Global Lead, ESG Integration and Due Diligence

Zurich, CH, 8005

About the role:

The Global Lead, ESG Integration and Due Diligence is responsible for translating priority ESG requirements into practical business processes, governance and implementation roadmaps across the Group. The role owns the design, governance and continuous improvement of Barry Callebaut’s group-wide ESG due diligence management system and drives its integration into relevant business processes. This includes translating approved legal and regulatory interpretations, including the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), the EU Forced Labor Regulation (FLR), the Swiss Code of Obligations and related national requirements, into practical business requirements, controls and implementation roadmaps across own operations and supply chains.

The role connects regulatory requirements, ESG risks and stakeholder expectations with business processes. It works closely with Legal/Compliance, Public Affairs, Procurement, Human Resources, Finance and other relevant functions to establish clear ownership, align existing approaches, close implementation gaps and drive effective cross-functional implementation.

The role acts as ESG due diligence framework owner and cross-functional implementation lead. Beyond due diligence, the role supports the implementation of priority ESG requirements by translating them into workable operating models, policies, action plans, controls, KPIs and guidance. The role provides due diligencerelated content for the Group’s reporting and stakeholder engagement in close cooperation with the Specialist, ESG Reporting and the Head of ESG.

The Lead reports to the Head of ESG, who retains overall responsibility for ESG strategy, including the strategic direction and priorities for ESG due diligence.

Key responsibilities include:

Design and implementation of ESG Due Diligence Framework

• Design, implement and continuously improve a group-wide ESG due diligence system covering human rights and environmental risks in own operations and supply chains.
• Define roles, responsibilities and decision rights across functions (RACI), and embed ESG due diligence in existing business processes, such as supplier onboarding, procurement and contracting.
• Own the ESG due diligence policy framework and keep it aligned with legal requirements and actual practice.
• Set up internal controls, KPIs and an evidence register so the system is ready for audits, assurance and authority requests.
• Run regular management reviews of the system; find the root causes when processes do not work and take corrective action.
• Support and guide internal and external stakeholders on the application of ESG due diligence requirements in alignment with ESG regulatory requirements.

ESG integration and implementation

• Lead cross-functional implementation of priority ESG regulatory and strategic requirements, with an initial focus on ESG due diligence.
• Translate regulatory requirements, ESG risks and stakeholder expectations into clear business implications, responsibilities, and implementation guidance.
• Support the development and governance of ESG policies, standards, position statements and internal guidance, ensuring alignment with approved legal interpretations and actual business practice.
• Establish practical governance and decision-making structures for ESG implementation, including clear ownership, escalation routes and management oversight.

Risk assessment and prioritization

• Run the annual risk identification and prioritization process across countries, commodities and suppliers (e.g., using Verisk Maplecroft data).
• Define supplier requirements, assessments and escalation steps, including responsible disengagement where needed.
• Act as the main contact for suppliers on ESG due diligence requirements; run gap analyses of suppliers and agree risk mitigation plans with Global Sourcing Cocoa and Ingredients.

Regulatory requirements

• Ensuring implemented ESG due diligence frameworks align with incoming regulatory and reporting requirements.
• Track what CSDDD, FLR, EUDR, Art. 964a ff. Swiss CO, and other relevant laws mean for our processes, and keep the system up to date as they change.
• Translate Legal’s interpretation into business requirements, process designs, controls and implementation roadmaps.
• Work with Legal/Compliance and Public Affairs on legal interpretation, contractual clauses, and responses to authorities.

Reporting and stakeholder support

• Own the accuracy, completeness and supporting evidence of ESG due diligence content for the Group’s annual reporting (including Forever Chocolate), in close cooperation with the Specialist, ESG Reporting.
• Answer supplier and customer requests on due diligence and prepare supporting materials and position statements on due diligence topics.
• Support the Head of ESG with technical input for investor, bank, NGO and other stakeholder requests.

Training and change management

• Build training and guidance for internal teams and suppliers.
• Drive change management so due diligence is understood and applied in the regions and functions.

About you:

• Master’s degree in Sustainability, Supply Chain Management, Compliance, Law, Public Policy, Human Rights, or a related field; good understanding of ESG regulation.
• 7+ years of experience setting up or running ESG due diligence or sustainability compliance systems in a company, ideally in a multinational; consultancy experience is an advantage.
• Good knowledge of CSDDD, FLR, EUDR, Art. 964a ff. Swiss CO, and the UN Guiding Principles and OECD Guidelines.
• Proven experience setting up or running a due diligence or (sustainability) compliance management system, including risk assessment and controls.
• Strong project management skills.
• Precise, clear writing; able to turn complex requirements into practical guidance for the business.
• Fluent in English; French, German, or another language is an asset.
• Experience in food, agri-commodity or consumer goods supply chains is an advantage.

Job Segment:

Compliance, Law, Supply Chain Manager, Procurement, Legal, Bilingual, Operations