Decarbonisation & Carbon Regulation Lead -… at Sumitomo… · London

Sumitomo Corporation Europe Limited (SCEU), as part of Sumitomo Corporation, is one of the world’s largest integrated trading groups. With a global presence and expertise in a wide variety of industries, we offer candidates a long-lasting role and continued career growth in a forward-thinking and innovative environment.

We recognise that success comes from our talented individuals, and so we foster an evolving environment to allow employees to meet ever-changing business needs. In return, we look for people who are innovative, able communicators, resourceful and committed to delivering the right outcome to achieve success.

We look forward to you joining SCEU, where you will build lasting relationships, develop your skillsets, and contribute to our 400-year history of success.

We are recruiting for a Decarbonisation & Carbon Regulation Lead – Europe to join the Operational Excellence Team of Steel Business Group. This role is responsible for leading and implementing decarbonisation strategy across the European steel supply chain business, with a focus on Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions reduction and carbon competitiveness. The role will work across the Steel Group (a complex matrix organisation), with a particular focus on the Tubular business (OCTG and Line Pipe), while supporting global Energy Tubular sustainability initiatives. A key pillar of the role is CBAM strategy and execution, ensuring the business is compliant, competitive, and well positioned under evolving regulation.

Your responsibilities will include:

Decarbonisation Data, Strategy & Action

• Support strategy development and execution for the Tubular business under CBAM (and any other relative global legislative) constraints
• Develop European decarbonisation strategy, policies & objectives & drive action across the business
• Lead & coordinate annual data collection, reporting & certification processes (Scope 1–3) for relevant steel products within SCEU
• Identify and drive initiatives to reduce Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, including sourcing, logistics and product-level improvements
• Collaborate with management, sales, procurement, QHSSE & operational teams in both spot and supply chain businesses.
• Coordinate customer-specific strategies and project-level impact assessments
• Consolidate internal materials and support preparation of strategy / communication documents
• Engage suppliers to improve emissions data transparency and support decarbonisation initiatives
• Deliver executive level customer facing presentations where required
• Contribute to other ESG-related initiatives

CBAM Strategy & Execution

• Lead the development of CBAM strategy across the Steel Group
• Focus particularly on Tubular products (OCTG and Line Pipe) as priority areas
• Analyse regulatory developments in EU / UK / Norway and translate them into business strategies that align with both SCEU and Energy Tubular BU and steel group objectives
• Assess and quantify business impact (cost, pricing, competitiveness)
• Develop (in conjunction with relevant ETBU stakeholders and subject matter experts) and implement mitigation strategies, including but not limited to:
  • Hedging / cost pass-through approaches
  • Customer-specific strategies
  • Supply chain and sourcing optimization
  • Communication to regional and national authorities
• Represent the Steel Group in CBAM Working Groups in SCEU
• Coordinate responses to public consultations and industry discussions
• Communicate effectively across the Global Energy Tubular / Steel unit network to ensure alignment, support, and execution of agreed business strategies
• Communicate effectively with Customers the Sumitomo Corporation strategy in support of the Business Unites

Government & Market Engagement

• Engage with regulators and industry bodies (including lobbying and intelligence gathering)
• Monitor UK, Norway, European, and Global policy developments and provide timely insights to management on effective meaning for relevant businesses

Corporate Coordination (SCEU / Steel Group)

• Coordinate compliance-related activities across functions (finance, logistics, etc.)
• Ensure alignment and information sharing across business groups
• Lead preparation for CBAM declaration and reporting requirements

To be considered for this opportunity, you will need:

Technical & Functional Expertise

• Strong understanding of decarbonisation strategies across industrial supply chains, including Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions
• Deep knowledge of CBAM and carbon regulatory frameworks (EU / UK / Norway) and their commercial implications
• Experience in GHG data management, calculation methodologies, and audit-ready reporting
• Experience in steel / metals / energy or heavy industrial sectors (preferred, especially tubular/OCTG)

Commercial & Strategic Capability

• Ability to translate regulation and sustainability requirements into commercial strategy (pricing, sourcing, tenders)
• Experience supporting customer engagement, bids and tender processes, including carbon-related inputs
• Strong analytical skills with ability to assess cost, competitiveness and supply chain impacts

Stakeholder & Leadership Skills

• Proven ability to work effectively in a complex matrix organisation and influence across functions and regions
• Strong communication skills, with ability to present complex topics clearly to both technical and commercial audiences
• Experience engaging with senior stakeholders, external partners, and customers

Operational & Delivery Skills

• Ability to translate strategy into practical execution across multiple business functions
• Experience managing cross-functional projects or programmes
• Structured, detail-oriented approach with strong data and process discipline

Desirable but not essential

• Experience with sustainability data platforms (e.g. Sphera or similar)
• Exposure to supplier engagement and sustainability / decarbonisation programmes
• Understanding of global steel value chains and emissions drivers

Please note, this job advert is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the business in line with the full job description which will be reviewed regularly.

We believe success is achieved not only through business, but also by the positive role we play in society. Corporate responsibility has always been an integral part of our Corporate Vision and we are committed to acting responsibly in how we do business to support sustainability. We will continue to give back to society as a good corporate citizen.

Depending on the role and contract, benefits include hybrid working (currently 3 days per week in office for full-time employees), Flexitime scheme, pension scheme, private health insurance,dental insurance working away days and free leisure centre/gym membership. All our offices are in the prime spots of each city. The London office’s recent refurbishment received the Gold Level SKA Rating for its eco-friendly impact.

Our policy is to select and appoint the right person with the necessary skills and experience to enable the Company to fulfil its business aims and objectives. We provide equal opportunities for the advancement of employees, including promotion and training and ensure that no applicant is subject to less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, race, marital status, age, religious beliefs, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, or for being pregnant or on maternity leave.

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