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Strategy Project Manager Sustainability - EU Taxonomy and ESG Data

Webasto Group • Germany • Added on Sep 4, 2026
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This role centers on the technical and strategic architecture of Webasto’s non-financial reporting. You will lead the implementation of EU Taxonomy assessments and manage the complex ESG data systems that feed into CSRD and ESRS disclosures. By bridging the gap between corporate accounting and environmental strategy, you ensure that every sustainability claim is backed by rigorous, audit-ready data and transparent KPIs across global business units.

The automotive industry is undergoing a massive transformation toward electrification, and this position provides the regulatory steering necessary for that shift. Your work ensures that investments in green technology are correctly classified and recognized under European standards, directly influencing how the group demonstrates its environmental performance to investors and regulators. It is a high-visibility mission where data integrity translates into corporate credibility.

This suits someone who possesses a sharp analytical mind and thrives at the intersection of finance and sustainability. You should be comfortable navigating complex IT reporting landscapes like Sphera while communicating technical compliance requirements to diverse global teams.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary focus of this role is the leadership of EU Taxonomy assessments and the integration of these regulatory requirements into the company’s broader financial and accounting frameworks. You will be responsible for the end-to-end sustainability reporting process, ensuring that all disclosures are compliant with current standards like the ESRS and CSRD. Beyond just reporting, you will take ownership of the ESG data management IT infrastructure, specifically tools like Sphera. This involves ensuring data quality, setting up automated workflows, and maintaining the transparency of KPIs for various global stakeholders. You will also support the broader sustainability governance by coordinating committees and monitoring strategic progress against group-wide environmental goals.

Key learning opportunities for this job

A candidate in this position will gain deep expertise in regulatory compliance within one of Europe's most scrutinized industries. Navigating the nuances of the EU Taxonomy and the transition to ESRS reporting provides a masterclass in modern corporate disclosure. You will also gain advanced proficiency in industry-standard ESG software solutions, which are becoming critical tools for sustainability professionals. Furthermore, the role offers exposure to the automotive electrification value chain. Understanding how sustainability metrics apply to high-voltage heaters, batteries, and thermal management systems provides a unique perspective on the intersection of hardware engineering and environmental strategy.

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

The ideal candidate brings a solid academic background in sustainability management, finance, or business administration. They must have significant professional experience in ESG data management or sustainability consulting, specifically with hands-on knowledge of reporting frameworks like the EU Taxonomy. Proficiency in specialized software such as Sphera is highly valued. Soft skills are equally crucial, as you must be able to translate complex regulatory jargon into actionable insights for executive leadership. A data-driven mindset combined with the ability to manage cross-functional projects across different regions is essential for success in this global matrix organization.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, demonstrate your technical literacy by describing specific instances where you managed complex datasets or reporting cycles under tight regulatory deadlines. Mentioning your familiarity with the specific challenges of the automotive sector, such as supply chain transparency or product lifecycle assessments, will show that you understand Webasto's operational context. Ensure your application highlights your ability to collaborate with financial departments and accounting teams. Since this role bridges the gap between 'green' strategy and 'hard' financial data, proving that you speak the language of both worlds will make you a much more compelling candidate than a generalist.

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

This role is heavily focused on the governance and transparency pillars of sustainability. You will be the architect of how Webasto measures its impact, focusing on the 'E' in ESG through the lens of the EU Taxonomy. This includes identifying which activities qualify as sustainable and ensuring the company's investments align with the green transition. Additionally, there is a strong focus on strategic implementation. You won't just be reporting on the past; you will be helping to set the trajectory for future strategic goals by providing the data-driven evidence needed to support large-scale sustainability initiatives across the group's global locations.

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

One of the primary challenges will be the harmonization of data across more than 50 global locations and various business units. Ensuring consistency and quality in ESG reporting requires significant stakeholder management and the ability to influence teams that may have different levels of sustainability maturity. The evolving regulatory landscape also presents a hurdle. Keeping pace with the rapid changes in EU reporting requirements while maintaining a stable internal system requires constant vigilance and an agile approach to IT and process management.

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

A typical day might begin with a coordination meeting with the Group Accounting team to align on the latest EU Taxonomy interpretations. You might then spend time in the Sphera system, troubleshooting data entry issues from a regional office or analyzing quarterly KPIs to ensure they meet quality standards. Afternoons could involve stakeholder workshops where you explain new reporting requirements to business unit leads or prepare presentation decks for the sustainability governance boards. The day usually ends with strategic planning, perhaps updating internal policies to reflect new ESG regulations or refining the reporting workflow for the upcoming audit cycle.

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

As a Strategy Project Manager, you are positioned at the strategic core of the company. Success in this role can lead to senior leadership positions within the sustainability department or strategic roles in corporate development and finance. Given the increasing importance of ESG, this role offers high visibility to the Management Board. There are also opportunities for global mobility and specialization. You could evolve into a subject matter expert for specific regulatory topics or move into a role that focuses more on the operational side of sustainability, such as decarbonizing the manufacturing footprint or managing sustainable supply chains.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Your most frequent interactions will be with the Group Accounting and Finance teams, as they are key partners in tax and compliance reporting. You will also work closely with IT departments to maintain the ESG data systems and with business unit managers across the globe to collect and verify environmental data. Externally, you will likely interact with auditors and consultants who verify the company's non-financial disclosures. Internally, you will support executive governance bodies, providing the data and insights that allow top management to make informed decisions about the company's sustainability strategy.

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