About Company
ZISCOSTEEL, the Zimbabwe Iron and Steel Company, holds a pivotal place in the nation’s industrial heritage. Historically a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s economy, our vast integrated steelworks in Redcliff played a crucial role in regional development and employment. As we look towards a new era of revitalization and sustainable industrial growth, ZISCOSTEEL is committed to rebuilding on a foundation of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic resilience. We are embarking on an ambitious journey to redefine steel production in Africa, integrating advanced technologies and best practices to ensure our operations contribute positively to the environment and the communities we serve. Joining ZISCOSTEEL means becoming part of a legacy and shaping its future through innovation and sustainable leadership, contributing to a greener and more prosperous future for Zimbabwe.
Job Description
ZISCOSTEEL is seeking a visionary and results-driven Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) to lead our strategic initiatives in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. This is a critical leadership role that will shape the future direction of one of Zimbabwe’s most historically significant industrial assets. The CSO will be instrumental in embedding sustainability across all facets of our operations, from resource procurement and manufacturing processes to product lifecycle and community engagement. You will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive sustainability strategy that aligns with global best practices and local regulatory requirements, ensuring our path to revitalization is both economically viable and environmentally and socially responsible.
The successful candidate will be a catalyst for change, driving innovation in resource efficiency, emissions reduction, waste management, and the ethical sourcing of raw materials. This role requires not only a deep understanding of sustainability principles and frameworks (e.g., GRI, SASB, TCFD) but also the ability to translate these into actionable plans within a complex industrial environment. You will champion a culture of sustainability throughout the organization, engaging with internal stakeholders at all levels, from the executive board to frontline employees. Externally, you will represent ZISCOSTEEL to regulators, investors, community groups, and industry partners, fostering collaborative relationships that enhance our reputation and impact. This is an unparalleled opportunity for a seasoned sustainability leader to leave a lasting legacy on a national enterprise and contribute significantly to Zimbabwe’s sustainable industrial development.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and oversee ZISCOSTEEL's comprehensive sustainability strategy and roadmap, aligning with corporate objectives and national/international ESG standards.
- Lead the integration of sustainability principles into all business operations, including supply chain management, production processes, energy efficiency, and waste reduction.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for sustainability, regularly reporting on progress to the executive board, stakeholders, and external bodies.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental regulations, social mandates, and governance requirements in Zimbabwe and international best practices.
- Drive initiatives for carbon footprint reduction, water conservation, biodiversity protection, and responsible resource management.
- Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including government bodies, local communities, NGOs, investors, and industry associations, to build partnerships and communicate ZISCOSTEEL's sustainability commitments.
- Identify and mitigate ESG-related risks while capitalizing on opportunities for sustainable innovation and competitive advantage.
- Foster a strong sustainability culture within the organization through training, awareness programs, and employee engagement initiatives.
- Prepare and publish annual sustainability reports in accordance with recognized reporting frameworks.
- Advise the executive team and board on emerging sustainability trends, risks, and opportunities relevant to the steel manufacturing industry.
Required Skills
- Proven experience in developing and implementing large-scale sustainability strategies within an industrial or manufacturing setting.
- Deep knowledge of global ESG frameworks (e.g., GRI, SASB, TCFD, UN SDGs) and environmental regulations.
- Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and change management capabilities.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at all organizational levels.
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex sustainability concepts into practical, measurable, and impactful actions.
- Financial acumen and experience with budgeting, resource allocation, and demonstrating the business case for sustainability initiatives.
- Proficiency in project management and data analysis related to environmental and social performance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree or Ph.D. in Environmental Science, Sustainability Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Professional certifications in sustainability (e.g., LEED AP, GRI Certified Professional, ISSP-SA).
- Experience in heavy industry, particularly steel manufacturing or mining, in emerging markets.
- Proven track record of building and leading high-performing teams.
- Familiarity with circular economy principles and their application in industrial contexts.
- Experience with environmental management systems (e.g., ISO 14001) and social accountability standards (e.g., SA8000).
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
- Generous paid time off and public holidays.
- Pension and retirement savings plans.
- Professional development and continuing education opportunities.
- Relocation assistance for eligible candidates.
- Opportunity to make a significant impact on a nationally important enterprise.
- Dynamic and challenging work environment.
How to Apply
To apply for this pivotal role, please click on the application link below. We encourage all qualified candidates to submit their applications promptly.