Global Head of Sustainability, Alfasigma, Milan or Bologna

Is your sustainability leadership experience calling you toward larger scale impact? Do you thrive on building and executing strategies that operate across global markets? Alfasigma is a global pharmaceutical business founded over 75 years ago in Italy, where it remains headquartered today in Bologna and Milan. The Group operates in over 100 markets, spanning Europe, North and South America, Asia and Africa. Over three years ago, Alfasigma began a transformative journey to become a global leader in Gastrointestinal (GI) Health, nearly doubling revenues, expanding geographically, integrating key acquisitions and strengthening capabilities. This is just the beginning of Alfasigma’s bold new chapter in advancing innovation and improving lives for patients, caregivers and healthcare providers. As the business continues to grow, it is seeking a Global Head of Sustainability to lead the development and execution of a new ESG strategy – creating value through positive social impact and advancing its commitment to environmental responsibility. This is a strategically vital role that works closely with the Executive Team to embed sustainability into the heart of Alfasigma’s enterprise strategy, leading cross-functional teams to drive ESG performance, strengthening stakeholder trust and delivering long term business and patient value.

Global Head of Sustainability Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership – you’ll design and implement a forward-looking ESG strategy that integrates with Alfasigma’s overarching enterprise strategy and objectives, ensuring direction, connection and coordination with other functions
• Governance & Board Reporting – you’ll establish and maintain rigorous governance frameworks to ensure compliance with global regulations and standards
• Horizon Scanning & Risk Management – you’ll track material issues and horizon scan new sustainability trends and risks, considering reporting requirements and ensuring that Alfasigma’s practices reduce negative impacts and enhance positive contributions
• Innovation and continuous improvement – you’ll drive innovation in sustainability practices, seeking out new technologies, methods and partnerships that can enhance Alfasigma’s global impact
• Leadership and culture – you’ll contribute to a cultivating a culture of sustainability across markets by educating leaders and teams, and leading communications on sustainability initiatives. You’ll be an influential role model to the Alfasigma business, promoting values-aligned behaviours that drive high performance
• Performance Management – you’ll lead the development of ESG metrics and KPIs to measure progress and impact. With key team experts, you’ll conduct regular assessments and audits to track progress and identify areas for improvement

To succeed in the role, you’ll need:

• Previous global experience as a sustainability leader in the wider FMCG industries
• Subject matter expertise and practical experience of social impact policies, climate change mitigation, carbon reduction, water use and nature/biodiversity programmes
• Exposure to global supply chains
• Experience leading and developing teams of environmental and social specialists
• Significant experience of creating comprehensive global strategies
• The ability to champion and shift beliefs and behaviours at all levels
• The ability to lead and motivate diverse teams to buy into and support the delivery of organisational goals
• Knowledge of relevant sustainability frameworks, reporting standards and regulatory requirements

This is a rare opportunity to create a sustainability function and strategy from the ground up for an established global business. The position is based in Italy and will require a relocation to either Bologna or Milan. If you’re interested in learning more, please contact Johnny Goldsmith at johnnyg@hansonsearch.com.

Hanson Search is a leading talent advisory and executive search consultancy with consultants based across the UAE, UK, USA, and Europe. We specialise in business-critical roles that drive revenue, reputation, and risk, with dedicated teams in Communications, Government Relations, Financial Communications, Public Affairs, Marketing, Digital Marketing, Sustainability, Investor Relations and C-Suite recruitment. Please click here to find out about more about Hanson Search.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all.  You can access our Diversity and Inclusion Policy here.