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Energy & Sustainability Manager

The Coca-Cola Company Ireland Added on Sep 16, 2026
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Based at the Ballina facility, you will lead the environmental and energy strategy by translating global corporate goals into local operational success. This role owns the site’s management systems, ensuring every drop of water and kilowatt of power is accounted for through rigorous monitoring and continuous improvement projects.

Working for one of the world’s most visible brands, you will tackle the core of its environmental footprint: water stewardship and decarbonization. By managing the site’s transition to zero-carbon emissions and optimizing wastewater compliance, you directly contribute to a more resilient and circular beverage production model in a high-stakes industrial environment.

This suits someone who is a technically grounded engineer or scientist with over seven years of industrial experience who thrives on driving measurable change through ISO standards and data-backed energy audits.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The core of this role involves leading the site’s Environmental Management System to maintain rigorous certifications like ISO 14001, ISO 50001, and the Alliance for Water Stewardship. You will be responsible for the end-to-end development of the annual sustainability program, ensuring that every operational change aligns with both regulatory requirements and internal corporate standards. You will also own the decarbonization roadmap for the facility. This includes identifying opportunities for renewable energy adoption, conducting energy audits, and managing CAPEX planning for water reduction projects. Beyond strategy, you will oversee day-to-day waste recovery, wastewater compliance, and hazardous waste handling to prevent environmental incidents.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates will gain deep expertise in specialized global standards such as ISO 14068 for carbon neutrality and the AWS framework for water stewardship. Operating within a global leader like Coca-Cola provides unique exposure to large-scale industrial micro-grids, energy storage systems, and advanced metering technologies. There is also a significant opportunity to learn about Scope 3 emission reductions by collaborating with supply chain partners. You will be at the forefront of implementing corporate KORE environmental standards, providing a masterclass in how a multinational manages sustainability across complex, fast-paced manufacturing sites.

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

The ideal candidate holds a degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Energy Engineering or Environmental Science, supported by at least seven years of hands-on experience in an industrial setting. You should have a proven track record of managing energy audits and utilizing data analytics to drive efficiency. Technical proficiency must be matched by resilience and problem-solving capabilities. Because you will be integrating sustainability into operational culture, the ability to influence plant leadership and navigate complex regulatory landscapes is essential. Previous experience with wastewater compliance and hazardous waste is highly valued.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, move beyond general sustainability concepts and highlight your technical achievements in energy and water reduction. Mention specific instances where you successfully managed an ISO audit or led a site-wide CAPEX project for environmental efficiency, as this role is deeply rooted in engineering and operations. Demonstrate an understanding of Coca-Cola’s 'KORE' standards and show how your past work aligns with a growth mindset. Tailoring your application to show you can handle the pressure of a fast-paced manufacturing environment while maintaining high compliance standards will be a key differentiator.

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

The focus is heavily weighted toward resource circularity and climate action. Specifically, you will work on achieving Zero Carbon Emissions through efficiency improvements and renewable energy. Water management is equally critical, involving the creation of a replenishment roadmap to ensure the facility gives back what it uses. Governance and compliance are also central, as you will be the primary advisor for the site on environmental risk assessments. Your work ensures the brand’s global reputation is protected through local excellence in waste recovery and rigorous monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions.

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

The primary challenge is the integration of sustainability into a high-output production culture. Balancing the immediate demands of a fast-paced industrial site with long-term decarbonization goals requires constant negotiation and excellent change management skills. You may also face technical hurdles related to micro-grid stability or renewable energy storage as the site moves toward carbon neutrality. Maintaining 100% compliance across multiple ISO standards while managing site-level environmental risks leaves very little room for error in data reporting or incident prevention.

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

A typical day might start with a review of energy and water consumption data from the previous shift to identify any anomalies. You could spend your morning in the plant with the engineering team discussing the rollout of a new water reduction project or conducting a risk assessment for hazardous waste handling. Afternoons are often dedicated to strategic reporting and stakeholder meetings, perhaps updating the Global Environment Network on local progress or leading a training session for new contractors. You will frequently toggle between technical problem-solving on the factory floor and high-level planning for future CAPEX investments.

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

Growth in this role is substantial, with the potential to move into regional or global environmental leadership positions within the Coca-Cola system. You will be part of a global Environment Network, giving you visibility among top-tier sustainability executives and the chance to influence corporate policy. Because the role covers a broad range of high-demand skills—from carbon management to water stewardship—you will become a highly versatile sustainability professional. Successful tenure at a site of this complexity is a significant career accelerator for anyone looking to lead large-scale industrial ESG strategies.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact daily with Plant Leadership and the QSE Team to ensure sustainability remains a priority in operational decisions. Externally, you will deal with regulatory bodies and environmental auditors to maintain the site’s license to operate. Other key stakeholders include Global Sustainability Networks within Coca-Cola, as well as contractors and associates who require training. You will also collaborate with facility engineers and procurement teams to manage energy contracts and evaluate new technological solutions for the site.

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