Location Bangkok
Job-type Permanent
Salary $Competitive
Reference ACRE-12571

Are you a global leader with the ability to develop and implement effective climate strategies and action plans? Do you have a proven track record in the agri-food or seafood sector?

Acre is partnering with Thai Union, a leading global seafood company to look for their new Environmental Impact Director.

Thai Union's climate change commitments are ambitious, aligning with the Paris Agreement, including a 2030 target of reducing emissions by 42% and achieving Net Zero by 2050. They recognise the importance of addressing emissions across their value chain, particularly within Scope 3, to effectively mitigate environmental impact.

As the Environmental Impact Director, you will be at the forefront of executing their ambitious climate and biodiversity strategy. This role demands a visionary leader who can develop and implement comprehensive strategies to address these issues, particularly focusing on three critical hotspots: wild-caught fishing, shrimp farming and aquafeed. Your expertise in implementing climate and nature-based accounting, driving supplier engagement and executing emission reduction programs will support their efforts to meet targets.

Job Description:

  • Climate Strategy Development: Craft and refine a climate action roadmap that aligns with Thai Union's goals of a 42% reduction by 2030 and achieving Net Zero by 2050. Focus on innovative strategies to tackle emissions, particularly in Scope 3.

  • Carbon Management: Lead annual carbon calculations to monitor and report on progress. Use your expertise in carbon accounting to ensure accuracy and integrity in data management and reporting. Manage external carbon accounting consultants. Support in conducting comprehensive lifecycle assessments to identify key areas for emission reductions and sustainable improvements in products and processes.

  • Biodiversity Strategy Development: Ensure biodiversity is a core component of all sourcing & procurement strategies. Develop a roadmap to drive initiatives that protect and enhance marine and terrestrial ecosystems in alignment with 2030 goals.

  • Drive implementation: Identify possible impact reduction opportunities, assess financial needs, support technical feasibility studies, andengage solution/ technology providers. Through marginal abatement cost curves, or similar, present the costs or savings/benefits expected from different opportunities. Explore micro-financing and incentive opportunities for suppliers.

  • Supplier Engagement: Develop and lead a supplier engagement program focused on reducing impact across Thai Union's supply chain. Collaborate with suppliers to implement sustainable practices and technologies.

  • Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to align on goals, strategies, and practices. Represent the company in relevant forums and discussions to advocate for sustainable seafood practices.

  • Leadership and Team Management: Build and lead a team dedicated to impact initiatives. Foster a culture of sustainability and proactive environmental management within the team and the broader company.

  • Internal Engagement: Act as the contact point for all internal stakeholders on climate change and biodiversity (with support from subject matter experts). Work cross-functionally, with technical experts embedded across the organization, to drive successful implementation programs.

  • Customer Interaction: Work with the Regional Sustainability Directors to explore how their efforts can be leveraged by private label teams, strengthening customer relationships and identifying opportunities to commercialize their responsibly produced products.

  • Biodiversity Integration: Ensure biodiversity is a core component of all climate strategies. Develop initiatives that protect and enhance marine and terrestrial ecosystems, recognizing the interdependence of climate action and biodiversity conservation.

Reports & Team

Sub-ordinate:

  • 4 direct reports and cross-functional leadership & oversight into responsible sourcing teams

Key Stakeholders

Internal:

  • Global Sustainability

  • Global Leadership Team

  • Safety, Health and Environment

  • Global Innovation

  • Marketing & Commerical Teams

  • Global Factory Network/ Manufacturing Sites

  • Global Procurement Teams (Ambient, Frozen & Non-Fish)

  • Digital/ IT Team

External:

  • Consultants

  • Industry Initiatives & Associations

  • Technical Consultants

  • Technology Providers & Potential Start-ups

  • Vessel Owners, Farmers, Suppliers

  • Thai Union Customers

  • Research Centers

Education/Qualifications

Education:

  • Bachelors degree in a field related to environment/ sustainability, as a minimum.

  • Masters degree in a field related to climate change or nature/ biodiversity is desired but not required.

Experience:

  • Proven experience in the Agri-food or Seafood sector, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental impact management.

  • Expert knowledge in carbon accounting, lifecycle assessment methodologies, and environmental reporting with previous oversight of developing biodiversity strategies.

  • Demonstrated ability to develop and implement effective climate strategies and action plans.

  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and inspire a team.

  • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.

  • Willingness to be based in Bangkok with travel to other key locations.

If you have the relevant skills and experience to be at the forefront of a global leading seafood company, please apply directly. For more information, please reach out to Jess Choo at jess.choo@acre.com for a confidential discussion.