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Global Head of Sustainability

ZF Foxconn Chassis Modules • Thailand • Added on Aug 19, 2026
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As the Global Head of Sustainability, you will steer the strategic direction of a high-impact joint venture within the automotive tier-one supply chain. You will take full ownership of the ESG roadmap, moving beyond high-level strategy to direct the implementation of decarbonization initiatives and circular economy practices across twenty-seven global sites. From navigating complex regulatory frameworks like CSRD to managing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, your leadership will define how the organization balances rapid industrial assembly with strict environmental stewardship.

This role is critical because it sits at the intersection of traditional automotive excellence and the urgent transition to green mobility. You will influence how a major manufacturing player integrates human rights due diligence and responsible sourcing into its core DNA, ensuring that global supply chains meet the highest ethical and ecological standards. Leading these efforts at a newly formed venture allows for significant impact in shaping an industry-wide decarbonization agenda.

This suits someone who is a seasoned ESG leader with a robust background in multinational manufacturing or automotive operations. You should possess the gravitas to influence C-suite executives and the technical depth to translate complex regulations into actionable operational shifts.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The Global Head of Sustainability is tasked with the comprehensive design and execution of the company’s ESG strategy. This includes setting science-based targets and measurable roadmaps that align with broader business objectives while ensuring the firm meets stringent international reporting standards such as CSRD and the GHG Protocol. You will also oversee the implementation of responsible sourcing programs and human rights due diligence across a complex global supply chain. This involves not only internal environmental management, such as energy efficiency and waste reduction at assembly sites, but also deep engagement with suppliers to manage and mitigate ESG-related risks. Beyond technical implementation, a significant portion of the role involves governance and advocacy. You will serve as the primary advisor to the executive board on sustainability matters and represent the organization in various industry-wide sustainability initiatives and external audits.

Key learning opportunities for this job

In this role, you will gain unparalleled exposure to the industrialization of sustainability within a Just-in-Time (JIT) manufacturing environment. Navigating the specific ESG requirements of the automotive sector, particularly regarding Scope 3 emissions and sustainable product strategies, offers a steep and rewarding learning curve. You will also deepen your expertise in global regulatory compliance. Mastering the practical application of CSRD, ESRS, and the EU Green Deal from a non-EU headquarters like Bangkok will provide a unique perspective on the extraterritorial reach of modern sustainability legislation. Furthermore, the position offers significant leadership development. Orchestrating a sustainability transformation within a joint venture formed by two industrial giants—ZF and Foxconn—will sharpen your skills in cross-cultural negotiation and strategic organizational change management.

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

The ideal candidate brings a minimum of 8 years of experience, likely within large-scale manufacturing or automotive sectors. A strong academic foundation in Environmental Science, Engineering, or Business is essential, but it must be backed by a proven track record of moving ESG from a theoretical framework to an operational reality. Technical proficiency in carbon accounting and ESG frameworks (such as IFRS S1/S2 or GRI) is mandatory. You must demonstrate that you can handle the data-heavy aspects of climate reporting without losing sight of the strategic 'big picture' required for executive-level decision-making. Soft skills are just as vital; the role requires a change agent who is comfortable with ambiguity. High-level communication skills in English are a must, as is the ability to navigate the complex corporate cultures of a global joint venture.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, move beyond generalist ESG talk and demonstrate a deep understanding of the automotive supply chain. Explicitly mention your experience with the specific challenges of Just-in-Sequence (JIS) manufacturing and how sustainability can be integrated into high-speed, high-efficiency assembly environments. Highlight your regulatory fluency. Given the global nature of this JV, candidates who can articulate how they have managed compliance across multiple jurisdictions will be highly prioritized. Be prepared to discuss specific instances where you successfully influenced senior leadership to prioritize long-term ESG goals over short-term operational pressures. Finally, tailor your application to reflect the entrepreneurial spirit of a newly formed joint venture. Showing that you can build systems from the ground up while respecting the 30-year heritage of the parent companies will demonstrate the cultural fit needed for this leadership post.

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

The role focuses heavily on decarbonization and climate action. With 27 global locations, managing the energy intensity of assembly operations and transitioning to renewable sources will be a primary lever for reducing the company’s carbon footprint. Another significant focus area is supply chain transparency. Because the company sits between major OEMs and raw material suppliers, the Head of Sustainability must ensure that responsible sourcing practices and human rights due diligence are strictly enforced to meet the expectations of both customers and regulators. Lastly, the position will champion circular economy and sustainable product strategies. This involves looking at the lifecycle of axle systems and finding ways to integrate recycled materials or design for disassembly, thereby reducing the overall environmental impact of the automotive components produced.

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

One of the primary challenges is balancing sustainability with JIT efficiency. In an environment where timing is everything, introducing new sourcing requirements or operational changes for ESG reasons must be done without disrupting the critical flow of the assembly line. Another challenge lies in data collection across a global footprint. Gathering accurate, audit-ready ESG data from 27 different sites, each potentially at a different stage of sustainability maturity, requires robust systems and persistent internal engagement. Finally, navigating the differing corporate cultures of the two parent organizations—ZF and Foxconn—requires high levels of diplomatic skill. Aligning their respective sustainability expectations into a single, cohesive ZFFCN strategy can be complex and requires significant stakeholder management.

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

A typical day might start with a global strategy review with regional leads to track progress against decarbonization KPIs. This is often followed by deep-dive meetings with the procurement team to discuss ESG risk assessments for new or existing suppliers. Mid-day might be dedicated to regulatory monitoring and reporting. You could be reviewing the latest drafts for an upcoming ESG audit or coordinating with the legal team to ensure that the company’s disclosures remain fully compliant with the latest ESRS updates. In the afternoon, you likely transition to internal advocacy. This could involve presenting a business case for an energy-efficiency investment to the executive board or leading a training workshop for plant managers on how to incorporate circular economy principles into their daily operations.

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

This role offers a clear path toward C-suite leadership. As the inaugural Global Head for this JV, you have the opportunity to define the function, potentially evolving the role into a Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) position as the organization matures. You will also gain high-visibility project experience. Leading a successful global transformation in a high-stakes industry like automotive manufacturing makes you a highly sought-after expert for both internal advancements and broader industry leadership roles. Additionally, the role provides a platform for lateral influence. By working closely with operations, strategy, and supply chain, you build a versatile skill set that allows for transitions into broader operational or strategic leadership roles within the parent companies or the wider automotive ecosystem.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Your most critical stakeholders are the executive leadership team and the Board of Directors, whom you will advise on all sustainability risks and opportunities. Maintaining their buy-in is essential for the success of any ESG initiative. You will also interact heavily with Plant Managers and Operations Directors across the 27 global sites. These are the individuals responsible for the on-the-ground execution of environmental and social policies, making their cooperation vital. Externally, you will engage with OEM customers and Tier-2 suppliers. Customers will demand high ESG performance to meet their own targets, while suppliers will need your guidance and oversight to ensure they meet ZFFCN’s responsible sourcing standards. You will also deal with auditors, regulators, and industry bodies.

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