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Project Manager Sustainable Procurement

SCHOTT • Germany • Added on Aug 7, 2026
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As a Project Manager for Sustainable Procurement, you will lead the evolution of the SCHOTT Supplier Engagement Program. You will be responsible for embedding ESG criteria into global purchasing processes and ensuring that supply chain operations align with evolving international regulations. Your daily focus involves translating complex sustainability requirements into actionable procurement strategies that reach across global sites.

This role is a cornerstone of the group’s climate strategy, specifically targeting Scope 3 emission reductions. Because SCHOTT is a foundation-owned company, your work directly supports a long-term commitment to scientific responsibility and environmental stewardship rather than short-term profit motives. You will transform the supply chain from a logistical necessity into a strategic engine for decarbonization and ethical sourcing.

This suits someone who bridges the gap between technical procurement expertise and sustainability advocacy. You should be a collaborative project leader who enjoys navigating international stakeholder networks and translating regulatory changes into industrial reality.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission is to steer the Supplier Engagement Program, which is central to achieving the group's Scope 3 emission reduction targets. You will be responsible for integrating sustainability criteria into all global procurement strategies and standard operating procedures. Beyond emissions, you will monitor and analyze global sustainability regulations to ensure the supply chain remains compliant with evolving laws. This involves creating detailed decision-making templates and reporting KPIs to senior management to track the progress of environmental and social initiatives within the supply base.

Key learning opportunities for this job

You will gain deep expertise in decarbonizing industrial supply chains, a highly sought-after skill as companies move toward net-zero targets. The role offers exposure to the complexities of specialty glass manufacturing and how sustainability is applied across diverse high-tech sectors. Additionally, you will refine your knowledge of ESG regulatory frameworks like the LkSG or CSRD in a practical, global context. Working within a foundation-owned structure also provides a unique perspective on long-term corporate governance and mission-driven business models.

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

The ideal candidate brings several years of experience in procurement or supply chain management, specifically with a focus on ESG integration. A degree in business, engineering, or sustainability provides the necessary academic foundation for this technical role. You should possess strong project management skills and the ability to influence stakeholders in an international, cross-functional environment. Fluency in English is essential, and a background in navigating complex industrial supply chains will be a significant advantage.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, demonstrate your ability to move beyond theoretical sustainability and into execution within procurement. Highlight specific instances where you successfully implemented ESG metrics or worked with suppliers to reduce their carbon footprint. Since SCHOTT is owned by the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung, emphasize your alignment with foundation values such as scientific responsibility and social commitment. Show that you understand the specific challenges of a global technology group with a highly diverse product portfolio.

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

The role focuses heavily on Scope 3 emissions, which often represent the largest portion of an industrial company's carbon footprint. By engaging suppliers, you will directly influence the environmental impact of raw material sourcing and upstream logistics. There is also a strong focus on social governance and human rights within the supply chain. You will likely work on ensuring that all partners adhere to the group's code of conduct and meet the increasing transparency requirements of international sustainability reporting standards.

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

One of the main challenges will be aligning diverse global sites and external partners with standardized sustainability goals. Balancing environmental ambitions with cost-efficiency and supply security in a complex global market requires significant negotiation and diplomatic skill. Keeping pace with the rapidly changing regulatory landscape is another hurdle. You must be able to anticipate new laws and proactively adjust internal processes before they become mandatory compliance risks.

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

A typical day involves coordinating with global purchasing teams to review supplier performance against ESG targets. You might spend time analyzing new environmental regulations and determining how they impact existing procurement workflows or contract templates. Meetings with external project partners or sustainability consultants are common, as is the preparation of status reports for the management board. You will act as a bridge, ensuring that the sustainability strategy is understood and implemented by buyers across different business units.

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

There are significant paths for vertical advancement into global sustainability leadership or senior supply chain management roles. As the importance of ESG in procurement grows, this position places you at the forefront of a critical business function. You may also have opportunities to lead high-visibility strategic projects that influence the entire SCHOTT Group's transformation. The international nature of the role allows for potential exposure to different markets and business divisions globally.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact closely with the Global Procurement team and internal sustainability departments to align corporate goals. Collaboration with international site managers is also key to ensuring localized implementation of group-wide strategies. Externally, your primary contact will be with suppliers and strategic partners, focused on data collection and performance improvement. You will also prepare briefings for senior management and executive stakeholders who oversee the company's long-term ESG roadmap.

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