The Senior Product Sustainability Expert is a recognized thought leader and subject matter expert (SME) who is responsible for driving Assent’s objective of being a market leading software and services solution for a wide variety of customers and industries. You will operate as a trusted advisor to manufacturers, helping define how product sustainability requirements are translated into real-world, scalable programs. This role requires a highly knowledgeable and experienced subject matter expert to lead the development of best practices that address both evolving market requirements and the regulatory landscape, such as ESPR, whilst constantly influencing existing solutions and identifying business opportunities for Assent to develop new products in response to the regulatory and sustainability outlook. This role will work closely with internal teams as well as external stakeholders to provide expertise and guidance on highly complex and strategic directives that support Assent’s value proposition and business goals.

Key Requirements & Responsibilities 

• Be a trusted and known subject matter expert internally and externally, demonstrating depth and breadth of knowledge in several areas of product sustainability and regulatory compliance: 

  • Specific attention to regulatory and industry objectives for product sustainability programs (e.g., Product Carbon Footprint, Life Cycle Assessment, Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) including digital product passports, Environmental Product Declarations, sustainable product initiatives, etc.)

• Keep abreast of regulatory, sustainability and industry-led developments and identify trends through ongoing monitoring and research of global standards and regulations as well as industry group engagement;

• Influence regulatory and sustainability industry progress and Assent’s opportunities through proactive and ongoing trade association engagement, participation in working groups, relationship-building, developing/updating standards, and supporting events as a thought leader;

• Engage with the Product Management team to identify opportunities for Assent to develop impactful new products and software solutions by articulating regulatory compliance and sustainability market, customer and industry perspectives and building the business case in alignment with team and Assent goals; 

• Be a leading voice in the ongoing evolution of Assent’s solution including driving the establishment of market best practices and recommendations for the adoption of best practices that complement and enhance the Assent SaaS Platform, and provide full cycle support from design to delivery;

• Provide ongoing expertise and guidance to internal and external stakeholders (either direct engagement or through Sales or Customer Success teams) including prospective customers to inform and support compliance efforts and goals related to both regulatory compliance and sustainability, skillfully distilling highly complex information to support meaningful dialogue across diverse audiences;

• Demonstrate thought leadership and support Assent’s brand recognition as a trusted advisor by collaborating with marketing teams to produce external facing materials such as blog posts, white papers, webinars and sales enablement in addition to events hosted by third parties including conferences and industry group engagements;

• Support training programs and educational initiatives related to product sustainability including both regulatory compliance and market concerns;

• Be familiar with corporate security policies and follow the guidance set out by processes and procedures of Assent Inc.

We strongly value your talent, energy and passion.  It will also be valuable to Assent if you have the following qualifications,

• 12+ years of practical experience related to product sustainability, design for sustainability, life cycle assessment, circular economy, product stewardship, or ecodesign;

• Relevant post-secondary degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering, Environmental Law, Design for Environment, or similar relevant field; 

• Understanding of manufacturing practices with experience in product design, certification and compliance, procurement, sustainability or other product or supply chain management roles is desirable;

• Prior background as a consultant or in an advisory capacity that has been responsible for revenue generation is considered beneficial;

• Strong knowledge of LCA software solutions (e.g. Sphera, One Click LCA, openLCA, SimaPro, etc) is desirable;

• Competency in PCF/LCA Standards and industry-specific requirements including PCRs;

• Experience managing strategic product sustainability programs in a multinational organization that produces durable professional goods;

• Strong research, critical thinking and analytical skills; ability to intake, process, and interpret large quantities of complex information, including legal text, identify relevant business impact, and summarize important information for non-compliance stakeholders;

• Strong public speaking and presentation skills with the ability to create content and adjust messaging to adapt communication to varied audiences, supporting Sales, Marketing, and Product engagements; 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English is essential; 

• Strategic and business-minded - strong business acumen and understanding of Assent goals and value proposition, able to align efforts and priorities to broader team and organizational goals;

• Superb collaboration and influencing skills - able to establish strong cross-functional relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders both internal and external, inspiring trust and driving alignment; 

• Trusted, reputable and credible subject matter expert and advisor, internally and externally;

• Highly motivated self-starter with proven ability to manage projects, meet deadlines, and drive results.

Working Conditions

• Must be flexible with hours to support teams in multiple geographies;

• This position may require regular travel, including internationally, for team and industry events, conferences, and customers.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the aforementioned duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. Assent is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Life at Assent

Wellness: We believe that you and your family’s well being is important. As a result, we offer vacation time that increases with tenure, comprehensive benefits packages (details vary by country), life leave days and more.

Financial Benefits: It’s not all about the money – well, it’s a little about the money. We understand that financial health is important and we offer a competitive base salary, a corporate bonus program, retirement savings options and more.

Life at Assent: There is purpose beyond your work. We provide our team members with flexible work options, volunteer days and opportunities to get involved in corporate giving initiatives.

Lifelong Learning: At Assent, curiosity is not only valued but encouraged. You will receive professional development days that are available to you the day you start.

At Assent, we are committed to growing and sustaining an environment where our team members feel included, valued, and heard. Our diversity and equal opportunity practices are guided and championed by our Diversity and Inclusion Working Group and our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).

Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion includes recruiting and retaining team members from diverse backgrounds and experiences, and fostering a culture of belonging where all team members are included, treated with dignity and respect, promoted on their merits, and placed in positions to contribute to business success.

If you require assistance or accommodation throughout any part of the interview and selection process, please contact [email protected] and we will be happy to help.  

We use AI to support parts of our recruitment process, such as note-taking and initial shortlisting based on job-related qualifications. AI does not make hiring decisions. All candidates will speak with a real person, and final decisions are always made by our recruitment team.