Sustainability Assurance Lead

VAROPreem • Full-time • Rotterdan, Zuid-Holland • 1w ago

Sustainability Assurance Lead

Hours: Fulltime, 40 hours
Location: Rotterdam, The Netherlands

The Position

As a Sustainability Assurance Lead, you will lead a team of Sustainability Analysts responsible for sustainability operations across Benelux, France and Spain, while supporting VAROPreem’s biofuels production and trading activities across North-West Europe.

You will guide and develop the team to its full potential – enabling them to deliver operational excellence and actively contribute to VAROPreem’s growth ambitions in sustainable energies.

This role combines strong technical knowledge in biofuels, sustainability and certifications with people leadership and hands-on operational spirit. You will ensure the quality, accuracy, and timeliness of sustainability operations and reporting, and act as a key interface between your team, VAROPreem’s bio-trading desks, and other business functions.

Your Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Development
- Lead and coach a team of Sustainability Analysts, ensuring effective daily operations, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning;
- Provide “hands-on” guidance and technical support to the team in areas such as sustainability documentation, mass balancing, and certification audits;
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional development within the team;
- Drive operational alignment with VAROPreem’s bio-trading strategy and sustainability objectives;
Operational & Regulatory Assurance
- Oversee daily sustainability operations and ensure the accuracy and traceability of biofuel mass balances and documentation under ISCC-EU and RED III;
- Ensure completeness and timeliness of regulatory and contractual reporting to national authorities;
- Provide operational assurance and scenario planning for internal stakeholders, including biofuel position reporting and RED/ETS2-related submissions;
- Maintain effective internal controls and ensure readiness for external audits;
Advisory & Expertise
- Apply deep technical expertise in biofuels, certifications, and sustainability legislation to guide operational decision-making;
- Act as a mentor and advisor within the team, helping colleagues solve complex operational or compliance challenges;
- Collaborate closely with bio-trading, operations, finance, and legal functions to ensure end-to-end traceability and regulatory alignment;
- Identify opportunities for process improvement and contribute to the ongoing enhancement of our central sustainability system and assurance framework.

Your Profile

You bring a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in business, supply chain, sustainability, environmental science, or a related field
3–6 years of relevant work experience, ideally from a renewable fuels trader, supplier, or bio-compliance team
Experience in sustainability documentation, RED/ISCC compliance, biofuels blending and/or trading, or similar areas is essential
You understand the regulatory landscape (e.g. RED II/III, ISCC, ETS2, FuelEU Maritime) and have contributed to reporting or audit preparation
Proficiency in Excel and data handling is required; experience with CEEMAS, JDE or similar ERP systems is a plus
You are organized, proactive, and detail-oriented, with the ability to work cross-functionally in a dynamic, international environment
Fluency in English is required; French, German and/or Dutch is a strong plus

Our Offer

A professional and very well-connected work environment with a young and international team in a growing company, on the cutting edge of the energy transition;
Contributing to excellent work delivered by the team, where quality and team spirit are key;
Learn from inspiring and exciting areas that intend to change the way the world applies energy;
An attractive workplace in the office in Rotterdam with development opportunities within an international, corporate environment;
Attractive salary structures, as well as a (partly) employer-financed pension and bike plan etc.;
Fun and supportive team environment that welcomes you to several social events.