At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sustainability initiatives and ensure compliance with EU packaging regulations.
- Company: Join a global leader in automotive engineering with a diverse team.
- Benefits: Permanent contract, competitive salary, and opportunities for travel.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth and cross-functional collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability and circular economy in the automotive industry.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering or environmental science; experience in regulatory compliance preferred.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
SUMITOMO ELECTRIC WIRING SYSTEMS (EUROPE) LTD AND SUMITOMO ELECTRIC GROUP
Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems (Europe) Ltd employ in excess of 30,000 people across Europe and North Africa.
Automotive engineering is our industry, and we are proud of the diverse team of world‑class engineers and support staff who work at the highest level to provide products and services to our customers.
Our people are our greatest asset and respect for human resources is a fundamental principle of the Sumitomo Business Spirit.
Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. is a recognized global technology leader with over 280,000 employees working at around 415 subsidiaries and affiliates in over 40 countries worldwide.
Sustainability Engineer – Packaging, Waste and Circularity
Job Description
- Type of contract: Permanent
- Place of Work
- Any UK or EU site
- Job Duties and Responsibilities
To lead and coordinate the implementation of the EU packaging and packaging waste regulation (PPWR) across all business units and legal entities.
The role will act as the central point of contract for packaging compliance, ensuring that all packaging placed on the EU market meets regulatory requirements relating to recyclability, reuse, substance restrictions, reporting obligations, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and waste management.
The role holder will drive cross functional collaboration, develop implementation roadmaps, monitor compliance risks and ensure timely submission of all regulatory reporting requirements.
Tasks will include but not be limited to
- PPWR Programme Leadership
- Develop and maintain the company wide PPWR implementation strategy
- Establish programme governance, milestones and project plans
- Coordinative activities across sustainability, engineering, purchasing, logistics, finance, legal and business units
- Track regulatory developments and assess impacts on company operations
- Provide regular status reports and compliance updates to senior management
- Lead PPWR steering committee meetings and cross functional working groups
- Sustainability & circular economy
- Develop and maintain the company’s PPWR compliance roadmap through 2030
- Coordinate packaging recyclability assessments
- Monitor progress against recyclability and recycled content targets
- Support packaging reduction initiatives
- Ensure alignment with corporate sustainability objectives and ESG reporting requirements
- Drive programmes to improve packaging circularity and resource efficiency
- Product design & engineering compliance
- Coordinate packaging redesign projects to meet PPWR requirements
- Ensure packaging designs achieve recyclability performance criteria
- Support packaging weight reduction initiatives
- Identify and eliminate non-compliant packaging formats
- Coordinate implementation of reuse and refill requirements where applicable
- Establish engineering review processes for packaging compliance approval
- Purchasing & supply chain compliance
- Develop supplier engagement and compliance programmes
- Collect, review and maintain packaging Declarations of Conformity (Do Cs)
- Ensure availability of technical documentation supporting PPWR compliance
- Coordinate supplier audits and compliance assessments
- Monitor supplier performance against PPWR requirements
- Establish documentation management system to maintain compliance records
- HSE & quality assurance
- Coordinate compliance verification programmes for regulated substances
- Ensure packaging meets chemical restrictions including heavy metals, PFAS and other restricted substances
- Work with quality assurance teams to establish audit procedures
- Coordinate testing and verification activities where required
- Support implementation of compliant waste segregation and packaging disposal processes
- Maintain evidence required for regulatory inspections and audits
- Finance, legal & extended producer responsibility (EPR)
- Coordinate registration with relevant EU EPR schemes
- Monitor EPR obligations across all operating countries
- Support eco-fee budgeting and financial reporting
- Coordinate packaging data reporting requirements
- Work with legal teams to ensure compliance with national implementation requirements
- Maintain oversight of documentation required by regulators and compliance schemes
- Business unit management
- Act as the primary PPWR contact for all business units
- Develop standard reporting templates and compliance processes
- Monitor completion of required actions across sites
- Ensure submission of regulatory reporting within required deadlines
- Identify and escalation non-compliance risks to management
- Support site teams during implementation and audit activities
Skills, Qualifications and Experience required
Essential
- Degree in engineering, environmental science, sustainability, packaging technology, compliance or related discipline
- Experience managing cross functional regulatory or compliance programmes
- Knowledge of packaging regulations, sustainability reporting, or environmental compliance
- Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders across international locations
