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Manager ESG-Reporting (m/w/d) - Job Opportunity at Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA - Corporate Center

Gütersloh, Germany
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: July 25, 2025
Hybrid
EUR 65,000 - 85,000 annually. Given the specialized nature of ESG reporting management roles in Germany's corporate sector, combined with Bertelsmann's status as a major international media conglomerate and the regulatory complexity of CSRD implementation, this position likely offers competitive compensation. The role's strategic importance and direct board reporting responsibilities suggest positioning in the upper mid-level management salary band for the German market.

Benefits

Flexible work arrangements with up to 50% remote work capability, including international remote work options
Competitive compensation package including Christmas and vacation bonuses
Enhanced time-off benefits with 30 vacation days plus special leave for personal events
Comprehensive health and wellness programs including free sports courses
Professional development through extensive learning offerings and digital training programs
Work-life balance support including childcare and eldercare assistance
Premium workplace amenities including bike leasing, job ticket, e-car charging stations, subsidized meals, and laundry service

Key Responsibilities

Lead the strategic development and implementation of group-wide ESG reporting frameworks in response to evolving regulatory requirements including CSRD, ESRS, EU Taxonomy, and LKSG
Serve as a core team member driving the organization-wide implementation of Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) compliance
Orchestrate cross-functional collaboration with Corporate Financial Reporting teams and international business divisions to ensure integrated reporting processes
Manage ESG rating processes and deliver high-level analytical reports and strategic recommendations directly to executive leadership
Design and execute independent international projects with full ownership of planning and conceptualization phases
Provide mentorship and guidance to interns and corporate trainees, contributing to talent development initiatives

Requirements

Education

Master's degree in Business Administration with excellent academic performance

Experience

Relevant corporate experience, particularly in auditing or accounting functions

Required Skills

Excellent conceptual and analytical capabilities Strong language proficiency and communication understanding in both German and English International experience and/or international project work experience High degree of initiative and engagement combined with independent and meticulous work approach Results-oriented teamwork and active networking abilities Proficient use of MS Office applications
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The European Union's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is fundamentally transforming ESG reporting requirements, creating unprecedented demand for professionals who can navigate complex regulatory frameworks. This directive, which affects approximately 50,000 companies across the EU, requires detailed sustainability disclosures aligned with European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), making expertise in this area critically valuable. ESG reporting is evolving from voluntary disclosure to mandatory compliance-driven processes, with regulatory frameworks like the EU Taxonomy and German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LKSG) creating new professional specializations. Organizations are increasingly recognizing that ESG reporting requires dedicated management roles rather than being an add-on responsibility. The integration of ESG metrics into financial reporting systems is becoming standard practice, requiring professionals who can bridge sustainability knowledge with traditional accounting and financial reporting expertise. This convergence is creating hybrid role profiles that command premium compensation in the market.

Role Significance

Based on the description of working within a 'small, highly motivated team' in Corporate Responsibility, this role likely involves managing 2-4 direct reports including interns and corporate trainees, while collaborating extensively with international teams across Bertelsmann's diverse business portfolio spanning 50 countries.
This is a strategically significant mid-to-senior level management position with direct executive exposure and accountability for regulatory compliance across a multinational organization. The role's positioning within the Corporate Center and responsibility for board-level presentations indicates substantial organizational influence and decision-making authority.

Key Projects

Leading the enterprise-wide CSRD implementation project affecting all European operations and potentially setting global standards for the organization Developing integrated ESG reporting frameworks that align financial and sustainability reporting processes across multiple business divisions Managing ESG rating optimization initiatives that directly impact the company's market valuation and stakeholder perception Creating standardized reporting templates and processes for international business units spanning entertainment, publishing, music, and services sectors

Success Factors

Regulatory expertise combined with practical implementation skills is crucial, as the role requires translating complex EU regulations into operational processes across diverse business units. Success depends on staying ahead of regulatory developments while building pragmatic compliance frameworks. Cross-cultural communication and stakeholder management capabilities are essential given the need to coordinate with international teams across Bertelsmann's global operations. The ability to influence without direct authority and build consensus across different business cultures will determine project success. Strategic thinking coupled with attention to detail is critical, as the role involves both high-level board presentations and meticulous regulatory compliance work. Balancing strategic vision with operational precision is key to meeting both executive expectations and regulatory requirements. Change management and project leadership skills are vital for driving CSRD implementation across a large, complex organization with established processes. Success requires the ability to champion new approaches while respecting existing organizational dynamics.

