Decarbonization Leader (Retail)

Role Mission

Decarbonization Leader will drive Decathlon Sports India’s ambitious climate goals across the retail operations in India. 

Decathlon’s commitment is to reduce absolute CO2 emissions by 42% by 2030, and achieve Net Zero by 2050. 

The Decarbonization leader will work from our India Head office (Bangalore), leading a multi-disciplinary team leading either directly or functionally for the topics like but not limited to Energy, Waste, transports, Extended Producer Responsibility, Green Buildings, Sustainable Mobility, Customer & Teammates engagement etc., to execute sustainable and low-emission strategies of Decathlon India.

Direct Responsibility - Decarbonize India retail (70% time share)

Drive the Decarbonization Roadmap

• Drive Decathlon India's retail transition to a low-carbon economy, ensuring alignment with global Net Zero 2050 targets and absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 emission reductions validated by the SBTi.

• Oversee real estate initiatives, prioritizing the refurbishment of existing buildings over new construction to minimize environmental impact.

Waster Management

• Drive the strategic integration of zero waste to landfill objectives, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance, and zero product destruction policies.

• Drive hanger and carton reuse aligned with India & Global strategy.

• Work closely with 2nd Life and Return-to-Supplier (RTS) networks (To be built)

Vendor Management & Governance

• Manage & audit vendors working towards this topic across the country as per routine.

• Identify, audit, onboard, and manage vendors whenever needed for various actions right from identification to operational management with the help of multiple inhouse teams viz., indirect procurement, legal, finance, operations and site teams. 

• Ensure valid licenses, agreements, and compliance.

• Track and settle the commercials linked to decarbonize actions on a monthly basis.

• Organize environment and social compliances audits in vendor facilities on an annual basis

Energy Transition

• Drive energy efficiency strategies across all 140+ retail sites with interventions at various level of projects (Design, Maintenance, & Operations)

• Ensure robust operations and continuous improvement in the existing EMS/BMS system combined with technology innovations.

• Sustain and enhance the current RE100 actions (100% renewable energy sourcing), by optimizing modalities like onsite/offsite PPAs, PPA backed Green Tariffs and other credible sourcing methods.

Clean Mobility & Transport Transition

• Measure the actions, report the impact and take corrective measures to reduce the teammate commute emissions

• Promote active eco-mobility for both teammates and customers to reduce commute-related emissions.

Audit. Data & Sustainability Reporting

• Organize routine sustainability audits (planned & surprise) at various stores & warehouses.

• Ensure auditable, proof-backed data with automation and monthly dashboards (collection, cleansing, management and reporting)

• Support sustainability disclosures as per GRI and CSRD requirements.

• Ensure EHS compliance and engage with Pollution Control Boards as required.

• Enhance existing data tools & processes with Ai & ML integration.

Communication & Advocacy

• To continue the advocacy efforts currently being followed for specific topics.

• To represent Decathlon in industry forums as a Decarbonize leader (as per requirements)

• Be an ambassador for the Decathlon’s Sustainability measures with internal stakeholders.

• Ensure our initiatives are well communicated to customers with credible data proofs within the validated marcom framework.

Direct Responsibility - Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Governance (30% time share)

Team Empowerment & Management

• Directly manage, mentor, and align the objectives of the Energy Manager, Operations Manager (Waste & Mobility)

• Empower the broader Sustainable Development (SD) network, by building their capacity on SD topics, making them autonomous by providing purpose, creating tools, training, and coaching.

• Lead training, awareness programs for store teams, service teams, support staffs and vendor partners.

Stakeholder Engagement & Change Management

• Active collaboration with Support Services teams including Business Development, Construction, Legal, Finance, Operations, and Asset Management.

• Animate and communicate the impact of decarbonization initiatives to internal and external stakeholders.

• Train team members on environmental issues (e.g., via Climate Fresk) to deeply involve them in the environmental transition.

Event Organization

• Plan and execute events like “Earth Hour”, “World Cleanup Day”, "Bike to Work Day", "Mobility Week," and other initiatives to promote sustainable mobility among customers and teammates. Animate the impact in terms of number of participants, indirect business impact, emission reduction etc.,

Expertise in GHG accounting (scope 1, 2, & 3) climate strategies and data driven decisions

Comprehensive knowledge on key climate topics and sustainability governmental policies, and green building standard certifications

Ability to synthesise information, data driven decision making 

Min 8-10 years of experience in sustainability, environmental engineering, or operational management linked with C02 emission reduction, with 2-3 years of leadership role

Excellent project management skills, with a proven track record of leading cross-functional initiatives

Sport enthusiast who practice sport regularly 

Degree or a course in sustainability, climate or relevant courses is preferable