Program Director

Job Title: Program Director

Location: Remote (90%) - In-office 10% (Candidates willing to travel 10% to Houston may be considered for 100% remote)

Job Type: Contract (6-month term)

Pay Rate: $80-83/hour

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Program Director to lead the development and execution of sustainable product assortments and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) strategies. This six-month contract position will cover maternity leave, focusing on managing and delivering projects that advance sustainability goals. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in sustainability, regulatory compliance, and program management, with the ability to collaborate effectively across organizational structures and with external partners.

Key Responsibilities:

1. EPR Strategy Development and Implementation:

• Lead the creation and execution of the EPR strategy, working closely with internal teams and external consultants to ensure compliance with evolving EPR regulations.
• Serve as the internal expert on EPR, providing updates and actionable recommendations based on changes to regulatory frameworks.
• Develop tools and processes to monitor and report on EPR compliance across key product categories such as packaging, disposables, and beverages.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including supply chain, legal, operations, and finance, to manage EPR-related obligations and reduce compliance risks.

2. Sustainable Assortment Expansion:

• Partner with merchandising, procurement, and suppliers to introduce new sustainable product certifications and enhance the existing product portfolio.
• Collaborate with external consultants to identify sustainable product innovations within the industry.
• Work with marketing and sales teams to raise awareness and drive customer adoption of sustainable products.
• Analyze market trends to guide the development of new sustainable solutions and establish KPIs to track the impact on business and environmental goals.

3. Supplier Engagement and External Collaboration:

• Develop materials for an external supplier summit in June, focusing on sustainability goals, priorities, and partnership opportunities.
• Serve as the primary liaison with external consultants to ensure alignment and effective coordination of sustainability efforts.
• Build and maintain relationships with suppliers and industry organizations to advance sustainability initiatives.

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Facilitate alignment across diverse teams such as merchandising, operations, technology, and customer solutions to integrate sustainability and EPR initiatives.
• Ensure consistency and scalability of sustainability practices across various business units.

5. Agility and Ad-Hoc Projects:

• Respond to emerging sustainability priorities and manage special projects or ad-hoc assignments as needed.
• Demonstrate flexibility and strong problem-solving skills in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

6. Leadership and Influence:

• Provide thought leadership on sustainability, influencing organizational decision-making and embedding sustainable practices into the culture.
• Lead workshops, training sessions, and communications to educate stakeholders on sustainability certifications, EPR, and their business implications.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in sustainability, business, supply chain, environmental science, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Experience: 7+ years of experience in sustainability, merchandising, or supply chain roles, ideally within the food distribution or retail sectors.
• Expertise: Strong knowledge of EPR regulations, sustainability certifications, and industry trends.
• Project Management: Proven ability to lead and manage complex, cross-functional projects and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Collaboration: Experience working with external consultants to drive sustainability initiatives.
• Skills: Exceptional analytical, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to simplify complex topics for diverse audiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in food service distribution, retail, or supply chain companies in a matrixed environment.
• Familiarity with tools and platforms for tracking sustainability performance and regulatory compliance.
• A strategic mindset, with a hands-on approach to delivering results.

Why Join Us:

This is an exciting opportunity to lead sustainability initiatives and drive impact within a leading global organization. You will play a key role in shaping product offerings, fostering supplier relationships, and ensuring compliance with sustainability standards. If you are passionate about sustainability and thrive in a collaborative, cross-functional environment, we encourage you to apply.

Note: This position is for a 6-month term covering maternity leave with no option for permanent hire post-contract.