Q: Key learning opportunities for this job

In this role, you will gain significant exposure to the end-to-end decarbonization journey of a global manufacturing firm. You will learn to navigate the complexities of managing Scope 3 emissions within the pharmaceutical supply chain, which is currently undergoing a massive transformation toward greener procurement and circularity. You will also sharpen your expertise in global regulatory frameworks such as TCFD and the latest SBTi methodologies. Mentorship from the Group Head of Sustainability and collaboration with diverse international hubs will provide unique insights into how sustainability is embedded within the highly regulated medical device industry.

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

The ideal candidate brings at least 10 years of experience in environmental roles, with a strong emphasis on manufacturing environments. A university degree in environmental engineering or a related sustainability field is essential to handle the technical requirements of greenhouse gas accounting and operational emissions reduction. We look for a strategic thinker who doesn't shy away from being hands-on. You must demonstrate high-level communication skills and the ability to influence senior stakeholders without direct authority. A deep understanding of environmental management systems and a willingness to travel internationally are key for success in this global capacity.

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

The primary focus is on environmental stewardship and the transition to a low-carbon business model. You will be the architect behind the climate transition plan, aiming to hit science-based targets while also improving waste and water metrics across all global manufacturing facilities. Additionally, the role focuses on governance and transparency . By managing carbon accounting and external disclosures like CDP, you ensure the company remains accountable to its pharmaceutical partners and investors who are increasingly focused on the environmental impact of medical supply chains.

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

One of the most significant challenges will be managing Scope 3 emissions , as these often fall outside direct operational control and require intensive collaboration with suppliers. Aligning different international sites—each with its own local regulations and operational maturity—into a unified global environmental strategy also requires significant diplomacy. Maintaining aggressive decarbonization timelines while the company continues to grow rapidly in the innovative medical device market will require creative thinking. You must find ways to decouple industrial production growth from environmental impact without compromising safety or quality standards.

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

A typical day might begin with a review of emissions data from manufacturing sites in Asia or Sweden, followed by a meeting with the Group Head of Sustainability to refine the global climate roadmap. You might spend the afternoon drafting a new corporate policy on biodiversity conservation or waste management. Your day will frequently involve cross-functional coordination , perhaps joining a call with engineering teams to discuss energy-efficient device assembly or working with the legal team on upcoming environmental disclosures. No two days are alike, as you balance high-level strategy with local site support.

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

This is a high-visibility, strategic leadership role . Successful performance puts you on a direct path toward more senior sustainability leadership positions, such as a Group Sustainability Director or Chief Sustainability Officer role in the future. As the medical device industry faces increasing pressure to adopt circular economy principles, you will have the chance to lead pioneering projects that could define industry standards. The global nature of the role also offers the possibility of international mobility and exposure to diverse business cultures.

Q: The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will report directly to the Group Head of Sustainability and maintain frequent contact with the executive leadership team. On the operational side, you will partner closely with Site Managers and EHS leads at manufacturing facilities to drive local improvements. External stakeholders include regulatory bodies and auditors for ISO certifications, as well as pharmaceutical clients who require detailed ESG performance data. You will also engage with industry coalitions and sustainability consultants to ensure SHL remains at the forefront of environmental best practices.

Question 1

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

Accepted Answer

The Global Environmental Manager is responsible for the design and execution of the company’s global environmental strategy. This involves aligning divisional activities with overarching corporate sustainability goals while ensuring all international sites meet ISO 14001 standards. You will be the primary lead for the climate transition plan, focusing specifically on meeting approved SBTi targets. Beyond climate, your scope covers pollution prevention, waste reduction, water stewardship, and biodiversity. You will oversee corporate carbon accounting, ensuring all data related to Scopes 1, 2, and 3 is accurate for disclosure in CDP and sustainability reports. You are also tasked with monitoring emerging regulations to keep the company ahead of global compliance requirements.

Question 2

Key learning opportunities for this job

Accepted Answer

In this role, you will gain significant exposure to the end-to-end decarbonization journey of a global manufacturing firm. You will learn to navigate the complexities of managing Scope 3 emissions within the pharmaceutical supply chain, which is currently undergoing a massive transformation toward greener procurement and circularity. You will also sharpen your expertise in global regulatory frameworks such as TCFD and the latest SBTi methodologies. Mentorship from the Group Head of Sustainability and collaboration with diverse international hubs will provide unique insights into how sustainability is embedded within the highly regulated medical device industry.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The ideal candidate brings at least 10 years of experience in environmental roles, with a strong emphasis on manufacturing environments. A university degree in environmental engineering or a related sustainability field is essential to handle the technical requirements of greenhouse gas accounting and operational emissions reduction. We look for a strategic thinker who doesn't shy away from being hands-on. You must demonstrate high-level communication skills and the ability to influence senior stakeholders without direct authority. A deep understanding of environmental management systems and a willingness to travel internationally are key for success in this global capacity.

Question 4

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Accepted Answer

To stand out, move beyond general sustainability theory and highlight specific technical wins in a manufacturing context. Detail your experience with Scope 1 and 2 reduction projects or how you have successfully managed an ISO 14001 certification process across multiple locations. Quantifiable results are highly valued. In your cover letter, demonstrate your knowledge of the SBTi framework and how it applies to the medical device sector. SHL Medical values a 'pragmatic' approach, so emphasize instances where you translated complex environmental data into actionable business cases that secured executive buy-in.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The primary focus is on environmental stewardship and the transition to a low-carbon business model. You will be the architect behind the climate transition plan, aiming to hit science-based targets while also improving waste and water metrics across all global manufacturing facilities. Additionally, the role focuses on governance and transparency. By managing carbon accounting and external disclosures like CDP, you ensure the company remains accountable to its pharmaceutical partners and investors who are increasingly focused on the environmental impact of medical supply chains.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

One of the most significant challenges will be managing Scope 3 emissions, as these often fall outside direct operational control and require intensive collaboration with suppliers. Aligning different international sites—each with its own local regulations and operational maturity—into a unified global environmental strategy also requires significant diplomacy. Maintaining aggressive decarbonization timelines while the company continues to grow rapidly in the innovative medical device market will require creative thinking. You must find ways to decouple industrial production growth from environmental impact without compromising safety or quality standards.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

A typical day might begin with a review of emissions data from manufacturing sites in Asia or Sweden, followed by a meeting with the Group Head of Sustainability to refine the global climate roadmap. You might spend the afternoon drafting a new corporate policy on biodiversity conservation or waste management. Your day will frequently involve cross-functional coordination, perhaps joining a call with engineering teams to discuss energy-efficient device assembly or working with the legal team on upcoming environmental disclosures. No two days are alike, as you balance high-level strategy with local site support.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

This is a high-visibility, strategic leadership role. Successful performance puts you on a direct path toward more senior sustainability leadership positions, such as a Group Sustainability Director or Chief Sustainability Officer role in the future. As the medical device industry faces increasing pressure to adopt circular economy principles, you will have the chance to lead pioneering projects that could define industry standards. The global nature of the role also offers the possibility of international mobility and exposure to diverse business cultures.

Question 9

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Accepted Answer

You will report directly to the Group Head of Sustainability and maintain frequent contact with the executive leadership team. On the operational side, you will partner closely with Site Managers and EHS leads at manufacturing facilities to drive local improvements. External stakeholders include regulatory bodies and auditors for ISO certifications, as well as pharmaceutical clients who require detailed ESG performance data. You will also engage with industry coalitions and sustainability consultants to ensure SHL remains at the forefront of environmental best practices.

Global Environmental Manager

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