Sustainability Specialist for Highland Coffee Roastery

Job Title: Sustainability Specialist

Business Unit/ Department: Highlands Coffee Roastery

Section: Coffee Department

Working Relationship:

• Report to: Head of Manufacturing and Coffee

• Internal: Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Operation, Finance, Coffee Product, Marketing

Brief summary of job profile:

This role is to support the sustainability programs for Highlands Coffee across functions.  Starting with Coffee Farms, Manufacturing, Supply Chains, and Store Operations.  The function should help drive business efficiency, reduce waste and optimize business operations as well as ensure a sustainable supply of raw materials.  This role will also chair a business ESG committee.

Key Accountabilities:

Coffee and agricultural supply chains

• Develop best practices for agricultural supply chains to ensure supply, and to support the health of Vietnamese communities where Highlands does business

• Partner with green coffee procurement and supply chain to create baselines in key value chains

• Work with key suppliers to establish transparency and codes of conduct

• Create key projects to support best agricultural practices such as water projects, soil health, shade, coffee nursery’s, shade and regenerative agriculture

Supply Chain

• Create and implement sustainability policies across sourcing, procurement, logistics, manufacturing, warehousing, and retailing

• Define metrics and KPIs to measure the success of sustainability initiatives, focusing on areas like greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and waste management

• Work with various teams to drive change within the organization and manage the implementation of sustainable practices

• Identify and assess risks related to supply chain sustainability, including potential disruptions

• Manage third-party supplier programs to ensure compliance with ethical and sustainable practices

• Oversee ESG data in ERP systems to support reporting requirements

Operations

• Look at areas to monitor and reduce energy consumption, through AI, monitoring IOT and partnering with key vendors

• Conduct thorough assessments to identify areas of improvement for sustainable practices

• Implement life cycle assessment to evaluate the environmental impact of key products and services

• Develop programs aimed at reducing waste and promoting recycling and encouraging and circular economy

• Explore opportunities for repurposing waste materials within operations or in collaboration with external partners

Key Performance Indicators:

Job Requirements:

Education/ Training Qualifications

• A degree in Environmental Science, Agriculture, sustainability or a related field required 

Work Experience

• At least 3 years of experience in a supply chain or sustainability role

• Strong skills at managing projects, prioritizing tasks, and driving change across departments

• Familiarity with audit systems, best practices in energy efficiency, familiarity with ESG industry regulation and best practices.

• Effective written and oral communication skills to effectively convey sustainability initiatives

Knowledge of:

• Deep knowledge of coffee brewing platforms including espresso, phin and cold brew

• In-depth knowledge of coffee varieties, roast profiles, flavor development, and packaging requirements.

• Knowledge of various processing methods (washed, natural, honey, etc.) and their impact on flavor.

• Basic understanding of ingredients and functionality of those ingredients in a finished product.

• Understanding of basic Food Safety, FDA and regulatory requirements.

Skills (Ability to):

• Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage resources effectively.

• Strong cross functional team management capabilities, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.

• Analytical mindset with the ability to analyze data, interpret trends, and make data-driven decisions.

• Detail oriented and quick learner.

• Effective communication and collaboration skills to work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders.

• Solutions-oriented, results driven and problem-solver.

• Fluent in English written and verbal skills.

• Proficient in MS Office: Outlook, Word, Excel and Internet Explorer

Working hours: 

• As per business needs. Typically, 8am-5pm Mon-Friday.

Other special requirements (if any):

• Working location: HCM Office & Ba Ria – Vung Tau (Provide shuttle bus from Ho Chi Minh City).

Personality (Optional):

• Willingness to work flexible hours and travel as required.