Sustainability Engineer (1-Year Fixed-Term Contract) at Philip Morris International

About the job

• We are seeking a dedicated Sustainability & Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) Specialist to develop, implement, and enhance EHS programs and tools in alignment with business needs, organisation goals & objectives, and legal requirements. This role, based at our Boksburg manufacturing facility, focuses on improving EHS systems through benchmarking, audit findings, incident investigations, and business improvements. As the key Sustainability reference within the organization, you will support capability-building initiatives, drive risk reduction strategies, and champion a culture of sustainability across the factory.

Key Responsibilities

Sustainability & EHS Systems Deployment

• Develop and deploy Sustainability & EHS Pillar tools and programs, ensuring alignment with legal and business requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement by analyzing benchmarks, audits, and incident investigations to refine systems.
• Lead local project teams, acting as the liaison between global product owners and the affiliate.
• Support the integration of sustainability requirements in factory infrastructure, equipment, and operations.

Culture & Compliance

• Foster a culture of zero-incident sustainability by engaging and coaching managers, supervisors, and employees.
• Implement and oversee sustainability training programs to enhance awareness and compliance.
• Provide guidance on legal and corporate sustainability requirements, ensuring adherence by employees and contractors.
• Collaborate with medical professionals to assess and mitigate workplace health risks.

Operational & Risk Management

• Complete risk assessments, safety inspections, audits, and emergency preparedness programs to prevent losses.
• Ensure the technical certification and compliance of new equipment to mitigate operational risks.
• Manage sustainability data reporting and performance tracking for internal and external collaborators.
• Support budgeting exercises by identifying projects and resources needed for legal compliance and sustainability improvements.

Performance Improvement & Best Practices

• Monitor and analyze energy usage, waste reduction, and emissions to drive continuous improvement.
• Coordinate accident investigations, ensuring root causes are identified and preventive actions are implemented.
• Promote standard methodologies through internal and external benchmarking, knowledge sharing, and process improvements.

Education

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Sustainability, or related field.
• Adequate Sustainability (EHS) qualification in compliance with local legal requirements.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment as an EHS specialist.
• Working experience within a global manufacturing standard environment
• Strong background in implementing and maintaining ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 50001 standards.
• Experience in organisational culture change is a plus.
• Knowledge of Lockout-Tagout (LOTO) and Machinery Safety regulations.
• Familiarity with the Alliance for Water Stewardship and Carbon Neutrality principles is an advantage
• Proficiency in Lean Management Systems and Tools (IWS).

Skills & Competencies

• Strong interaction and influencing people is required
• Internal & External collaborator/partnering is key
• Reporting and data analysis
• Previous committee chairing experience
• Advanced knowledge of risk assessment, problem-solving, and analytical thinking.
• Ability to lead high-complexity sustainability projects independently.
• Strong project management skills with cross-functional collaboration experience.
• Autonomous execution, process ownership, and training capabilities.