Sustainable Development Manager
Available for exploratory interviews.
Ref: EP20955119
Company classification: Holding Company Industry in: Engineering - Mining Mineral Processing | Extractive Metallurgy - Extracting and Processing Minerals from Nature Highest formal qualification and other: Masters Discipline: Geology Years of experience range: e. 11 to 15 years Annual package range: South African Rand - ZAR Annual package range: 1.55 mil - 1.8 mil, per annum Nationality: South African Home and other languages: Spanish, Tswana Gender: Female Ethnicity: African/Black Candidate location: South Africa Location preference: I am open to positions both nationally and internationally.
Contribution Compass Profile: Coach
Activating: 24.81 Inspiring: 30.37 Sustaining: 23.70 Refining: 21.11
The Coach is one of the eight natural energy profiles identified by the online profiling tool Contribution Compass that Enshrine Placements have incorporated into their recruitment process to help improve employee engagement. Putting the right profiles together means deliberately structuring your team to function at its optimum.
In this video we address some questions to demonstrate how a Coach can leverage the most value for your team.
Online Interview Questionnaire
Primary purpose of current/most recent position:
The primary purpose of my current role is to drive sustainability integration across business functions, with a particular focus on supply chain and procurement. In my previous role as Senior Sustainability and Responsible Supply Chain Specialist, I worked to embed ESG principles into procurement, aligning with my ambition to gain full value chain experience. I focus on both upstream activities (suppliers) and downstream impacts (shipping, markets, and customers), ensuring sustainability is considered across the entire value chain.
My role involves reviewing key business decision processes and identifying opportunities to integrate sustainability, leading to the development of targets, KPIs, and initiatives. I lead these initiatives in collaboration with category managers on decarbonization, ethical sourcing, human rights, labor rights, environmental stewardship, and community impact.
Core elements or functions that must operate effectively in order to achieve primary purpose:
To achieve my primary purpose, cross-functional collaboration between sustainability, procurement, operations, finance, legal, and risk teams is essential. Strong, trust-based relationships and engagement with suppliers enable progress on sustainability goals such as decarbonization, ethical sourcing, and human rights. Clear governance structures, policies, and alignment with global standards ensure responsible supply chain practices. Robust data systems for monitoring, measuring, and reporting ESG performance, especially Scope 3 emissions, are critical. Executive support and cultural alignment embed sustainability into procurement decisions and long-term strategies. Ongoing awareness and readiness for evolving regulations, such as the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), are key to mitigating risks. Building capability within procurement teams ensures continuous delivery on sustainability objectives. Finally, embracing innovation and continuous improvement drives progress in sustainable and resilient supply chains.
Description of self, along with greater purpose and passions:
I believe deeply in the principle that "to whom much is given, much is expected." I am driven by a strong sense of purpose to use my influence and expertise to create positive, lasting change — not just within businesses, but in the lives of people and communities connected to those businesses. My work is grounded in the belief that business can be a force for good: a platform for driving social progress, environmental stewardship, and economic resilience.
I like to say that 'now mining has a conscience' and I am a part of a generation of leaders making that difference . Changing the narrative of the extractive nature of mining to one that respects and neighbors with communities and the environment. Africans have reverence with the land. i resonate with giving back to the land. I bring a combination of African awareness, conscience , Pan ,strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, and technical sustainability expertise, underpinned by a natural ability to connect people, ideas, and opportunities. My passion lies in helping mining move from ambition to action — aligning business performance with long-term sustainability outcomes, creating value for both shareholders and society especially in the African continent.
At my core, I understand the importance of a leadership role in a sector like mining and have first hand seen the positive impact mining can have — i want to push the industry forward whether through mentoring young professionals, supporting communities, or shaping responsible supply chains to change the face of mining.
Ideal business title:
Sustainability Value Chain Lead -looking after upstream supply chain and procurement ( build resilience) and downstream shipping, marketing , customers (reinforce relevance , metals supplier of choice) Decarbonization Scope 1, 2, 3 , strategy and value , ESG resilience and compliance ,responsible mining ( Certifications) , environmental stewardship ( water, land , biodiversity, Tailing Storage facilities), technology AI and Blockchain
Key responsibilities and accountabilities of ideal position:
In my ideal role as Sustainability Value Chain Lead, I would be responsible for (championing), shaping ( stakeholder engagements) and delivering ( leading )sustainability strategies across the entire value chain, covering both upstream and downstream activities.
Upstream (Supply Chain and Procurement):
I would focus on building resilience within the supply chain and procurement functions, ensuring that sustainability principles — including human rights, ethical sourcing, and decarbonization — are embedded at the core of how the business engages with suppliers and contractors. This would involve working closely with chief supply chain Officer , category managers , contract managers top 200 suppliers to drive ESG performance, mitigate risks, and strengthen partnerships that support responsible sourcing and long-term value creation.
Downstream (Shipping, Marketing, Customers):
On the downstream side, I would focus on enhancing the business’s relevance and reputation with customers, positioning the organization as a supplier of choice for sustainably sourced and responsibly produced products. This includes working with marketing and sales teams to leverage sustainability certifications and ESG credentials to meet customer expectations and capture emerging opportunities tied to the energy transition and responsible consumption trends. Develop blockchain technology for transparency and traceability.
Strategic Areas of Focus:
Decarbonization Leadership and roadmap development per category (Scope 1, 2, and 3):
I would lead the development and execution of comprehensive decarbonization strategies across all scopes of emissions working with subject matter experts. This includes category operational efficiencies, supply chain engagement, customer partnerships, and innovative solutions to reduce carbon footprints and create long-term business resilience.
