Sustainability Engineer / Manager (m / w / d)

About the job

IFF Pharma Solutions Process R&D has an exciting and challenging opportunity for a

Sustainability Engineer / Manager

The IFF Pharma Solutions business produces and sells high-performance cellulose derivatives, alginates and related polymers used for formulations across a broad variety of applications in the Pharmaceuticals, Food, and Industrial Specialties and Personal Care markets. The portfolio is a highly profitable part of the company and has shown significant value growth over the last several years.

Within IFF’s Pharma Solutions business sustainability is a strategic area of focus and can deliver a competitive advantage. It impacts multiple stakeholders and functions within the business, at all levels.

As a Sustainability Process Research Engineer, you will work across the functions (Product and Process R&D, Applications, Regulatory, Manufacturing and Technology, Marketing) to lead, support and execute Pharma Solutions Sustainability Strategy. In this role, you will be reporting into Process R&D, and you will support the evaluation and design of existing and innovative products and processes in terms of sustainability, biodegradability and recyclability. You will be involved in the preparation of environmental product studies and perform LCAs for our existing product portfolio by interfacing with multiple functions to collect and analyze sustainability data. Are you passionate about sustainability in a technological and innovative environment?

Key responsibilities include :

• Champion life cycle and sustainability thinking in product and process development, manufacturing technology, production, and core sustainability functions.
• Acting as sustainability focal point for new and existing product and process development initiatives. Developing a solution how LCA fits in the development process.
• Perform Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) using appropriate modelling software and calculate the carbon footprint of existing and new products including appropriate production technologies.
• Track and communicate sustainability goals and indicators (energy and natural resource usage, renewable resources, waste generation, and recycling) incl. performance goals and KPIs and run scenarios on target performance.
• Cooperate with R&D and various functions like Manufacturing & Technology, Operations, EH&S, Quality, and suppliers, to collect relevant data required for LCA modelling.
• Document results in SimaPro and other relevant formats (reports, articles, presentation)
• Identifying strategic sustainability approaches and anchoring these in operational processes and organizational structures.
• Identify footprint reduction opportunities for Pharma Solutions’ product portfolio and share with relevant internal and external stakeholders.
• Enable and support audit processes by facilitating the integration of sustainability aspects into ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 audits.
• Monitor or track sustainability indicators, such as energy usage, natural resource usage, waste generation, and recycling.
• Stay on top of external trends and perspectives related to sustainability and provides consultation to businesses) as required.

About you

Qualification / skills :

PhD or M.Sc. in science or engineering (STEM) or B.Sc. with extended professional experience with a strong focus on industrial processes, energy, environmental or sustainability.

Relevant professional experience and track record in similar sustainability roles (at least 3 years). Experienced in „Green Chemistry“ principles, sustainability targets and methodologies, in particular Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).

Proficient in using LCA software (e.g. SimaPro Expert or similar)

At least 2 years of experience in external reporting, compliance, sustainability certification programs, energy transition, carbon foot printing and project management in the field of sustainability (certification is an advantage).

Knowledge in pharmaceutical or food production technologies, chemistry, mass balancing and low or zero-carbon is an advantage.

Data-driven and critical thinker combined with a business-oriented mindset.

Capable of performing independently as well as interact effectively within international and cross-functional teams.

Ability to see big picture and think longer term balancing short vs. long term goals.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Ability to speak fluently in English. Because of the location, at least basic German language skills are required.

Location : Bomlitz, Germany

Working Conditions :

Full time

Some travel may be required (

Our offer :

You can expect a responsible job in a diverse and technologically demanding environment with all the possibilities in an international group.

The position is grouped according to the qualifications and previous experience of the final candidate. We look forward to receiving your application.

The Pharma Solutions business will be taking on its next chapter of growth as a trusted partner for the pharmaceutical industry with the announcement to sell Pharma Solutions to Roquette. This move will position Pharma Solutions to expand its industry leadership through continued investment in innovation to meet the evolving needs of pharmaceutical manufacturers and developers worldwide.

The sale is presently expected to close in the first half of 2025, pending regulatory approvals and other closing conditions. The Pharma Solutions business unit will remain a part of IFF until close and, at such time, it will transition to Roquette. In applying for this position, you acknowledge your awareness that the position is a part of the Pharma Solutions business unit and has been identified to transition to Roquette.

IFF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.