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Head of Sustainability

STMicroelectronics • Malta • Added on Aug 6, 2026
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As the Head of Sustainability in Kirkop, you will take full ownership of the environmental performance and long-term ESG strategy for a major manufacturing site. This is a leadership position that balances technical oversight of EHS management systems with the creative direction of flagship programs in carbon neutrality and water reclamation. You will move beyond simple monitoring to actively shape the facility’s environmental footprint through strategic facility design and innovative material flow management.

This role matters because it sits at the heart of the semiconductor industry’s green transition. By managing complex chemical lifecycles and driving zero-to-landfill initiatives, you directly influence how high-tech manufacturing impacts the planet. Your work ensures that technological progress does not come at an ecological cost, turning a high-output industrial site into a global benchmark for circularity and biodiversity preservation.

This suits someone who possesses a deep technical background in chemistry or environmental engineering and thrives on merging rigorous regulatory compliance with visionary leadership. You should be an inspiring communicator capable of engaging both factory-floor teams and corporate steering committees.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

You will be the primary architect of the site's environmental roadmap, overseeing carbon neutrality, water reclaim, and biodiversity programs. This involves translating high-level corporate goals into actionable local strategies while ensuring the facility meets all environmental permits and legal requirements. Beyond strategy, you will maintain a robust suite of certifications including ISO 14001, 50001, and the RBA framework. You will oversee chemical management, waste systems, and technical monitoring of air and water quality to ensure zero adverse environmental impact from operations. Leadership is a core component, as you will chair the Sustainability Steering Committee and manage budgets for large-scale green investments. You are responsible for ensuring that site expansions, such as the KK3 project, integrate sustainable facility design from the outset.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Working at a global semiconductor leader offers unparalleled exposure to industrial-scale sustainability challenges. You will gain deep expertise in managing complex chemical lifecycles and hazardous substances within a highly regulated manufacturing environment, bridging the gap between engineering and ESG. You will also master advanced reporting frameworks such as CSRD and EU Taxonomy using specialized platforms like ENABLON. The role provides a platform to refine your skills in circular economy practices, specifically through leading 'Zero to Landfill' (UL2799) and plastic elimination initiatives. Additionally, the position offers leadership development through the management of multi-disciplinary teams and the opportunity to interact with international corporate sustainability networks, learning how to align local operational excellence with global semiconductor industry standards.

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

The ideal candidate holds a degree in Environmental Studies or Chemistry and brings significant experience in managing large-scale engineering or industrial sustainability programs. A strong technical foundation in chemical science or environmental management is essential for navigating the site's complex risk assessments. We are looking for a leader who combines financial literacy with a creative mindset. You must be able to evaluate the ROI of green capital investments while simultaneously fostering a culture of innovation and 'out-of-the-box' thinking among your staff and subcontractors. Fluency in English and a constructive, collaborative leadership style are vital. You should be as comfortable discussing technical monitoring results with engineers as you are presenting strategic ESG updates to executive stakeholders and external regulatory bodies.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, emphasize your experience with integrated management systems (ISO 14001, 45001, 50001) specifically within a heavy industrial or manufacturing context. Showcasing a track record of successfully navigating complex permitting processes will demonstrate your readiness for the Malta site's regulatory landscape. Highlight your ability to drive behavioral change and employee engagement. STMicroelectronics values 'creativity boosters,' so providing specific examples of how you have innovated to solve environmental problems or engaged a workforce in sustainability goals will be highly beneficial. Finally, align your application with the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) standards. Familiarity with this specific framework shows you understand the unique social and environmental expectations placed on the electronics supply chain, making you a 'plug-and-play' candidate for this specialized sector.

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

The role focuses heavily on the environmental pillar of ESG, specifically targeting carbon neutrality and energy efficiency within the semiconductor production process. You will lead the transition toward green energy integration and oversee sophisticated water reclaim systems. Circular economy is another major focus, through the management of the Waste Management System (WMS) and the pursuit of zero-waste certifications. You will also address the 'Social' aspect by managing community partnerships and STEM educational programs. Governance is woven through the entire role, as you ensure the site remains 100% compliant with local and EU regulations. You will act as the technical guardian of the site’s environmental integrity, ensuring every new piece of equipment meets strict procurement standards.

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

One of the primary challenges will be balancing operational growth with ecological constraints. As the site expands, maintaining the 'zero adverse impact' goal requires meticulous planning and constant technical oversight of facility designs and material flows. Navigating rapidly evolving regulations like the EU Taxonomy and CSRD while maintaining high-accuracy data collection can be demanding. You will need to ensure that local data is audit-ready and aligns perfectly with corporate reporting expectations. Managing diverse stakeholder interests can also be complex. You must find common ground between strict engineering requirements, financial ROI targets, and ambitious corporate sustainability commitments, often while managing third-party subcontractors who must adhere to the same high standards.

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

A typical day might begin with a technical review of site emissions or water usage data, followed by a meeting with the construction and facility teams to discuss the environmental impact of a new site expansion project. Mid-day, you might transition to a strategic steering committee meeting, presenting progress on the carbon neutrality roadmap to local management. You may also spend time coordinating with external auditors or regulatory authorities regarding environmental permits and hazardous substance management. Your afternoon could involve mentoring your team on chemical lifecycle assessments or organizing a community STEM event. The role is highly varied, moving between high-level governance tasks, financial budget reviews, and hands-on problem-solving on the factory floor.

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

This role offers a clear path toward senior corporate ESG leadership within the global semiconductor industry. Success at the Kirkop site can lead to regional or global responsibilities within STMicroelectronics' sustainability organization. You will have high visibility through your interactions with the Corporate/CCFS teams, positioning you for lateral moves into strategic facility management or global supply chain ethics. The leadership experience gained here is highly transferable to other high-tech manufacturing sectors. Furthermore, the opportunity to lead flagship innovation projects—such as large-scale water reclaim or biodiversity initiatives—builds a professional portfolio that is highly valued in the growing field of industrial sustainability leadership.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Internally, you will work closely with the Central Construction Facility Services (CCFS) and local site management to ensure sustainability is integrated into all physical infrastructure and operational workflows. Externally, you will be the primary interface for regulatory bodies and environmental authorities in Malta. You will also collaborate with educational institutions for STEM programs and the local community for environmental awareness initiatives. You will also frequently engage with subcontractors and suppliers to ensure their compliance with site-wide safety and energy standards, as well as corporate CSR leads to ensure the Kirkop site contributes effectively to global semiconductor sustainability goals.

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