiency with strict conservation standards. You will also benefit from exposure to global ESG frameworks through the dotted-line reporting to the Group's international impact leadership. This role offers a masterclass in change management, requiring you to influence C-suite managing directors and operational staff alike to adopt new ways of working.

Q: Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Focus your application on specific examples where you have bridged the gap between strategy and operations . Generic sustainability knowledge is less important here than the ability to implement programs within a high-pressure, guest-facing environment. Highlight your experience with local sourcing and artisanal partnerships . Since this role emphasizes being 'locally rooted,' showing that you understand the cultural and economic environment of Salzburg or Vienna will demonstrate that you can hit the ground running in creating meaningful destination-based impact.

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

The role focuses heavily on the intersection of environment and community . Given the location on Lake Fuschl, water stewardship and biodiversity preservation are likely top priorities, alongside the decarbonization of historic building infrastructure. Social impact is equally prominent, specifically regarding circular procurement and supporting local craftsmanship. You will likely work on projects that integrate the 'Asaya' well-being concept with sustainable food systems, ensuring that the luxury experience contributes positively to the regional ecosystem.

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

A primary challenge will be managing change through influence rather than direct command. You will need to convince busy operational teams that sustainability goals are just as important as immediate guest satisfaction and commercial targets. Additionally, implementing modern efficiency standards in a landmark 15th-century building presents physical and regulatory hurdles. Balancing the 'fairytale castle' aesthetic with rigorous carbon reduction and waste management requires constant creative problem-solving and technical negotiation.

Q: The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will report directly to the Managing Directors of the properties, ensuring alignment with top-level business objectives. You also maintain a functional link to the global Impact and Sustainability leadership for group-wide consistency. Internal collaboration is broad, involving Heads of Departments in Rooms, F&B, and Talent & Culture. Externally, you will be the face of the hotel’s impact strategy when dealing with local artisans, non-profits, cultural institutions, and sustainability auditors.

Question 1

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

Accepted Answer

The primary mission is to translate Rosewood’s global sustainability ambitions into a locally relevant roadmap for the Austrian cluster. You will be responsible for defining clear priorities, milestones, and ownership structures across diverse departments, ensuring that sustainability is not a siloed project but a core part of the business strategy. Beyond strategy, you will orchestrate the hotel’s efforts to lead in its destination through cultural preservation and environmental stewardship. This involves building governance frameworks to ensure data integrity and legislative compliance, while also creating compelling narratives that communicate impact efforts to guests, talent, and business partners.

Question 2

Key learning opportunities for this job

Accepted Answer

Candidates will gain deep expertise in regenerative hospitality, specifically how to manage sustainability within high-heritage and historic buildings. Navigating the complexities of a 15th-century estate provides a unique education in balancing modern efficiency with strict conservation standards. You will also benefit from exposure to global ESG frameworks through the dotted-line reporting to the Group's international impact leadership. This role offers a masterclass in change management, requiring you to influence C-suite managing directors and operational staff alike to adopt new ways of working.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The ideal profile combines a degree in sustainability or hospitality with significant luxury operational experience. You must understand how a five-star hotel functions from the inside out to effectively influence department heads in Food & Beverage, Rooms, and Wellness. Soft skills are critical, particularly narrative storytelling and stakeholder management. You should be someone who can take complex environmental data and turn it into a story that resonates with a discerning guest or a busy chef, demonstrating both commercial acumen and a genuine passion for social impact.

Question 4

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Accepted Answer

Focus your application on specific examples where you have bridged the gap between strategy and operations. Generic sustainability knowledge is less important here than the ability to implement programs within a high-pressure, guest-facing environment. Highlight your experience with local sourcing and artisanal partnerships. Since this role emphasizes being 'locally rooted,' showing that you understand the cultural and economic environment of Salzburg or Vienna will demonstrate that you can hit the ground running in creating meaningful destination-based impact.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The role focuses heavily on the intersection of environment and community. Given the location on Lake Fuschl, water stewardship and biodiversity preservation are likely top priorities, alongside the decarbonization of historic building infrastructure. Social impact is equally prominent, specifically regarding circular procurement and supporting local craftsmanship. You will likely work on projects that integrate the 'Asaya' well-being concept with sustainable food systems, ensuring that the luxury experience contributes positively to the regional ecosystem.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

A primary challenge will be managing change through influence rather than direct command. You will need to convince busy operational teams that sustainability goals are just as important as immediate guest satisfaction and commercial targets. Additionally, implementing modern efficiency standards in a landmark 15th-century building presents physical and regulatory hurdles. Balancing the 'fairytale castle' aesthetic with rigorous carbon reduction and waste management requires constant creative problem-solving and technical negotiation.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Your day might begin with a walk-through of the property with the Engineering team to discuss energy projects, followed by a meeting with the Procurement Director to vet a new local artisan supplier. You might spend the afternoon analyzing ESG data to report back to global leadership. Interspersed with these tasks are strategy sessions with the Managing Director and creative workshops with the Marketing team. The day often concludes with a guest-facing touchpoint, ensuring that sustainability narratives are being effectively woven into the front-of-house service culture.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

This role offers high visibility within the Rosewood Hotel Group, positioning you as a regional leader in a rapidly expanding function. Success here could lead to global leadership roles within the Group’s Impact and Sustainability department. Furthermore, as the industry moves toward mandatory ESG reporting and regenerative travel, this position establishes you as a pioneer in the luxury sector. The experience of managing multiple prestigious properties provides a strong platform for future Chief Sustainability Officer roles.

Question 9

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Accepted Answer

You will report directly to the Managing Directors of the properties, ensuring alignment with top-level business objectives. You also maintain a functional link to the global Impact and Sustainability leadership for group-wide consistency. Internal collaboration is broad, involving Heads of Departments in Rooms, F&B, and Talent & Culture. Externally, you will be the face of the hotel’s impact strategy when dealing with local artisans, non-profits, cultural institutions, and sustainability auditors.

Cluster Director of Impact and Sustainability

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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