Market Demand

High demand with limited qualified supply. The intersection of regulatory expertise, international project management capabilities, and ESG domain knowledge creates a scarce skill set in the current market, particularly for professionals who can handle group-wide implementation across multiple jurisdictions.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

CSRD and ESRS expertise is absolutely essential as these regulations represent the cutting edge of European sustainability reporting requirements. Deep understanding of these frameworks, their implementation timelines, and practical application challenges will determine success in this role and future career opportunities in the ESG field. Cross-functional collaboration skills are critical given the need to work effectively with financial reporting teams, international business units, and diverse stakeholders across a complex organizational matrix. The ability to translate technical requirements into actionable business processes while maintaining stakeholder buy-in is fundamental to role success. Analytical and conceptual thinking capabilities are vital for processing complex regulatory requirements, identifying implementation gaps, and developing practical solutions that meet both compliance obligations and business operational needs. This role requires synthesizing information from multiple sources and creating coherent strategic approaches.

Beneficial Skills

Digital reporting technology proficiency, particularly in ESG data management platforms and integrated reporting software, will become increasingly valuable as organizations digitize their sustainability reporting processes Industry-specific knowledge in media, entertainment, or publishing sectors would provide additional context for understanding business-specific ESG challenges and opportunities Project management certification or formal training would enhance credibility when leading large-scale implementation initiatives across multiple countries and business units Stakeholder engagement and change management training would support the significant organizational transformation required for CSRD implementation

Unique Aspects

Direct involvement in implementing cutting-edge EU sustainability regulations (CSRD, ESRS) across a multinational media conglomerate, providing rare exposure to regulatory innovation in a complex business environment
Opportunity to shape ESG reporting practices across diverse industries including entertainment, publishing, music, and business services, offering broader perspective than single-industry roles
Strategic positioning within the Corporate Center provides visibility into executive decision-making processes and exposure to high-level corporate governance practices
International scope spanning 50 countries offers exceptional cross-cultural experience and global business perspective rarely available in comparable roles
Integration of sustainability reporting with traditional financial reporting processes provides valuable experience in the emerging field of integrated reporting

Career Growth

Career advancement to senior leadership positions typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing individuals in this rapidly evolving field, accelerated by the current market demand for experienced ESG professionals and the regulatory momentum driving organizational investment in these capabilities.

Potential Next Roles

Head of Corporate Sustainability or Chief Sustainability Officer roles within large multinational corporations, particularly in media, technology, or industrial sectors Senior ESG Advisory positions with major consulting firms specializing in regulatory compliance and sustainability strategy Regulatory Affairs Director positions focused on sustainability and corporate governance in regulated industries Corporate Development roles with emphasis on ESG integration in M&A and strategic initiatives

Company Overview

Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA - Corporate Center

Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA represents one of the world's largest media, services, and education conglomerates, with a diverse portfolio including RTL Group (entertainment), Penguin Random House (publishing), BMG (music), Arvato Group (services), and Bertelsmann Education Group. The Corporate Center serves as the strategic hub coordinating entrepreneurial activities across approximately 50 countries and managing critical corporate functions including strategy development, capital allocation, and management development.

As a global media and services leader with significant market presence across entertainment, publishing, and business services sectors, Bertelsmann maintains a strong competitive position in rapidly evolving digital markets. The company's commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices positions it as a forward-thinking employer in the ESG space.
The Gütersloh location serves as the global headquarters and strategic center for the entire Bertelsmann ecosystem, offering exposure to international operations while being based in Germany's North Rhine-Westphalia region, known for its strong industrial base and proximity to major European markets.
Bertelsmann emphasizes creativity and entrepreneurship as core values, creating an environment that balances corporate structure with innovative thinking. The company's focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, combined with comprehensive benefits and flexible working arrangements, reflects a progressive approach to talent management and employee engagement.
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