Q: What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary focus of this role is to drive the collection and recycling strategy for beverage cartons across South European markets. You will be responsible for executing local action plans that turn sustainability targets into operational reality. Key responsibilities include managing technical investment projects related to sorting and recycling infrastructure . This involves monitoring the entire lifecycle of industrial equipment, from installation to performance commissioning, ensuring that post-consumer materials are efficiently processed. Additionally, you will serve as a bridge between operational data and strategic reporting. You will manage the process of gathering and analyzing recycling data to provide verified information for both internal leadership and external regulatory bodies.

Q: Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates can expect to gain deep expertise in circular economy logistics and waste management technologies specifically tailored for multi-material packaging. You will learn how to navigate the technical complexities of industrial sorting and chemical/mechanical recycling processes. Exposure to the regulatory landscape of South Europe is another key benefit, as you will work closely with Packaging Recovery Organizations (PROs). This provides a masterclass in how different national legislations translate into local waste management operations and environmental compliance. Furthermore, you will sharpen your project management skills within a global corporate framework, gaining experience in capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects that have a direct environmental impact.

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

The ideal candidate holds a degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, or Sustainability and brings a blend of technical understanding and business acumen. You should be comfortable discussing technical specifications with engineers while communicating strategic value to business stakeholders. Professional fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in a second South European language (such as Spanish, Portuguese, or Greek) is highly valued due to the regional nature of the role. A background in waste management or working with PROs is a significant advantage. Soft skills are equally important; Tetra Pak looks for results-driven individuals who are dynamic and autonomous. You must be able to influence others without direct authority and possess the analytical skills necessary to turn raw data into actionable sustainability recommendations.

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

This role is a cornerstone of the company's Circular Economy pillar . You will focus intensely on closing the loop for beverage cartons, ensuring that the environmental footprint of the packaging is minimized through effective end-of-life recovery. Specifically, you will work on decarbonization of the value chain by increasing the availability of recycled raw materials. By improving sorting efficiency, you directly contribute to reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and promoting the use of sustainable secondary materials. Social impact is also relevant, as you will engage in public awareness initiatives and workshops. This involves educating consumers and industry players about the recyclability of carton packaging, fostering a culture of responsible disposal.

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

One of the chief challenges will be navigating the fragmented recycling landscapes of different countries in South Europe. Each market has its own regulatory framework, infrastructure maturity, and political priorities, requiring a highly adaptable approach. Driving technological adoption in third-party waste facilities can also be difficult. You will need to convince external partners to invest in or prioritize carton-specific sorting technologies using data-driven arguments and financial reasoning. Monitoring and harmonizing recycling data across various markets presents a significant analytical hurdle. Ensuring accuracy and consistency in reporting while working with external entities that may have different data standards requires meticulous attention to detail.

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

A typical day might begin with a project review meeting for a new sorting line installation, discussing technical milestones and budget tracking with operations managers. You might then spend time analyzing recycling volumes from the previous quarter, identifying gaps in collection rates and preparing a briefing for the Head of Sustainability on potential interventions. Afternoons often involve external engagement , such as a video conference with a Spanish or Italian Packaging Recovery Organization to coordinate a shared recycling campaign, followed by internal cross-functional collaboration with marketing teams to ensure sustainability claims are backed by technical data.

Q: The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact frequently with Packaging Recovery Organizations (PROs) and local waste management companies who are critical partners in the collection and sorting process. Internally, you report to the Head of Sustainability South Europe and collaborate with the global Sustainability Operations team to ensure local actions align with the worldwide corporate strategy. You will also be a key resource for market-facing teams (sales and marketing), providing them with the facts and data needed to answer customer inquiries and support sustainability-driven food and beverage partnerships.

Question 1

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

Accepted Answer

The primary focus of this role is to drive the collection and recycling strategy for beverage cartons across South European markets. You will be responsible for executing local action plans that turn sustainability targets into operational reality. Key responsibilities include managing technical investment projects related to sorting and recycling infrastructure. This involves monitoring the entire lifecycle of industrial equipment, from installation to performance commissioning, ensuring that post-consumer materials are efficiently processed. Additionally, you will serve as a bridge between operational data and strategic reporting. You will manage the process of gathering and analyzing recycling data to provide verified information for both internal leadership and external regulatory bodies.

