Sustainability Manager

Position: Sustainability Manager, Nielsen-Massey Vanillas

Reports to: VP of Sustainability, Nielsen-Massey Vanillas

Location: Remote Capable. Waukegan, Illinois, about 40 miles north of Chicago's Loop

Salary Range: $100,000-$120,000 - Compensation is based on education, skills, experience and other job-related factors.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Sustainability Manager to lead and advance our sustainability initiatives within our food ingredient manufacturing operations. This role will drive projects, policies, and programs to meet our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals while ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. They will prepare system reporting, research, data collection, ad hoc reporting, and understand the best practices for educating team members on the importance of sustainability. The Sustainability Manager will collaborate across departments to create innovative solutions that promote sustainable practices and align with the company's mission to deliver responsibly sourced and produced ingredients. This role will work with raw material suppliers and industry partners such as the Sustainable Vanilla Initiative.

Key Responsibilities:

Sustainability Strategy and Leadership

• Develop, implement, and oversee sustainability initiatives to align with the company's ESG goals.
• Create and maintain comprehensive sustainability policies and proposals.
• Establish measurable project goals to reduce environmental impact, improve resource efficiency, and enhance social responsibility.
• Identify opportunities to innovate and lead best practices in sustainability within the food ingredient industry.
• Ability to identify and collaborate with NGO's and other non-profit organizations.

Program Development and Implementation

• Design and implement programs focused on energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation, and sustainable sourcing.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to support sustainability projects and ensure successful execution.
• Engage with suppliers and partners to align sustainability goals throughout the value chain.

Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, certifications, and industry standards.
• Oversee sustainability-related audits, certifications, and assessments (e.g., ISO 14001, BRC).
• Collect, analyze and report data, using installed software on key sustainability metrics for internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepare sustainability reports and communicate progress to leadership, employees, and external stakeholders.

Training and Engagement

• Develop and deliver training programs for employees to foster a culture of sustainability.
• Act as a subject matter expert and resource for sustainability-related inquiries and initiatives.
• Partner with Marketing teams to highlight sustainability achievements and initiatives.

25-30% Travel

• Travel to Madagascar and other vanilla growing regions around the world.

Personal Characteristics:

• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.
• Design - Generates creative solutions; Translates concepts and information into images; Uses feedback to modify designs; Applies design principles; Demonstrates attention to detail.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations.
• Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.
• Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
• External Working Relationships - Develops and maintains courteous and effective working relationships with clients, vendors and/or any other representatives of external organizations.
• Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.
• Delegation - Delegates work assignments; Matches the responsibility to the person; Gives authority to work independently; Sets expectations and monitors delegated activities; Provides recognition for results.
• Managing People - Includes staff in planning, decision-making, facilitating and process improvement; Takes responsibility for subordinates' activities; Makes self available to staff; Provides regular performance feedback; Develops subordinates' skills and encourages growth; Solicits and applies customer feedback (internal and external); Fosters quality focus in others; Improves processes, products and services.; Continually works to improve supervisory skills.
• Business Acumen - Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals; Analyzes market and competition and adapts strategy to changing conditions.
• Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures.
• Business Necessity - The needs of the employer may be dependent on responding to and anticipating rapidly changing external and internal demands in all aspects of how business is conducted. This may include, but is not limited to, organization structure, finances, goals, personnel, work processes, technology, and customer demands. Therefore, it may become necessary to make modifications to how business is conducted, and work is accomplished, with minimal or no advance notice to employees. Accordingly, the employee must be capable of adapting, with minimal or no advance notice, to changes in how business is conducted, and work is accomplished, with no diminishment in work performance.
• Safety and Security -All employees are responsible for observing safety and security procedures as applicable and reporting potentially unsafe conditions to management.

Knowledge and Characteristics:

MUSTS:

• Bachelor's degree in Sustainability, Environmental Science, Engineering, Business or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in sustainability management, environmental compliance, or a related role.
• Experience in the food or manufacturing industry is highly desirable.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

WANTS:

• Experience in a family or privately held business.
• LEED, ISSP (International Society of Sustainability Professionals), or similar sustainability certifications.
• Ability to speak foreign languages, preferably French.

BENEFITS:

• 401k Plan and up to 4% company matching
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement or Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Health, Dependent Care, and Commuter
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave
• Bereavement
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Weekly paychecks
• Rewards & Recognition Programs
• Employee Referral Program
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Annual Bonus Program