Head of Sustainability | Al-Futtaim Automotive | Strategy & Planning

Job description / Role

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and healthcare; employing more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Al-Futtaim Group partners with over 200 of the world's most admired and innovative brands. Al-Futtaim Group's entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enables the organization to continue to grow and expand; responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate.

By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration and integrity; Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers each and every day

Overview of the role:

The Head of Sustainability will lead our sustainability efforts, focusing on data collection, strategic initiative execution, and regulatory compliance to drive our commitment towards environmental and social responsibility. This role is integral to advancing our goals in alignment with global sustainability frameworks, such as the Paris Agreement, and ensuring that our operations and investments support a sustainable future.

What you will do:

Collect and analyze sustainability data, including all relevant ESG metrics and Scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon emissions
- Timeliness and accuracy of data collection reports.
- Completeness of ESG metrics captured (e.g., percentage of total relevant metrics collected).
- Accuracy of Scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon emissions baselines
- Adherance to PM methodology (Agile/ Waterfall/ Hybrid)
- Flagging / escalating risks and issues proactively / on time (no unforeseen delays caused by poor management)

Define and execute strategic initiatives to achieve NetZero by 2050, in alignment with the Paris Agreement.
- Progress towards NetZero targets (e.g., percentage reduction in carbon emissions year-over-year).
- Milestones achieved in the NetZero roadmap.
- Number and impact of strategic initiatives implemented.

Engage with Principals on future sustainability pathways and joint opportunities.
- Number of successful engagements and collaborations.
- Quantifiable outcomes from joint sustainability initiatives (e.g., projects launched, emissions reductions).
- Feedback from Principals on collaboration effectiveness

Identify and pursue green business development and financing opportunities.
- Number of green business opportunities identified and pursued.
- Value and impact of green financing secured.
- ROI from green business initiatives.

Conduct due diligence for new business ventures and mergers/acquisitions to assess sustainability compliance and risk.
- Number of due diligence assessments completed.
- Percentage of identified risks mitigated or addressed.
- Compliance level of new ventures with sustainability criteria., templates and guidelines

Required Skills to be successful:
- Master's degree (preferably in sustainability, environmental science, or a related field).
- At least 5 years of experience in sustainability, specifically within a matrix organization.
- Experience in automotive (dealers, OEMs) or consulting sectors.

About the Team:

You will be reporting to GM Strategy & transformation

What equips you for the role:
- Master's degree (post graduate education preferred)
- At least 5 years of experience in Sustainability area in OEM, Dealers or Consultancy
- Experience in Matrix organization
- Demonstrated experience in project management.
- Proven track record in developing and presenting business cases to senior stakeholders.
- Previous experience in automotive business
- Capable of working autonomously and independently in organizing tasks.

About Al-Futtaim Automotive

A major division of the UAE-based Al-Futtaim Group of companies, Al-Futtaim Automotive is an industry leader with presence in 10 countries across the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
Our core business activities at Al-Futtaim Automotive include distribution, manufacturing, leasing and aftersales, and we are firmly established as the regional representative of some of the world's most iconic automotive brands: Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, Volvo and RAM.
We are driven by a customer-centric approach, constantly pushing the boundaries on innovation, quality standards, and value-added service across our vast universe of customers - right from motoring enthusiasts to fleet operators to contractors. Our mission is to become the leader in custom-made mobility solutions by delivering nothing less than world-class omni-channel experiences.
We channel our local expertise and global trust to deliver one of the most comprehensive portfolios of mobility products and solutions, from passenger cars to SUVs, electric vehicles to high-performance motorbikes, commercial vehicles to industrial & construction equipment.
What keeps the company moving forward is a 9000-member strong team, with inspiring possibilities for growth, throughout the career path. This is Al-Futtaim Automotive and we empower talent to move forward.

About the Company

Established in the 1930's, the Al-Futtaim Group initially operated as a trading enterprise. Rapid development throughout the 1940's and 50's saw it establish itself regionally as an integrated commercial, industrial and services organisation, positioning itself one of the leading business houses in the lower Gulf region. Today, it operates collectively over 40 companies bearing the Al-Futtaim name, dominates many market segments in the UAE, and has expanded its sphere of operation to include Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Egypt.

The Group comprises a diverse range of strategically positioned operating subsidiaries and associate companies, structured to give the Al-Futtaim Group the flexibility and versatility to keep ahead of local competition while keeping pace with the ever-evolving global business scenario. The Groups continued investment in world-class systems technology is clear evidence of its commitment to maintain leading edge performance and service delivery.

The success of the Al-Futtaim Group can be attributed to a business approach that combines the ability to change with the traditional values of integrity, service and social responsibility that define its core business philosophy. This, linked with the Groups belief in decentralisation, gives the heads of the operating companies a high degree of functional autonomy and authority, providing the Group with essential flexibility, and individual employees a clearly defined work culture and sense of responsibility.