Flexible – Commuting distance to dsm-firmenich offices in The Netherlands, France and Spain.
Hybrid – min. 2 days per week in the office
The Head of Nature will play a pivotal role in the development and implementation of our Nature strategy including the protection and restoration of biodiversity, water and other key natural resources. The successful candidate will bring a deep passion for environmental stewardship, coupled with strategic thinking and a proven track record in driving sustainable practices within a corporate setting.
At dsm-firmenich people are at the heart of the company. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and value diversity in the workplace.
Your key responsibilities:
The role requires both an ability to think strategically but to also manage the day-to-day activities necessary to implement and operationalize the strategy. This includes therefore:
Thought leadership: Help shape our company and drive meaningful change through strategic insights, a forward-thinking mindset, and a commitment to staying at the forefront of industry trends within the broader Nature agenda.
Strategic leadership: Lead the development and implementation of the Nature strategy for dsm-firmenich including the business objectives, overall strategic framework, ambition, roadmap, KPIs, required partnerships and advocacy efforts, etc., all linked to an overall coherent narrative.
External engagement and advocacy: Represent dsm-firmenich in key external industry/academic groups, conferences and working groups e.g. WBCSD, UEBT, SBTN, IFRA/IOFI.
Commercial support: In alignment with co-created Nature strategy, support the Business Units with customer engagements as part of the sales process and Group Procurement with supplier engagement and training.
Governance and compliance: Along with Science and Research, Regulatory Affairs and other functions ensure compliance to regulatory standards and internal commitments e.g. EUDR, Forest Commitments, Biodiversity Commitments, ABS regulations, EU Green Deal development.
Reporting: Take accountability for all mandatory and voluntary reporting within nature, water and biodiversity related topics.
We bring:
The opportunity to work for a company where sustainability is much more than a claim and is core to our strategy and purpose, allowing you to express your passion for Nature.
A rich history and a promising future of bold scientific innovation and passionate creation with our customers, all in a sustainable way.
A space to grow by encouraging and supporting curiosity and an open mindset.
A flexible work environment that empowers people to take accountability for their work and own the outcome.
Barrier-free communities within our organization where every employee is equally valued and respected – regardless of their background, beliefs, or identity.
An eagerness to be one team and learn from each other to bring progress to life and create a better future, sustainably.
You bring:
General environmental sustainability knowledge with specific and deep knowledge on nature-related topics (e.g. biodiversity and water) and all associated, existing and emerging standards, protocols and compliance requirements (e.g. Nagoya, SBTN, TNFD, CSRD, EUDR).
Significant work experience in translating a passion for nature into an actionable corporate agenda and being recognized as solution driven to balance conflicting business priorities.
Experience in leading strategy development & implementation including senior stakeholder engagement.
Strong business acumen: supporting the BUs and group functions in their continuous understanding of our Nature agenda and overall company strategy.
Existing personal network within sustainability and a demonstrated ability to develop and maintain partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, etc.
Extensive experience working with procurement to implement key regulatory requirements (e.g. EUDR) and to develop sustainable supply chains, including in the Global South in agricultural value chains
dsm-firmenich is fully dedicated to inclusion because when people feel engaged and empowered, their creativity and innovation drives unprecedented progress. We aim to build a workplace where opportunity really is equal, so everyone can thrive. We do not discriminate: (here,) there’s a place for everyone with us.
dsm-firmenich is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Our people are as diverse as our customers. For us that includes a commitment to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.
We are committed to providing reasonable support for disabled applicants in our recruiting process. Should you need assistance, and are comfortable to share this, please let us know.
Important note:
This job title is temporary and will be adjusted once the job grading structure for the new Group will be adopted (covering among others: grades’ design, job evaluations, calibration, and job titles’ nomenclature). Until these adjustments are finalized, current compensation packages will be grandfathered for those whose new position turns out to be graded lower than their current position. This temporary period will last not more than 24 months for the legacy DSM Executives or legacy FIR SLT members, and not more than 12-18 months for all other employees from the moment the candidate moves into their new position.
As innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, dsm-firmenich reinvents, manufactures, and combines vital nutrients, flavors, and fragrances for the world’s growing population to thrive. With our comprehensive range of solutions, with natural and renewable ingredients and renowned science and technology capabilities, we work to create what is essential for life, desirable for consumers, and more sustainable for the planet. dsm-firmenich is a Swiss-Dutch company, listed on the Euronext Amsterdam, with operations in almost 60 countries and revenues of more than €12 billion. With a diverse, worldwide team of nearly 30,000 employees, we bring progress to life™ every day, everywhere, for billions of people.
www.dsm-firmenich.com