- Strong project management experience
- Excellent analytical, reporting and presentation skills
Desirable
- Detailed knowledge of EU packaging and packaging waste regulation (PPWR)
- Experience with extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes
- Knowledge of packaging design, recyclability assessment and circular economy principles
- Experience in automotive, manufacturing, logistics or industrial sectors
- Familiarity with ISO 14001, environmental management systems and sustainability frameworks
- Special Conditions
- Travel to SEWS-E sites as required
- Key Competencies Required
- Programme & project management
- Regulatory compliance management
- Stakeholder management
- Supplier relationship management
- Risk management
- Change management
- Data analysis & reporting
- Continuous improvement
- Communication & influencing skills
- Leadership without direct authority www. sews-e. com
- (1) SEWS-E: Company Page Admin | Linked In
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Sustainability Engineer employer: Sumitomo Electric Industries
Sumitomo Electric Industries is an attractive employer due to its commitment to sustainability and innovation in the automotive sector. The company promotes a collaborative work culture and provides opportunities for professional growth across various functions. Employees are valued as the company's greatest asset, contributing to a supportive and dynamic workplace.
Contact Details:
Sumitomo Electric Industries Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sustainability Engineer
✨Dive into Environmental Networks
Get involved with sustainability-focused organisations and attend their events. Look for local meetups or conferences in environmental management where you can connect with professionals in the field. This can lead to insider info on job openings at companies like Sumitomo Electric Industries that might not be advertised widely.
✨Show Your Passion with Projects
Consider undertaking personal or community projects that highlight your dedication to sustainability. Whether it's a local clean-up or a carbon footprint assessment, document your findings and results. This not only boosts your portfolio but also shows potential employers like Sumitomo Electric Industries that you're proactive and serious about the field.
✨Seek Out Green Job Boards
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✨Let Your Online Presence Shine
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We think you need these skills to ace Sustainability Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sustainability:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through. Share any relevant experiences, like projects, volunteer work, or events you've participated in that align with Sumitomo Electric Industries's values. This position isn't just about meeting qualifications; it's about genuinely caring for the environment and showing us why you're the right fit for Sustainability Engineer.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Experience:Make sure to showcase any specific qualifications, such as degrees in environmental science or certifications in sustainability practices in your CV. We want to see how your academic background and practical experiences align with the job you're applying for, so don’t hold back on anything that demonstrates your expertise in environmental management.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:As we're looking for someone to jump into a full-time role, be specific about previous roles or projects that demonstrate your capabilities in sustainability. Use bullet points to make accomplishments clear, and don’t forget to quantify your achievements wherever possible – it’s all about showing us the impact of your work!
Research Sumitomo Electric Industries and Reflect It In Your Application:We love candidates who take the time to understand what we're about. Mention specific initiatives or projects that Sumitomo Electric Industries is known for in your cover letter. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about the chance to contribute to our mission in the role of Sustainability Engineer.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sumitomo Electric Industries
✨Brush Up on Environmental Legislation
Given that we're diving into sustainability and environmental management, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of current environmental laws and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios, as you might face some technical questions about compliance and best practices during your chat with Sumitomo Electric Industries.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Sustainability Projects
When you're discussing your background, highlight specific sustainability initiatives you've been involved in. Whether it’s a project at university or work experience, sharing measurable outcomes and your role will demonstrate your hands-on skills, which is super important for this full-time role at Sumitomo Electric Industries.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Software
Make sure you're familiar with any relevant tools or software commonly used in environmental management, like GIS for mapping or data analysis tools. Bring this up in your interview as it shows you’re not only passionate but also prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
✨Connect Your Values with the Company's Mission
Full-time roles are all about team fit, so it’s important to align your personal values with those of Sumitomo Electric Industries. Be ready to discuss why you're passionate about sustainability and how you can contribute to their mission, as this will really resonate with the interviewers and show that you’re genuinely invested in their goals.
