Environmental Specialist

About the role

The Environment and sustainability specialist operates at the site level within the SHE department, directly reporting to the SHE Manager. The role collaborates cross functionally with various site teams and integrates into the overall energy management strategy of the company. Core internal stakeholders are the plant manager, SHE manager, project engineers, process & manufacturing excellence teams, maintenance & production teams. External stakeholders include suppliers, contractors, energy consultants, regulatory authorities and auditors.

The activities are based on execution of the environmental and sustainability routines, maintain the compliance, permits and support the company’s sustainability goals by identifying and implementing water saving initiatives. This role also ensures the site meets its environment related regulatory requirements and contributes to overall cost savings through waste management. The mission is to perform the routine actions defined described in the environmental and circular economy concept reducing the environmental impact, managing environmental incidents, waste, implement training, gemba walks , review and consolidate permits and regulation gap analysis, execution of the environment management system basic requirements, assess the applicability of best practices.

The role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on the company’s environment and sustainability goals by driving environment routines execution. Communication requirements (both internal and external):

• Daily updates with the SHE manager regarding ongoing projects and activities
• Monthly meetings with Site Management and the SHE Manager to review performance and discuss future initiatives
• Regular collaboration with the Global Environmental Team for alignment on company-wide strategies and reporting
• Annual or as-needed communication with regulatory bodies and auditors to ensure compliance with laws and certifications
• Collaboration with external consultants for audits and improvement recommendations

Key responsibilities include

1. GAP analysis permits and legislation Level of Involvement:

Responsibility to review critically the report from the agency or consultant, preparing for the meeting with plant manager Frequency: 2 times a year Stakeholders: SHE Manager, Plant Manager, Site Management Team, external environmental consultants The Environment specialist will be responsible for reviewing the report from the external agency, defining a list of projects to close the gaps with permits and legislation compliance. This includes setting clear, actionable milestones, assessing the feasibility of potential solutions. The plan must be periodically updated.

2. ERA - Environmental risk assessment Level of Involvement:

Full responsibility – direct execution Frequency: Yearly assessment and daily action execution Stakeholders: SHE Manager, Plant Manager, Site Management Team, external environmental consultants The Environment specialist will be responsible for performing the ERA on a yearly basis. All actions to be defined, tracked and followed up according to the defined procedure.

3. EMS – Environmental management system - Basic requirements

Level of Involvement: Full responsibility – lead & manage Frequency: Weekly/Monthly Stakeholders: SHE Manager, Plant Manager, Site Management Team, external environmental consultants The Environment specialist will be responsible for defining the actions to be able to meet the basic requirements on the EMS. Following up actions and securing activities are done to meet the defined procedures.

4. Environment incident reporting and root cause analysis

Level of Involvement: Full responsibility Frequency: Weekly and monthly (compliance review) Stakeholders: SHE Manager, Plant Manager, Site Management Team, external environmental consultants The Environment specialist will be responsible for performing the incident analysis and root cause analysis together with the local team. The Environment specialist will be the facilitator and secure that all relevant incidents are shared according to defined procedure.

5. Waste management and reporting

Level of Involvement: Full responsibility – direct execution of certification and audits Frequency: Monthly (compliance review) Stakeholders: SHE Manager, Plant Manager, Site Management Team, external environmental consultants The environmental specialist ensures the site is following the group defines procedure for waste management and performs Gemba with the team focusing on waste

6. Training and Engaging Operators and Technicians and broader internal stakeholders

Level of Involvement: Full responsibility – plan and deliver training, build environmental culture Frequency: Monthly (trainings, leading site energy team) Stakeholders: SHE Manager, Plant Manager, Site Management Team, external environmental consultants The Environment specialist is responsible for raising awareness and training the site’s operational teams on best practices. This includes running meetings, hands-on training sessions, leading GEMBA walks, regular updates on environmental legislations. Develop and manage a site level recognition program for environmental awareness.

7. Regular Reporting on Environment Performance and main BPI’s PPI’s, CAPA and general safety dashboard management

Level of Involvement: Full responsibility – prepare and present reports Frequency: Daily Stakeholders: SHE Manager, Plant Manager, Site Management Team, external environmental consultants The Environmental specialist is responsible for tracking and reporting performance data, non-conformity, CAPA, EMS, performance, compliance form audit internal and external. This reporting serves as the foundation for decision-making at both site and corporate levels.

About you

• Bachelor’s or Master Degree in Industrial Engineering, Environmental Engineering or equivalent
• Language skills: Dutch + French + good knowledge of English is required (cross-country team meetings)
• Industry Experience: A minimum of 3-5 years in an engineering, SHE, process or environmental management role, ideally within the manufacturing or industrial sector. Experience in environmental projects, managing environment systems, and developing standards is vital. Specific experience in the food production industry or other sectors with high focus on environmental factors would be advantageous.
• Project Management: The candidate must demonstrate experience in successfully managing and delivering projects with measurable outcomes. This includes managing budgets, collaborating with external contractors, and ensuring timely execution of projects.
• Technical Expertise

The candidate must have a deep understanding of environmental and sustainability systems and solutions, permits and (local) legislation, and relevant technologies. Knowledge of waste management initiatives, as well as the understanding how this links to production requirements and utilities intersect.

• Analytical Thinking:

Strong skills in analyzing data and consumption patterns to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement. Familiarity with environmental management systems (EMS) and the ability to translate data insights into actionable strategies is essential.

• Regulatory and Compliance Knowledge

Familiarity with local environmental regulations is crucial. The candidate must be able to ensure ongoing compliance and lead audit preparations, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail in documentation and processes.

• Leadership skills
• Communication and Collaboration

The environmental specialist will need to work closely with various internal and external stakeholders (e.g., SHE Manager, Maintenance Team, Environmental Champions at other sites, external auditors). Excellent communication skills are required for reporting results, training staff, and working across functions.

• Leadership and Influence

As the leader of environmental and sustainable initiatives, the candidate must be able to influence site-level staff, train operators, and maintain high engagement across teams. They will also need to foster buy-in from upper management for key energy projects

Personal Traits and Behavioral Competencies

• Results-Oriented: The role requires a proactive individual who is focused on achieving tangible results and cost savings. They must show a track record of delivering measurable improvements and working to specific targets.
• Strong Problem Solver: The candidate must have the ability to identify and diagnose environmental issues/risks and recommend practical, cost-effective solutions. Critical thinking is necessary to handle complex technical challenges in real-time operations.
• Collaborative and Team-Oriented: The candidate will need to be a strong team player, working closely with multiple departments. They must excel in cross-functional teamwork, fostering positive relationships and open communication.
• Leadership and Influence: As a leader within the environmental function, the candidate should be able to lead by example and inspire teams to engage in first class environmental practices. The ability to influence and motivate peers, as well as senior management, is essential.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: The candidate should have a strong focus on continuous improvement, both in terms of personal development and operational performance.

This is a local Belgian role. Dutch and French is required. You will be located in Wieze and spend approx 70% of your time in Wieze, 20% in Halle and the rest in Lokeren /Malle