Q: Key learning opportunities for this job

This role offers deep immersion into the complexities of industrial sustainability within the mining and minerals sector. You will gain hands-on experience in how a global company manages extractive environmental impacts across diverse international jurisdictions. The role provides a technical platform to master the latest updates in ISO 14001, ISO 9001, and ISO 45001, alongside emerging energy management standards. Additionally, you will develop expertise in ESG data management and corporate reporting frameworks. By collaborating with various departments, you will learn to navigate the intersection of industrial engineering and corporate social responsibility, gaining a holistic view of the mineral supply chain from extraction to high-value applications.

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

The ideal candidate holds a degree in Science or Engineering (STEM) and brings at least five years of experience in EHS or management systems. You should have a proven track record of managing audits and a deep familiarity with ISO standards. A professional level of English is essential, as you will interact with an international network of subsidiaries and global stakeholders. Beyond technical skills, we look for individuals with high analytical capacity and a process-oriented mindset. You must be comfortable working in a plant environment and possess the communication skills necessary to influence colleagues at various levels of the organization. A proactive approach to problem-solving and a genuine commitment to continuous improvement are vital for success in this industrial context.

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

The role focuses heavily on the circularity and efficiency of industrial operations. You will likely work on projects aimed at reducing the carbon intensity of clay transformation processes and optimizing water usage at the plant level. Monitoring and reducing atmospheric emissions and managing mining waste according to the strictest environmental policies will be core priorities. Furthermore, the role supports the broader ESG strategy by ensuring transparency and accountability . You will play a part in the evaluation of suppliers and the social responsibility aspects of the supply chain, ensuring that the 'earth-to-customer' journey respects international standards for food safety and environmental ethics.

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

One of the primary challenges is balancing operational productivity with rigorous environmental constraints in a high-output mining environment. You may face the hurdle of maintaining high safety and quality standards while simultaneously pushing for new sustainability initiatives that require changes in established workflows. Overcoming resistance to change through effective sensitisation and training will be key. Another challenge lies in the complexity of regulatory reporting . As legislation around environmental reporting becomes more stringent in Spain and the EU, keeping up with shifting requirements while managing day-to-day site operations will demand excellent time management and analytical precision.

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

A typical day might start with a plant walkthrough to monitor environmental controls and safety protocols in real time. Following this, you could be coordinating with a department head to review data for an upcoming internal audit or preparing documentation for a certification body. You will likely spend time reviewing energy and waste indicators to identify any deviations from targets. Your afternoon might involve meetings with project teams to discuss sustainability improvements , such as new energy-efficient equipment or waste diversion strategies. You will also dedicate time to reporting, ensuring that all environmental data is correctly logged and that any identified risks are addressed through documented corrective actions.

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

This role is a gateway to international sustainability management . Given TOLSA's presence in 11 countries, your success in the Madrid plant could lead to opportunities to oversee environmental standards at a regional or global level. You could evolve into a senior QEHS lead or transition into a dedicated Corporate Sustainability Manager role. The technical experience gained here is highly transferable, particularly in heavy industry or extraction sectors. As the company continues to innovate in the special clays market, you will have the chance to lead high-visibility projects that contribute to the organization's long-term environmental strategy and market leadership.

Q: The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will frequently interact with Plant Managers and Operations Teams to ensure that daily activities align with environmental and safety standards. On the corporate side, you will collaborate with the Sustainability and Quality departments to coordinate reporting and unified strategies. Your role involves a high degree of cross-functional communication to maintain a culture of excellence. Externally, you will be the point of contact for regulatory authorities, auditors, and certification bodies . You may also engage with suppliers to evaluate their sustainability performance and with local community stakeholders regarding the environmental impact of operations, acting as a technical representative for the company’s commitment to the environment.

Question 1

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

Accepted Answer

As an Environmental & Sustainability Specialist, your primary mission is to maintain the integrity of ISO-certified management systems across quality, environment, and safety. You will be the guardian of compliance, ensuring that every industrial process aligns with both Spanish regulations and internal sustainability benchmarks. Beyond monitoring, you are responsible for identifying operational risks and translating them into actionable improvement plans. You will also take a lead role in sustainability reporting and the tracking of environmental indicators. This involves gathering data on energy consumption, emissions, and waste streams to contribute to the company's global ESG disclosures. Your work ensures that the site's environmental performance is accurately captured for auditors, official bodies, and corporate leadership.

