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Project Manager ESG

SAF-HOLLAND Group • Germany • Added on Jun 29, 2026
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In this position you lead the global rollout of the sustainability strategy, steering complex projects against clear quality and timeline targets. You act as the central link between technical departments, harmonizing ESG processes worldwide and turning them into measurable progress through solid reporting and effective change management.

This role matters because it drives the transformation of a leading transport-sector supplier toward audit-proof reporting under CSRD and ESRS standards. By building reliable data governance and steering projects that boost resource efficiency, you play a key part in turning the company’s climate targets into operational reality across a global industrial footprint.

This suits someone who is process-minded, has experience in a technical or commercial environment, translates complex regulatory requirements into concrete roadmaps, and enjoys coordinating international groups of stakeholders.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary objective of this role is to translate strategic ESG priorities into executable project roadmaps and measurable results. You will be responsible for the end-to-end management of sustainability projects, ensuring they meet strict cost, deadline, and quality standards while adhering to global project management methodologies. A significant portion of the role involves establishing audit-proof ESG reporting processes according to CSRD and ESRS requirements. This includes building robust data governance structures, documentation, and audit trails to ensure non-financial data reliability for management and external auditors.

Key learning opportunities for this job

You will gain deep expertise in the regulatory landscape of the commercial vehicle industry, specifically regarding the application of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). The role offers hands-on experience in implementing multi-faceted reporting frameworks and data systems like SAP within a complex, global manufacturing environment. Additionally, the position provides exposure to international change management strategies. You will learn how to navigate diverse corporate cultures and technical standards across six continents, sharpening your ability to drive sustainability transitions in highly traditional industrial sectors.

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

The ideal candidate holds a degree in business or engineering and possesses a strong background in both classical and agile project management. Specialized training or certification in sustainability and environmental standards is highly preferred to navigate the technical requirements of the role. Technical proficiency in SAP and MS Office is essential, as is an analytical mindset capable of interpreting environmental risks and opportunities within the transport sector. Fluency in German and English is mandatory for collaborating effectively within a global team structure.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Focus your application on your ability to bridge the gap between technical engineering requirements and financial reporting. Demonstrating an understanding of how ESG KPIs translate into operational improvements in a manufacturing setting will make your profile stand out to recruiters. Highlight any previous experience with non-financial internal control systems or audit preparation. Because the role involves 10% travel and global coordination, showcasing your cultural competence and ability to manage cross-functional stakeholders remotely will be a significant advantage.

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

The role focuses heavily on environmental governance and decarbonization within the heavy-duty vehicle supply chain. You will likely work on projects related to resource efficiency, life cycle assessment, and the reduction of environmental impacts associated with chassis and braking systems. Governance is equally critical, as you will lead the setup of data-driven reporting cycles. This ensures that the company's progress on social and environmental goals is documented transparently, meeting the high transparency expectations of manufacturers and wholesalers in the transport industry.

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

One major challenge will be harmonizing data collection across different global sites that may have varying levels of maturity in their sustainability tracking. Ensuring consistency and quality of information from numerous brands and regions requires high resilience and persuasive communication. You may also face the challenge of balancing regulatory compliance with industrial efficiency. Integrating new ESG processes without disrupting the manufacturing workflow requires careful planning and the ability to win over skeptical stakeholders through clear value propositions.

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

A typical day might begin with a status meeting with global site managers to track progress on ESG project milestones. You might then shift to reviewing the latest CSRD documentation to update internal data governance protocols or coordinating with the IT department on SAP integration for sustainability metrics. Afternoons could be spent analyzing non-financial KPIs or preparing reporting summaries for the management board. The day often concludes with stakeholder communication, perhaps conducting a brief training session or preparing for an upcoming audit trail review.

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

This role offers significant visibility as it oversees strategic transformation projects that report directly to top management. Success in this position could lead to senior leadership roles within the global sustainability or corporate strategy functions of the group. Given the increasing importance of ESG in the automotive and logistics supply chain, the expertise gained here will position you as a high-demand specialist in sustainable industrial management, potentially leading to global director-level responsibilities.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact frequently with department heads from production, finance, and quality management to build integrated ESG processes. These internal relationships are vital for ensuring that data collection is embedded within existing operational workflows. Externally, you will likely engage with auditors and consultants regarding CSRD compliance, as well as sustainability representatives from major truck and trailer manufacturers. Maintaining these professional networks is essential for staying aligned with industry standards and customer expectations.

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