Sustainability Transformation Lead

The core mission is to turn Sandvik Coromant’s sustainability strategy into operational reality across a global matrix. You would likely drive transformation initiatives, set targets and roadmaps, and ensure that sustainability priorities are aligned across functions and business areas. A key part is coordinating the Sustainability Solutions team, fostering collaboration and consistent business partnering. Day-to-day, you might partner with leadership teams to translate commitments and regulatory requirements into concrete business actions. You could facilitate workshops and capability-building activities, and develop ESG and EHS data capabilities, performance measurement and reporting. You would also contribute to sustainability communications, reporting and governance processes, helping the organization stay accountable and transparent. Longer-term, the goal is to embed sustainability into decision-making at every level, making it a natural part of how Sandvik Coromant operates and competes.

This role offers deep exposure to sustainability transformation in a large industrial group. You could sharpen your skills in cross-functional leadership, change management and stakeholder facilitation, learning how to navigate a complex global matrix and influence without direct authority. You might also gain hands-on experience with ESG data management, performance measurement and reporting, including emerging regulatory frameworks. Working with Sandvik Coromant, you would likely build knowledge of product sustainability, circularity and EHS integration in a manufacturing context. The international scope could improve your cultural agility and strategic communication abilities. Mentorship from senior leaders and participation in high-visibility projects may further accelerate your professional development.

The ideal candidate likely brings extensive experience in sustainability, business development or transformation, with a proven track record of leading complex, cross-functional initiatives. A university degree in sustainability, engineering, business administration or a related field is expected. Strong knowledge of ESG and business integration is essential. You should be comfortable with stakeholder management, facilitation and communication, and able to balance strategic thinking with a pragmatic, solution-oriented approach. Excellent English is required. Experience in manufacturing or industrial environments could be advantageous, as is familiarity with sustainability reporting, data analytics, product sustainability or circularity. Soft skills matter: self-driven, accountable, and able to build trust across cultures and geographies.

To stand out, tailor your application to show how you have driven sustainability transformation in a matrix organization, ideally in an industrial or manufacturing setting. Instead of generic statements, quantify your impact: how you aligned functions, improved ESG data, or turned strategy into measurable outcomes. Sandvik Coromant values practical business impact, so highlight examples where sustainability created value. In your cover letter, connect directly to their context, metalworking, global operations, and the need to balance regulatory demands with operational realities. Mention specific frameworks (CSRD, GHG Protocol) or tools (dashboards, data analytics) you have used. Show that you understand the challenges of a decentralized organization and can influence without authority. Finally, prepare for personality and logic tests later in the process; they suggest Sandvik seeks both cultural fit and analytical rigor. Demonstrating self-awareness and a collaborative mindset could set you apart.

This role likely focuses on integrating sustainability into Sandvik Coromant’s core business, especially within manufacturing and the metalworking value chain. Key areas could include ESG data capabilities, performance measurement and reporting, as well as aligning with emerging regulations like the CSRD. You might work on product sustainability and circularity, helping to reduce the environmental footprint of machining tools and solutions. Given Sandvik’s commitment to improving customer productivity and sustainability, the role could also involve stakeholder engagement and capability-building to embed sustainability across functions. EHS integration and governance processes are likely part of the scope, ensuring that sustainability commitments translate into operational actions. Ultimately, the focus is on making sustainability a competitive advantage rather than a compliance exercise.

A major challenge could be navigating a large, decentralized matrix organization, where priorities vary across functions and geographies. Influencing without direct authority and maintaining momentum across silos might require exceptional stakeholder management and persistence. Another challenge is the data and reporting environment: ESG data may be fragmented, and building strong measurement systems takes time. You may face competing demands between strategic transformation and day-to-day operational pressures. Resistance to change in a traditional industrial culture is also possible. Balancing regulatory requirements with business pragmatism, and communicating complex sustainability topics in a clear way, could be demanding.

A typical day might start with a virtual meeting with the Sustainability Solutions team to align on project progress and priorities. You could then join a workshop with a business area to map sustainability targets or facilitate a capability-building session. Midday might involve analyzing ESG data or preparing a report for leadership, requiring collaboration with finance, operations or EHS colleagues. You might have one-on-ones with stakeholders to troubleshoot challenges or gain buy-in for an initiative. Afternoons could include strategic planning sessions, governance meetings, or drafting communications. Some international travel is likely, adding variety. The hybrid setup means a mix of home and office work, with flexibility to manage global time zones.

This role could serve as a springboard to senior leadership in sustainability, such as Head of Sustainability or CSO, given the high visibility and strategic nature of the work. You might also move into broader transformation or business development roles within Sandvik. Success in this position could lead to leading larger teams or taking on global responsibility for specific ESG topics. The exposure to a global matrix and diverse stakeholders builds a strong foundation for executive roles. Additionally, you could deepen expertise in areas like circular economy, product sustainability or ESG reporting, positioning yourself as a subject matter expert. Sandvik’s size and global reach offer many lateral opportunities.

You would interact with a wide range of internal stakeholders: leadership teams, business area managers, and function heads across Sandvik Coromant. Collaboration with the Sustainability Solutions team would be central, as well as with colleagues in EHS, finance, operations and communications. Externally, you might engage with industry partners, regulatory bodies or customers to understand expectations and share progress. The role also involves coordinating with Sandvik Group sustainability functions to ensure alignment. Building trust with union representatives and works councils could be part of the stakeholder environment, especially in Sweden. Overall, success depends on strong relationships across cultures and geographies.