This position is only for 6 months - there is not an option to be hired on directly - the position will be covering Maternity Leave
Remote 90% - 10% on site - however if your candidate wants to travel 10% to Houston then the manager will review candidates 100% remote
Interview: TEAMS
Job Title: Sustainable Assortment & EPR Strategy Lead
Position Overview:
the largest foodservice distributor globally, has ambitions to drive value creation through being at center of the sustainable food systems transformation, and has set ambitious goals across people, product and planet pillars. This is not just because it's the right thing to do, aligned with our purpose and values - it also offers significant value creation through new revenues and cost reductions. We are seeking an experienced and dynamic professional to lead the development of our sustainable product assortment and the implementation of our Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) strategy. This role will drive our sustainability goals by collaborating across a complex organization and with external consultancies to create a cohesive EPR compliance framework and enhance our portfolio of certified sustainable products. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in sustainability, a proven ability to work within intricate organizational structures, and exceptional project management skills.
Key Responsibilities:
1. EPR Strategy Development and Implementation:
o Lead the creation and execution of a comprehensive EPR strategy in collaboration with cross-functional teams and external consultancies, ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory requirements.
o Act as the internal subject matter expert on EPR, providing regular updates on changes to regulations, implications for the business, and actionable recommendations.
o Develop tools and processes to monitor and report on EPR compliance across key product categories, including disposables, packaging, and beverages.
o Collaborate with supply chain, legal, operations, and finance teams to manage EPR-related obligations and mitigate risks of non-compliance.
2. Sustainable Assortment Expansion:
o Partner with merchandising, procurement, and suppliers to identify, evaluate, and add new sustainability certifications and sustainable products to the company's portfolio.
o Collaborate with external consulting firms to identify and drive sustainable product innovation within the food industry.
o Work with marketing and sales teams to build awareness and drive customer adoption of sustainable product offerings.
o Analyze market trends and customer needs to inform the development of innovative, sustainable solutions.
o Establish and track KPIs to measure the impact of sustainable product assortment growth on business and environmental goals.
3. Supplier Engagement and External Collaboration:
o Develop and deliver materials for an external supplier summit to be hosted in June, focusing on sustainability priorities, goals, and opportunities for partnership.
o Serve as the primary liaison with external consultancies, ensuring alignment and coordination of efforts with internal teams to achieve sustainability objectives.
o Foster partnerships with suppliers and industry organizations to advance sustainability initiatives.
4. Cross-Functional Collaboration:
o Facilitate alignment among diverse teams, including merchandising, operations, technology, and customer solutions, to integrate sustainability and EPR initiatives seamlessly into business processes.
o Ensure consistency and scalability in sustainability practices across different business units.
5. Agility and Ad-Hoc Projects:
o Respond to emerging priorities and take on special projects or ad-hoc assignments related to sustainability as needed.
o Demonstrate flexibility and problem-solving skills to navigate a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
6. Leadership and Influence:
o Provide thought leadership on sustainability within the organization, influencing decision-making and embedding sustainable practices into the company culture.
o Lead workshops, training sessions, and communication initiatives to educate stakeholders on sustainability certifications, EPR, and their business implications.
Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in sustainability, business, supply chain, environmental science, or a related field (Master's preferred). • 7+ years of experience in sustainability, merchandising, or supply chain roles, ideally within the food distribution or retail sector. • Strong knowledge of EPR regulations, sustainability certifications, and industry trends. • Proven ability to manage complex, cross-functional projects and influence stakeholders at all levels. • Experience collaborating with external consultancies to drive strategic initiatives. • Exceptional analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into actionable strategies. • Strong communication and presentation skills, with experience simplifying complex topics for diverse audiences.
Preferred Skills: • Experience working with foodservice distribution, retail, or supply chain companies in a highly matrixed environment. • Familiarity with tools and platforms for tracking sustainability performance and regulatory compliance. • Strategic mindset with a hands-on approach to driving results.
Why Join Us: This is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of driving sustainability in a fast-paced and impactful industry. You will play a critical role in shaping the future of our product offerings, fostering partnerships with suppliers, and ensuring compliance with emerging sustainability standards. If you are passionate about making a difference and thrive in a collaborative, multifaceted environment, we encourage you to apply.