Q: Key learning opportunities for this job

In this role, you will gain unparalleled exposure to the maritime and logistics sector's transition to low-carbon operations. You will likely develop deep technical expertise in alternative fuels, vessel efficiency upgrades, and the complexities of maritime infrastructure. This provides a rare opportunity to see the physical implementation of sustainability initiatives in a heavy-asset environment. Furthermore, you will refine your leadership skills by working directly with the Executive team and Board . Navigating the intersection of commercial strategy and environmental governance will sharpen your ability to influence high-level capital allocation and risk management frameworks within a critical infrastructure business.

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

The primary focus will be on Scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction, specifically through the decarbonization of the vessel fleet and port operations. This involves evaluating new technologies and fuels that can reduce the carbon intensity of Bass Strait crossings. It is a highly practical, asset-focused sustainability role. Secondary focus areas will include climate risk governance and social impact. You will work on aligning the company's risk management with climate scenarios and strengthening community ties in the ports where Strait Link operates. Ensuring transparency through robust ESG disclosures will be the foundation of these efforts.

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

One of the most significant challenges will be the technical complexity of decarbonizing maritime assets, where low-carbon solutions are often still maturing or require significant capital investment. You will need to build strong business cases for sustainability projects that compete with other operational priorities for funding. Additionally, you may face the challenge of cultural transformation . Embedding sustainability into a traditional logistics and transport culture requires persistent influence and the ability to demonstrate that green initiatives are not just 'compliance' but are central to the long-term viability and growth of the business.

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

A typical day might begin with a strategy meeting with the Chief Transformation Officer to review progress on the decarbonization roadmap. You could then shift to a deep dive with technical leads into emissions data from the vessel fleet to prepare for the next disclosure cycle or Board report. In the afternoon, you might find yourself engaging with external partners , such as government agencies or major freight customers, to discuss collaborative sustainability initiatives. The day would likely conclude with administrative tasks related to building out the governance committees or drafting policy frameworks that will guide the company's future investments.

Q: The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Your most critical internal stakeholder is the Chief Transformation Officer , along with the Executive Board. You will also work closely with the operations and engineering teams who manage the vessels and port infrastructure, as their expertise is vital for implementing practical changes. Externally, you will interact with government regulators , industry bodies, and major customers who are increasingly demanding green supply chains. These relationships are essential for ensuring the company remains compliant and competitive in a market that is rapidly shifting toward sustainable logistics solutions.

Question 1

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

Accepted Answer

The Head of Sustainability is tasked with designing and executing the company's overarching sustainability strategy. This involves moving from high-level vision to practical execution, specifically focusing on the decarbonization of marine vessels, road fleets, and port infrastructure. You will be the primary architect of the climate transition plan, ensuring the business remains ahead of regulatory curves. You will also own the end-to-end mandatory climate reporting process, translating complex ESG data into strategic insights for the Board. Your responsibility extends to identifying climate-related risks and opportunities (CRROs) and embedding them into the long-term capital investment and infrastructure planning of the organization.

Question 2

Key learning opportunities for this job

Accepted Answer

In this role, you will gain unparalleled exposure to the maritime and logistics sector's transition to low-carbon operations. You will likely develop deep technical expertise in alternative fuels, vessel efficiency upgrades, and the complexities of maritime infrastructure. This provides a rare opportunity to see the physical implementation of sustainability initiatives in a heavy-asset environment. Furthermore, you will refine your leadership skills by working directly with the Executive team and Board. Navigating the intersection of commercial strategy and environmental governance will sharpen your ability to influence high-level capital allocation and risk management frameworks within a critical infrastructure business.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The successful candidate will be a seasoned professional with a track record of leading climate disclosure cycles, such as TCFD or the emerging AASB S2 standards. You should have a sophisticated understanding of emissions reporting and the ability to build governance frameworks from scratch. Experience in asset-intensive industries like transport, energy, or infrastructure is highly desirable. Beyond technical reporting skills, you need strong commercial acumen and the ability to translate sustainability goals into business value. A background in program delivery is essential, as the role requires managing multi-stream projects across different departments, from operations to finance and risk management.

Question 4

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Accepted Answer

To stand out, move beyond the 'what' of your previous reporting experience and emphasize the 'so what'. Highlight specific instances where you turned a regulatory requirement into a strategic business shift. Strait Link is looking for a builder, so demonstrating your ability to design programs rather than just managing existing ones will be key. Research the current state of maritime decarbonization in Australia. Mentioning your perspective on how a logistics provider can leverage sustainability to strengthen customer relationships or secure government funding will show that you understand the commercial landscape. Tailor your application to show how you handle the tension between operational efficiency and environmental goals.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The primary focus will be on Scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction, specifically through the decarbonization of the vessel fleet and port operations. This involves evaluating new technologies and fuels that can reduce the carbon intensity of Bass Strait crossings. It is a highly practical, asset-focused sustainability role. Secondary focus areas will include climate risk governance and social impact. You will work on aligning the company's risk management with climate scenarios and strengthening community ties in the ports where Strait Link operates. Ensuring transparency through robust ESG disclosures will be the foundation of these efforts.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

One of the most significant challenges will be the technical complexity of decarbonizing maritime assets, where low-carbon solutions are often still maturing or require significant capital investment. You will need to build strong business cases for sustainability projects that compete with other operational priorities for funding. Additionally, you may face the challenge of cultural transformation. Embedding sustainability into a traditional logistics and transport culture requires persistent influence and the ability to demonstrate that green initiatives are not just 'compliance' but are central to the long-term viability and growth of the business.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

A typical day might begin with a strategy meeting with the Chief Transformation Officer to review progress on the decarbonization roadmap. You could then shift to a deep dive with technical leads into emissions data from the vessel fleet to prepare for the next disclosure cycle or Board report. In the afternoon, you might find yourself engaging with external partners, such as government agencies or major freight customers, to discuss collaborative sustainability initiatives. The day would likely conclude with administrative tasks related to building out the governance committees or drafting policy frameworks that will guide the company's future investments.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Given that this is a 'Head of' position reporting to the C-suite, the role offers a direct path toward Executive leadership. As the sustainability function grows within the company, there is potential to expand the team and take on broader responsibilities in corporate strategy and transformation. You will also build a high-profile network within the Australian maritime and logistics industry. Successful delivery of a decarbonization strategy for a major Bass Strait operator would establish you as a leading expert in a niche but globally critical area of ESG, opening doors to senior roles in larger global logistics firms.

Question 9

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Accepted Answer

Your most critical internal stakeholder is the Chief Transformation Officer, along with the Executive Board. You will also work closely with the operations and engineering teams who manage the vessels and port infrastructure, as their expertise is vital for implementing practical changes. Externally, you will interact with government regulators, industry bodies, and major customers who are increasingly demanding green supply chains. These relationships are essential for ensuring the company remains compliant and competitive in a market that is rapidly shifting toward sustainable logistics solutions.

Head of Sustainability

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

Key learning opportunities for this job

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

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

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

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

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

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

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

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