Job Description

Your tasks

4C is a sustainability certification scheme for the coffee and cocoa industry. 4C certification focuses on good agricultural and management practices, including requirements on economic, social and environmental conditions for coffee and cocoa production and processing in order to establish credible sustainable and transparent supply chains. Independent certification bodies verify compliance with the 4C requirements. 4C operates in 20 countries and is the largest certification system in the coffee sector. It is also a highly innovative standard working on a variety of crucial topics such as reduction and offsetting of carbon footprint, biodiversity improvement and empowering women.

To further strengthen our organisation, we are looking to welcome you as Senior Sustainability Manager - System Development at our headquarters in Cologne.

In this strategic role, you will work directly with the executive management and take responsibility for shaping the future direction of 4C. You will drive the development of new business models, identify emerging market opportunities and translate global sustainability and regulatory trends into impactful services and projects. Acting as a key interface between strategy and operations, you will collaborate closely with internal teams, subsidiaries and international partners across the coffee and cocoa sectors.

Over time, this role offers the opportunity to further expand its scope towards building a dedicated business development and sustainability innovation function and evolving into a leadership position with team responsibility.

If you are passionate about sustainability and would like to join a culturally certified Great Place to Work®company with highly motivated and diverse teams making a real difference, we look forward to your application!

Your main duties will be:

• Leading the strategic development of the 4C business model, including identifying new market opportunities and developing robust business cases
• Driving the global positioning of 4C in the coffee and cocoa sector by monitoring regulatory developments (e.g. EUDR, CSRD, HRDD) and translating them into practical and market-oriented services
• Providing strategic input and innovation impulses directly to executive management and supporting decision-making processes
• Driving the acquisition, development and implementation of international sustainability projects in origin countries, including climate, biodiversity and yield improvement initiatives in collaboration with partners, donors and industry stakeholders
• Building and maintaining strong partnerships and stakeholder relationships across the value chain to support project development and long-term collaboration
• Taking responsibility for the 4C Carbon Footprint Module, including analysing market uptake, certification coverage and the use of claims and labels, and deriving strategic recommendations
• Advancing approaches in regenerative agriculture and biodiversity, including the development of practical tools, methodologies and audit frameworks, as well as alignment with existing market standards and initiatives
• Coordinating interdisciplinary collaboration across the group, working closely with affiliated organisations such as ISCC, Meo, GRAS and ClimatePal, and facilitating stakeholder dialogue
• Contributing to the continuous improvement and further development of the 4C system
• Supporting ongoing projects to strengthen internal expertise and contributing to the development of integrated, hybrid strategic-operational approaches

Your profile

• University degree in sustainability, agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, economics or a related field
• Several years of professional experience in consulting, sustainability standards, business development or related fields in an international context
• Strong expertise in sustainability topics such as carbon accounting, biodiversity, regenerative agriculture and regulatory frameworks (e.g. EUDR, CSRD, HRDD)
• Proven experience in developing and managing complex projects and partnerships
• Ability to bridge global market requirements with on-the-ground realities in agricultural supply chains
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills combined with a hands-on, solution-oriented approach
• Excellent communication, presentation and networking skills with high intercultural competence
• High level of integrity, reliability and professionalism
• Excellent English and German language skills (at least C1, written and spoken); additional languages are an asset

Why us?

We are an international and diverse team of passionate and experienced experts, joining forces for a sustainable future! We believe that our team is our core asset and we support our people as best we can.

To help you build your future and thrive with us, we offer:

Great Team Environment

• Various team events throughout the year (Celebrating Diversity, Summer Team Event, Christmas Party)
• Close collaboration with our sister companies ISCC System GmbH, Meo Carbon Solutions GmbH, GRAS Global Risk Assessment Services, ClimatePal, and TYC
• The opportunity to work independently and shape processes

Individual learning and development plan

• Professional onboarding to help you have an ideal start with us
• Frequent feedback sessions to ensure a high quality of communication and mutual reflection
• Many free language classes
• Access to several trainings as well as specific technical courses
• We promote from within!

Work-Life Balance

• Hybrid set-up
• 4 weeks remote work at a place of choice (after probation)
• Flexible working hours and trust based working time
• 30 vacation days and 3 additional vacation days (Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, Carnival Monday)
• Sabbatical options

Financial benefits

• A generous pension scheme (bAV) in line with our sustainability values
• JobTicket/Deutschlandticket
• Annual bonus scheme based on performance

Wellness Programs

• Subsidized Urban Sports Club
• Health weeks promoting healthy habits in personal and professional life

Ready to join our team?

Then we would be happy to hear from you soon! Please apply via the button below with a meaningful cover letter, CV and any relevant certificates.

We are looking forward to your application and hope to welcome you in our team soon!

We are a company with equal opportunities for everyone and encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, race, gender or any other criteria that is not a professional qualification for an open position.