Sustainability Specialist

Compass Group Italia SpA , the Italian division of Compass Group PLC, a global leader in food services with over £40 billion in annual revenue, is seeking a Sustainability Specialist to join its Milan Headquarters.

The Sustainability Manager will act as a key reference point for sustainability initiatives across the organization, working closely with both internal teams and Group-level stakeholders. The role involves driving ESG strategy within the foodservice business, ensuring alignment with international standards, and translating sustainability goals into concrete, operational actions.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the preparation and coordination of Sustainability Reports, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and alignment with international frameworks (e.g. GRI, ESG standards);
• Managing sustainability-related certifications and overseeing audit processes, ensuring full compliance with corporate and regulatory requirements;
• Driving initiatives focused on food waste reduction and resource efficiency across foodservice operations;
• Developing and implementing circular economy projects in line with Group guidelines and international best practices;
• Monitoring KPIs and sustainability performance, preparing periodic reports and supporting data-driven decision-making;
• Collaborating cross-functionally with internal departments (Operations, Sales, HSE/ASPP) to implement sustainability projects effectively;
• Acting as a liaison with Group sustainability teams, ensuring alignment with global strategies and active participation in international projects;
• Identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation in sustainability practices within the business.

Required qualifications:

• 2-4 years of experience in sustainability/ESG roles, preferably within the contract catering, foodservice, hospitality, or FMCG sectors;
• Strong knowledge of sustainability standards, reporting frameworks, and certification processes;
• Excellent command of the English language (written and spoken), with the ability to interact daily with international stakeholders;
• Solid analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into actionable strategies;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital tools;
• Strong project management skills and a proactive, results-oriented mindset.

What we offer:

The opportunity to join a structured, international organization, playing a key role in driving sustainability within a leading foodservice company. The position involves direct interaction with both local and Group-level stakeholders, in a dynamic environment where innovation, responsibility, and continuous improvement are core values.