Deputy Manager - Sustainability

Deputy Manager - Sustainability

Role Overview:

The Deputy Manager - Sustainability will support the Global General Manager - Sustainability in executing EPLs global sustainability strategy. The role will be responsible for regulatory compliance, sustainability reporting, certifications, supply chain ESG integration, stakeholder engagement, and driving continuous improvements across plants and functions. The incumbent will coordinate with cross-functional teams across geographies, ensuring EPL meets international sustainability standards, customer expectations, and external rating requirements.

Key responsibilities:

1. Sustainability Regulations & Compliance

• Track, interpret, and assess applicability of global, regional, and local sustainability regulations across all operating geographies.
• Monitor upcoming legislation (EU CSRD, CBAM, SEC Climate Rules, SEBI BRSR, EPR, etc.) and develop compliance roadmaps.
• Ensure EPLs adherence to requirements on climate, waste, circular economy, labor standards, and ESG disclosure.
• Liaise with plant managers, SCM, and legal teams to implement compliance frameworks.

2. Sustainability Reporting

• Lead collection and consolidation of ESG data from all plants.
• Coordinate with content developers/designers for annual sustainability report.
• Ensure alignment with global frameworks: GRI, SASB, TCFD, CSRD/ESRS, SDGs, CDP, BRSR, Integrated Reporting etc.
• Manage third-party assurance activities with internal and external auditors.

3. Process Sustainability

• Support energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water recycling projects.
• Coordinate ISO 50001 initiatives and energy/water audits.
• Partner with Engineering Heads to reduce emissions, optimize processes, and minimize waste.
• Implement environmental standards (RoHS, REACH, etc.) and integrate sustainable manufacturing policies.
• Track ESG KPIs (carbon emissions, energy intensity, waste reduction) and ensure data integrity.
• Promote certifications like LEED, IGBC, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 37001.

4 Climate & Energy Transition

• Assist in monitoring EPLs carbon footprint, renewable energy adoption, and energy efficiency programs.
• Track progress against EPLs net zero/carbon reduction targets.
• Support internal projects on renewable energy, green electricity, and energy conservation at manufacturing sites.

5. Supply Chain Sustainability

• Develop sustainable procurement and ethical sourcing practices.
• Drive supplier ESG assessments, audits, and training.
• Promote use of ISCC-certified and recovered input materials.
• Coordinate Scope 3 data collection and reduction initiatives.
• Implement ISO 20400 (Sustainable Procurement) and ISO 28000 (Supply Chain Security).
• Work with SCM team to collect supplier ESG audit data, create matrix & drive supplier education programs.

6. People Sustainability

• Support diversity, equity, inclusion, and human rights initiatives.
• Conduct labor and human rights assessments, audits, and corrective actions.
• Integrate ESG-linked KPIs into employee performance appraisals.
• Deliver sustainability awareness programs and training across plants.

7. Sustainability Certifications

• Coordinate implementation and audits for certifications:
• ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 50001, ISO 27001, ISO 37001, ISO 28000, ISO 20400.
• ISCC, SA 8000, ISO 26000, B-Corp, Zero Waste to Landfill, Zero Liquid Discharge.

8. Sustainability Training & Events

• Design and implement sustainability training modules and e-learning content.
• Manage a global sustainability events calendar, aligned with UNGC, SBTi, CEO Water Mandate, SDGs.
• Document and share outcomes via intranet, newsletters, and external platforms.
• Support on participating sustainability related awards & assessment.

9. Governance & Risk Management

• Support governance initiatives including cybersecurity, anti-bribery, data ethics, and paperless operations.
• Assist in ESG risk management, climate risk integration, and ERM framework.
• Conduct ROI analysis of sustainability investments and support green financing/ESG-linked loans.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 27001 & ISO 37001 and anti-bribery/anti-corruption practices.

• Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)

• External Ratings & Benchmarks

• Customer Sustainability Engagement

• Trends & Knowledge Management

• ESG Data & External Endorsements

Preferred candidate profile

• Masters degree in Sustainability, Environmental Engineering, Management, or related field.
• 710 years of experience, Minimum 5-6 years of experience in ESG, sustainability, or EHS roles (preferably in manufacturing/FMCG/packaging).
• Strong knowledge of international ESG regulations, frameworks, and certifications.
• Experience in sustainability reporting (GRI, SASB, TCFD, CSRD, BRSR, CDP).
• Familiarity with ISO management systems, SEDEX, ISCC, and global certifications.
• Strong project management and data analytics skills.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication, and presentation skills.