Sustainability Strategy and Value Creation:
I would ensure that sustainability is aligned with the company’s core value proposition and supports competitive advantage. This includes translating ESG initiatives into tangible business value, enhancing market positioning, and strengthening investor confidence. Championing sustainability with suppliers and markets . speaking opportunities at industry high profile events.
ESG Resilience and Compliance:
I would oversee ESG compliance frameworks, ensuring readiness for evolving regulations (e.g., CS3D, Modern Slavery, SEC Climate Reporting). This also involves ensuring internal processes are robust in managing risks related to human rights, environmental compliance, and governance standards.
Responsible Mining and Certifications:
I would drive the adoption of internationally recognized certifications such as IRMA, ICMM, and others to strengthen the organization’s credibility and license to operate. Certifications would be leveraged not just for compliance but to demonstrate leadership and open commercial opportunities.
Environmental Stewardship:
I would provide strategic oversight for environmental priorities such as water stewardship, biodiversity, land management, and responsible tailings management are including in contract considerations.
Technology and Innovation:
I would leverage emerging technologies such as AI and Blockchain to enhance transparency, traceability, and efficiency within the value chain. This includes exploring digital solutions that can improve ESG data accuracy, facilitate supply chain traceability, and unlock new business models tied to sustainability. working with data teams to create internal Al to track supplier disclosure and performance
Summary:
This role would position me to drive sustainability transformation across the value chain — from supplier engagement to customer delivery — ensuring the organization not only meets compliance requirements but becomes a recognized leader in responsible business, environmental stewardship, and supply chain resilience.
Skill area of competence:
Sustainability Strategy Development and Integration:
Expert in embedding sustainability into core business strategy, with a focus on driving measurable impact across value chains (upstream and downstream).
Decarbonization and Climate Action (Scope 1, 2, 3):
Proven experience leading decarbonization strategies, engaging suppliers and customers to advance emissions reduction goals and build climate resilience.
Responsible Supply Chain and Ethical Sourcing:
Deep expertise in sustainable procurement, human rights due diligence, and building resilient supply chains that comply with global best practices and emerging regulations.
Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Building:
Skilled at building trusted relationships across internal teams, suppliers, communities, and industry bodies to advance shared sustainability goals.
Environmental Stewardship and Risk Management:
Specialized in water stewardship, land management, biodiversity, and responsible tailings management within the mining and resources sector.
ESG Reporting, Compliance, and Governance:
Competent in aligning business practices with global ESG frameworks (e.g., UN SDGs, IRMA, ICMM) and regulatory requirements such as the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive.
Executive Advisory:
Experienced in advising executive and board-level leaders on sustainability, ESG risks, and opportunities, supporting strategic decision-making and enhancing organizational resilience and reputation.
Mentorship and Leadership Development:
Experienced in identifying and nurturing young talent, mentoring emerging professionals, and fostering a culture of sustainability leadership.
Public Speaking and Thought Leadership:
Skilled in representing organizations on public platforms, industry panels, and global forums, shaping the sustainability narrative and enhancing brand reputation.
Innovation and Technology in Sustainability:
Interest and experience in leveraging emerging technologies (AI, Blockchain) for enhanced ESG data management, transparency, and supply chain traceability.
Career summary:
Iron ore 3 years, platinum 2 years, diamonds 2 year, metcoal 1.5 year ,copper 2 years polyhalite 0.5
What do you absolutely love doing:
I absolutely love driving performance and value through leadership. I am energized by working with diverse teams to solve wicked problems in complex operating environments. Turning ambitions into actionable strategies that deliver measurable results for both the business and society. I enjoy leading with purpose, influencing decision-making processes , and helping organizations navigate complex challenges to achieve sustainable outcomes.
I am also passionate about championing brands and organizations through public speaking, panel discussions, and industry forums. I take pride in representing businesses and advocating for responsible, future-fit practices that create value beyond profit. This work allows me to shape narratives, inspire others, and reinforce the relevance and leadership of the organizations I serve. it gives me energy to be on stage i love it.
One of my key strengths and passions is connecting people and integrating different teams across functions through structured working groups or projects to achieve shared objectives. I find it rewarding to break down silos, create alignment, and foster collaboration that leads to innovative solutions and sustained impact.
Finally, I am deeply committed to mentoring young professionals. I find great purpose in supporting emerging leaders, helping them build confidence, capability, and resilience as they navigate their careers and contribute to shaping a more sustainable future.
Ideal company (culture and values):
I am a purpose-driven leader, and it is important for me to work for a company that has a strong sense of purpose, particularly one that is committed to doing good in the communities where it operates. I am drawn to organizations that recognize their role in contributing to social and environmental progress and see sustainability and responsible business as integral to their success.
I would like to work for a company whose core values are innovation, care, and respect — values that are lived through daily behaviors, leadership decisions, and long-term business strategies. The ideal company would foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and curiosity, encouraging employees to challenge the status quo and deliver solutions that create positive impact for people, the planet, and business performance.
Such a company would combine a strong local presence (South Africa) with global relevance, with global markets and listings ,actively supporting local economies and supply chains while influencing best practices and leading in international markets. It would prioritize integrity, inclusion, and purpose-led leadership, recognizing sustainability as a long-term value driver rather than a compliance obligation.
If you are looking for a Sustainable Development Manager, then do get in touch.
Call the Head Office – Gauteng, SA. + 27 10 597 0862.
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