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Sustainability Advisor Supply Chain

TenneT • Netherlands • Added on Sep 16, 2026
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This role centers on embedding sustainability directly into the heart of procurement for a major European energy grid operator. You will transition sustainability from a conceptual goal into a structural reality by translating complex regulations like CSRD and CSDDD into practical procurement frameworks. Your work involves defining environmental requirements, developing measurable KPIs, and ensuring that every contract awarded reflects the company’s commitment to a greener energy future.

At TenneT, the supply chain represents a massive lever for change in the energy transition. By implementing Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and Environmental Cost Indicators (MKI), you directly influence the carbon footprint of critical infrastructure projects. This position is vital for ensuring that the massive investments required for a reliable electricity grid are managed with the highest social and environmental integrity.

This suits someone who balances strategic thinking with a practical mindset, possessing deep expertise in environmental data and the diplomatic skills to navigate a complex, newly restructured supply chain organization.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission is to structurally anchor sustainability within the entire procurement lifecycle. This involves translating high-level sustainability objectives into specific tender requirements, contract clauses, and supplier agreements, ensuring that environmental and social criteria are non-negotiable elements of business decisions. You will also be responsible for the technical implementation of environmental metrics, specifically utilizing Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and Milieukostenindicator (MKI) to make the environmental impact of infrastructure projects measurable and steerable. Additionally, you will lead the efforts to align supply chain operations with emerging European regulations like CSRD and CSDDD.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates will gain deep expertise in the application of Dutch environmental standards such as EN15804+A2 and MKI within a large-scale industrial context. This role offers a unique vantage point to see how massive energy transition projects are managed from a sustainability perspective. You will also sharpen your skills in regulatory implementation, specifically moving beyond theoretical knowledge of CSRD/CSDDD into operational practice. Working within a specialized team of 12 colleagues provides a collaborative environment for peer-to-peer learning in complex ESG data management and stakeholder negotiation.

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

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s degree in Sustainability, Environmental Science, or Supply Chain Management, backed by at least five years of professional experience in ESG or sustainable procurement. A deep technical understanding of LCA methodologies and MKI is absolutely essential for success in this role. Beyond technical skills, the candidate must be a fluent Dutch speaker to navigate local regulations and internal policy documents effectively. Strong analytical capabilities combined with the ability to build bridges between the strategy department and operational category managers are highly valued.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Focus your application on specific examples where you have successfully integrated sustainability into a commercial process. Rather than just listing knowledge of regulations, explain how you translated a rule like CSRD into a practical tool or a specific KPI that changed a business outcome. Given the technical nature of TenneT’s work, highlighting your experience with environmental data tools (like LCA software) will set you apart. Ensure your motivation letter reflects an understanding of TenneT's unique role as a cross-border TSO in the energy transition, showing how supply chain sustainability supports grid reliability.

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

The role focuses heavily on Scope 3 emissions and supply chain accountability. You will be at the forefront of ensuring that the materials and services used to build the high-voltage grid—from steel to offshore cables—meet rigorous environmental standards. There is also a significant focus on governance and transparency. By professionalizing data collection and reporting, you help the company meet its legal obligations while providing stakeholders with a clear, honest view of the environmental costs associated with expanding the European energy infrastructure.

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

One of the primary challenges is balancing competing interests between environmental goals and the operational necessity of grid reliability and affordability. You may face resistance when introducing new, more rigorous sustainability criteria that could complicate traditional procurement timelines. Additionally, the supply chain department has recently been repositioned, meaning you will need to navigate organizational change and help define the 'new way of working.' Ensuring that sustainability is viewed as a core business function rather than a side project requires persistence and strong internal advocacy.

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

A typical day might begin with a team meeting in Arnhem to coordinate on upcoming tenders, followed by a deep dive into LCA data analysis for a specific project. You might then meet with Category Managers to discuss how to include MKI scores in a new contract award strategy. In the afternoon, you could be drafting a policy paper on CSDDD compliance or developing a toolkit to help buyers evaluate supplier sustainability performance. Your day often involves high-level collaboration with the strategy department to ensure procurement activities remain aligned with TenneT's long-term environmental roadmap.

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

TenneT is a major investor in international energy grids, offering a high-visibility platform for professionals looking to make a mark in the energy sector. The 'TenneT Academy' provides structured paths for both technical specialization and leadership development. Within this role, there are opportunities to transition into strategic leadership positions or specialize further in ESG data architecture. As the organization grows its offshore and cross-border capabilities, the scope of your impact can expand from national to European-wide supply chain initiatives.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact frequently with Category Managers and Procurement Leads to integrate sustainability into their daily work. You also serve as a vital link to the Strategy Department, ensuring that corporate ESG goals are feasible at the execution level. Externally, you will engage with major suppliers and contractors to communicate TenneT's expectations and drive improvements in their environmental reporting. You may also liaise with regulatory bodies or industry partners to stay aligned with evolving standards for the Dutch and German energy markets.

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