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Werkstudent Nachhaltigkeitsmanagement / ESG

winkler Unternehmensgruppe • Germany • Added on Jul 9, 2026
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As a working student at winkler, you will directly support the headquarters in Stuttgart with the operational and strategic rollout of their corporate sustainability agenda. You will dive into the mechanics of ESG data management, helping to collect, structure, and analyze the performance metrics required for formal reporting. Your work ensures that the sustainability strategy is not just a concept but a measurable part of the company’s daily business.

This role is vital as winkler navigates the complex transition toward CSRD compliance within the wholesale and commercial vehicle sector. By translating regulatory requirements into actionable insights, you help a traditional European market leader modernize its environmental and social governance. It is a rare chance to see how a large-scale logistics and trading operation adapts its complex supply chain to meet modern transparency standards.

This suits someone who is currently enrolled in a sustainability-related degree and possesses a high level of comfort with quantitative data and legal frameworks. You should be prepared to work at least ten hours per week for a period of one year.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The core of this position revolves around the operational execution of the company's sustainability strategy. You will be responsible for the systematic collection and analysis of ESG-related data points, which serve as the foundation for future sustainability reports. This includes supporting the transition to CSRD-compliant reporting and ensuring that all data sets are accurately structured for internal and external audits. Beyond data management, you will assist in the strategic development of sustainability goals. This involves researching emerging regulatory landscapes and preparing high-quality presentations that help senior management make informed decisions. You will also facilitate communication between various departments to ensure that sustainability initiatives are integrated across the procurement, logistics, and sales functions.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates can expect deep immersion in the European regulatory framework, specifically the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). You will learn how a large-scale wholesale company identifies material topics and translates them into technical KPIs. This is a practical masterclass in data governance and corporate transparency within a complex supply chain environment. Furthermore, you will gain exposure to multi-departmental project management. By collaborating with teams from finance, logistics, and HR, you will understand how ESG goals impact different business units. This provides a holistic view of how corporate sustainability shifts from a niche administrative task to a central strategic pillar in a mid-sized enterprise.

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

The ideal candidate is a student currently enrolled in Sustainability Management, Business Administration, or Economics with a strong affinity for numbers and data. Since the role involves significant data structuring, advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and a meticulous, analytical mindset are non-negotiable requirements for success. Language skills are also critical; you should possess fluent German for internal coordination and reporting, alongside strong English for international research and documentation. A reliable, independent work style is highly valued, as you will often be expected to take ownership of specific research tasks or data validation processes.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, demonstrate a clear understanding of the European wholesale and logistics sector and how current ESG regulations like the LkSG or CSRD specifically impact it. Instead of general passion for the environment, highlight your analytical capabilities and any experience you have in handling complex data sets or academic research on reporting standards. Your application should reflect a long-term interest in the company, as they are specifically looking for someone available for at least 12 months. Mentioning your ability to bridge the gap between technical data and business strategy will show that you understand the dual nature of an ESG role in a commercial setting.

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

The role will likely focus on Supply Chain Transparency and Decarbonization, given winkler's position as a wholesaler for vehicle and agricultural equipment. Tracking the environmental footprint of heavy goods and workshop supplies is a primary concern, alongside ensuring social standards across various European suppliers. A significant portion of your focus will also be on Governance and Compliance. You will be instrumental in building the infrastructure needed to meet legal reporting obligations, moving the company toward a more robust, data-driven sustainability posture.

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

One of the primary challenges will be the fragmentation of data. In a wholesale company with over 40 locations and 1,700 employees, gathering consistent ESG data from diverse departments like logistics and purchasing requires persistence and strong communication skills to overcome potential resistance or data gaps. Additionally, keeping pace with evolving regulations can be demanding. Translating complex legal requirements into simple, actionable steps for different business units requires both technical knowledge and the ability to simplify information without losing its legal or strategic integrity.

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

A typical day might begin with a data validation session, where you cross-check energy consumption or waste management figures from various branches. You could then spend a few hours conducting regulatory research on new CSRD disclosure requirements to see how they apply to the current fiscal year's reporting cycle. In the afternoon, you might participate in a cross-functional meeting with the procurement or logistics teams to discuss the collection of supplier data. You would end the day by summarizing your findings in a visually clear PowerPoint presentation for the sustainability manager to present to the executive board.

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

As a working student in a growing department, you are in a prime position to become a subject matter expert on the company's ESG data. Success in this role could lead to opportunities for a master's thesis partnership or even a full-time position as a Sustainability Manager or ESG Analyst upon graduation. The visibility of this role is high; by supporting the central headquarters and interacting with various department heads, you build a professional network within a leading European company that values long-term employee development.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Your primary internal stakeholders will be the Sustainability Management team and the heads of specialized departments such as Procurement, Logistics, and Controlling. You will act as a bridge, helping them understand what data is needed and why it matters for the company’s ESG performance. Externally, you might occasionally interact with ESG consultants or auditors during the reporting process. You will also represent the sustainability function internally by engaging with employees through the company's internal communication platforms to promote awareness of new initiatives.

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