Question 2

Key learning opportunities for this job

Accepted Answer

This role offers deep immersion into the complexities of industrial sustainability within the mining and minerals sector. You will gain hands-on experience in how a global company manages extractive environmental impacts across diverse international jurisdictions. The role provides a technical platform to master the latest updates in ISO 14001, ISO 9001, and ISO 45001, alongside emerging energy management standards. Additionally, you will develop expertise in ESG data management and corporate reporting frameworks. By collaborating with various departments, you will learn to navigate the intersection of industrial engineering and corporate social responsibility, gaining a holistic view of the mineral supply chain from extraction to high-value applications.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The ideal candidate holds a degree in Science or Engineering (STEM) and brings at least five years of experience in EHS or management systems. You should have a proven track record of managing audits and a deep familiarity with ISO standards. A professional level of English is essential, as you will interact with an international network of subsidiaries and global stakeholders. Beyond technical skills, we look for individuals with high analytical capacity and a process-oriented mindset. You must be comfortable working in a plant environment and possess the communication skills necessary to influence colleagues at various levels of the organization. A proactive approach to problem-solving and a genuine commitment to continuous improvement are vital for success in this industrial context.

Question 4

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Accepted Answer

To stand out, your application should demonstrate a clear balance between technical compliance expertise and a forward-thinking sustainability mindset. Instead of just listing certifications, provide brief examples of specific improvements you have implemented in energy or waste reduction within an industrial setting. Highlighting your experience with multi-site or international reporting can also be a significant advantage. Research TOLSA's specific market position in the special clays sector to show you understand their unique environmental challenges, such as land rehabilitation or efficient mineral processing. Tailoring your resume to show proficiency in both ISO management and sustainability reporting will signal that you can handle the dual nature of this role immediately.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The role focuses heavily on the circularity and efficiency of industrial operations. You will likely work on projects aimed at reducing the carbon intensity of clay transformation processes and optimizing water usage at the plant level. Monitoring and reducing atmospheric emissions and managing mining waste according to the strictest environmental policies will be core priorities. Furthermore, the role supports the broader ESG strategy by ensuring transparency and accountability. You will play a part in the evaluation of suppliers and the social responsibility aspects of the supply chain, ensuring that the 'earth-to-customer' journey respects international standards for food safety and environmental ethics.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

One of the primary challenges is balancing operational productivity with rigorous environmental constraints in a high-output mining environment. You may face the hurdle of maintaining high safety and quality standards while simultaneously pushing for new sustainability initiatives that require changes in established workflows. Overcoming resistance to change through effective sensitisation and training will be key. Another challenge lies in the complexity of regulatory reporting. As legislation around environmental reporting becomes more stringent in Spain and the EU, keeping up with shifting requirements while managing day-to-day site operations will demand excellent time management and analytical precision.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

A typical day might start with a plant walkthrough to monitor environmental controls and safety protocols in real time. Following this, you could be coordinating with a department head to review data for an upcoming internal audit or preparing documentation for a certification body. You will likely spend time reviewing energy and waste indicators to identify any deviations from targets. Your afternoon might involve meetings with project teams to discuss sustainability improvements, such as new energy-efficient equipment or waste diversion strategies. You will also dedicate time to reporting, ensuring that all environmental data is correctly logged and that any identified risks are addressed through documented corrective actions.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

This role is a gateway to international sustainability management. Given TOLSA's presence in 11 countries, your success in the Madrid plant could lead to opportunities to oversee environmental standards at a regional or global level. You could evolve into a senior QEHS lead or transition into a dedicated Corporate Sustainability Manager role. The technical experience gained here is highly transferable, particularly in heavy industry or extraction sectors. As the company continues to innovate in the special clays market, you will have the chance to lead high-visibility projects that contribute to the organization's long-term environmental strategy and market leadership.

Question 9

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Accepted Answer

You will frequently interact with Plant Managers and Operations Teams to ensure that daily activities align with environmental and safety standards. On the corporate side, you will collaborate with the Sustainability and Quality departments to coordinate reporting and unified strategies. Your role involves a high degree of cross-functional communication to maintain a culture of excellence. Externally, you will be the point of contact for regulatory authorities, auditors, and certification bodies. You may also engage with suppliers to evaluate their sustainability performance and with local community stakeholders regarding the environmental impact of operations, acting as a technical representative for the company’s commitment to the environment.

Environmental & Sustainability Specialist

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