Question 2

Key learning opportunities for this job

Accepted Answer

Candidates can expect to gain deep expertise in circular economy logistics and waste management technologies specifically tailored for multi-material packaging. You will learn how to navigate the technical complexities of industrial sorting and chemical/mechanical recycling processes. Exposure to the regulatory landscape of South Europe is another key benefit, as you will work closely with Packaging Recovery Organizations (PROs). This provides a masterclass in how different national legislations translate into local waste management operations and environmental compliance. Furthermore, you will sharpen your project management skills within a global corporate framework, gaining experience in capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects that have a direct environmental impact.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The ideal candidate holds a degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, or Sustainability and brings a blend of technical understanding and business acumen. You should be comfortable discussing technical specifications with engineers while communicating strategic value to business stakeholders. Professional fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in a second South European language (such as Spanish, Portuguese, or Greek) is highly valued due to the regional nature of the role. A background in waste management or working with PROs is a significant advantage. Soft skills are equally important; Tetra Pak looks for results-driven individuals who are dynamic and autonomous. You must be able to influence others without direct authority and possess the analytical skills necessary to turn raw data into actionable sustainability recommendations.

Question 4

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Accepted Answer

To stand out, move beyond general sustainability statements and highlight your specific experience with operational circularity. If you have managed waste collection projects or worked with industrial recycling technologies, make these the centerpiece of your application. Showcase your ability to manage complex stakeholder networks. In your interview, provide examples of how you have collaborated with external partners like municipalities or recovery organizations to achieve a common goal, emphasizing the technical and logistical challenges you overcame. Research Tetra Pak's recent Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) reports and recycling targets for the South Europe region. Demonstrating that you understand the specific barriers to carton recycling in these countries will prove your readiness for the role.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

This role is a cornerstone of the company's Circular Economy pillar. You will focus intensely on closing the loop for beverage cartons, ensuring that the environmental footprint of the packaging is minimized through effective end-of-life recovery. Specifically, you will work on decarbonization of the value chain by increasing the availability of recycled raw materials. By improving sorting efficiency, you directly contribute to reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and promoting the use of sustainable secondary materials. Social impact is also relevant, as you will engage in public awareness initiatives and workshops. This involves educating consumers and industry players about the recyclability of carton packaging, fostering a culture of responsible disposal.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

One of the chief challenges will be navigating the fragmented recycling landscapes of different countries in South Europe. Each market has its own regulatory framework, infrastructure maturity, and political priorities, requiring a highly adaptable approach. Driving technological adoption in third-party waste facilities can also be difficult. You will need to convince external partners to invest in or prioritize carton-specific sorting technologies using data-driven arguments and financial reasoning. Monitoring and harmonizing recycling data across various markets presents a significant analytical hurdle. Ensuring accuracy and consistency in reporting while working with external entities that may have different data standards requires meticulous attention to detail.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

A typical day might begin with a project review meeting for a new sorting line installation, discussing technical milestones and budget tracking with operations managers. You might then spend time analyzing recycling volumes from the previous quarter, identifying gaps in collection rates and preparing a briefing for the Head of Sustainability on potential interventions. Afternoons often involve external engagement, such as a video conference with a Spanish or Italian Packaging Recovery Organization to coordinate a shared recycling campaign, followed by internal cross-functional collaboration with marketing teams to ensure sustainability claims are backed by technical data.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Within a global leader like Tetra Pak, this role offers a clear path toward senior regional leadership or global strategic positions within Sustainability Operations. The experience gained here is highly transferable to corporate ESG roles across many manufacturing sectors. You may also have opportunities to lead global pilot projects for new recycling technologies, positioning you as an internal expert in circular innovation. The company's focus on professional development means you can access high-level training in environmental policy and life-cycle management. Furthermore, the cross-functional nature of the role allows for lateral moves into business development or supply chain management, specifically focused on greening the consumer goods value chain.

Question 9

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Accepted Answer

You will interact frequently with Packaging Recovery Organizations (PROs) and local waste management companies who are critical partners in the collection and sorting process. Internally, you report to the Head of Sustainability South Europe and collaborate with the global Sustainability Operations team to ensure local actions align with the worldwide corporate strategy. You will also be a key resource for market-facing teams (sales and marketing), providing them with the facts and data needed to answer customer inquiries and support sustainability-driven food and beverage partnerships.

Sustainability Manager, South Europe

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