Senior Manager Sustainability (Hybrid)

Topco Associates is currently seeking a Senior Manager, Sustainability to join our Transparency team in Itasca, IL. This position will be a hybrid role, with the successful candidate conducting work in our Itasca office three days per week and virtually two days per week.

Topco's mission is to provide solutions for our member owners, regional retailers and wholesalers, and help them achieve a competitive advantage in the markets they serve. We aspire to develop high-performing teams to resemble the diversity of our members' shopper communities to drive greater innovation and creativity that ultimately enhances our business results and the value Topco provides to its membership.

The Senior Manager, Sustainability, will refine and manage Topco’s sustainability initiatives.  The Senior Manager will provide input to strategic decisions and collaborate with others both within and outside the organization to prioritize activities, implement processes, and set targets that support sustainability strategies.  The role involves leading research and analysis efforts, making sound recommendations, and launching important sustainability initiatives.  The role will also be responsible for educating Associates, Members, and Suppliers on sustainability topics.  The successful candidate must have strong business acumen, demonstrated skills in developing sustainability strategies, and possess sustainability credentials and experience.

• Work closely with leaders of key functional areas as well as other stakeholders to develop strategies and drive the execution of efforts that achieve our 3-year strategic sustainability goals and objectives.
• Provide oversight and manage the execution of sustainability program initiatives.
• Through industry research, monitoring best practices, and by following market trends, understand the sustainability landscape and identify opportunities.
• Develop measurement systems and maintain tools to benchmark and track progress against sustainability goals.
• Engage with third party associations and/or industry partners and develop/manage those relationships.
• Collaborate with Brand, Marketing and Communications to highlight sustainability initiatives, results achieved, and to promote broad awareness internally and externally.
• Identify educational training opportunities and create/administer sustainability training sessions for Associates, Members and Suppliers.
• Some travel may be required.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Sustainability, Corporate Responsibility, Environmental Science, or other Life Sciences.

Technical Skills:

• The role requires a strong understanding of current sustainability challenges and initiatives.
• Experience and proficiency using Excel, PowerPoint, Word, etc.

Previous Experience:

• Five to seven years of progressive experience in a sustainability role within a consumer-packaged goods (CPG), retail, or wholesale organization.
• Responsible sourcing experience a plus

Other Qualifications:

• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Passion for leading transformative changes
• Ability to work cross-functionally in driving solutions
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Outstanding organizational skills with demonstrated ability to prioritize workload
• Ability to persuade and influence without having direct authority

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Topco strives for a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace that reflects our member shopper’s communities. If your experience similarly reflects what you see listed in the job description, please consider applying, as individuals come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and excellence; therefore, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.

Topco is an equal employment opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis, including age, sex, color, race, creed, national origin, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, political belief, veteran's status, or disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions. Please let us know if you require accommodations during the interview process.