Sustainability Lead

Glanbia plc; Tees Valley; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global nutrition company is seeking a talented individual for Sustainable Packaging Development based in Tees Valley, UK. This role involves working with multiple teams to develop sustainable solutions, maintain compliance data, and monitor recyclability requirements. Ideal candidates will have over 5 years of experience in packaging technology or compliance within the FMCG sector, along with strong organizational and regulatory skills. This role offers a hybrid work model and a competitive compensation package.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Staff discounts

Health plan

Generous family leave policy

Pension plan

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years in Packaging or compliance roles, preferably FMCG.
• Strong knowledge in developing consumer packaging from concept to market.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance in packaging.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with multiple teams to develop sustainable packaging solutions.
• Maintain packaging sustainability data and compliance documentation.
• Monitor and report on recyclability labeling compliance.

Skills

Packaging technology expertise

Organizational skills

Knowledge of FMCG compliance

Regulatory interpretation

Digital sustainability tools

Education

5+ years in Packaging or FMCG

Tools

Microsoft Office

ERP systems

SharePoint

Job description

Sustainable Packaging Development

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Commercial, Innovation, R&D, Packaging, and Supply Chain teams to provide sustainable packaging solutions that conform to market and operational capabilities.
• Adapt solutions and strategy development to strategic customer ambitions
• Stay apprised of industry developments and trends while utilizing this knowledge to educate and guide the business. Participation and collaboration with strategic NGO's in the consumer packaging space are imperative.
• Ensure recommended packaging solutions are accompanied with strong business cases that include consumer/brand risks and opportunities, financial impacts, operational capabilities, and regulatory compliancy.

Sustainability Data & Documentation

• Develop and maintain a program for packaging sustainability data that includes packaging attributes, recyclability assessments, supporting documentation, and country specific compliancy. The program shall harmonize with Glanbia's existing quality systems and processes.
• Develop and maintain a "Product Passports" system for all new NPD projects and existing finished products.
• Update Product Passports with new or revised information (e.g. recyclability changes, disposal instructions, Product Carbon Footprints).

Regulatory Compliance

• Track Recyclability Labelling Compliance across brands and finished goods.
• Collaborate with the Packaging Engineering team to ensure finished good artwork reflects correct disposal instructions for each market of planned distribution.
• Prepare and track market specific waste reporting disclosures (i.e. EPR, DRS) by compiling relevant sales and packaging attribute data.
• Develop clear tracking tools to monitor upcoming compliancy requirements and deadlines while utilizing insights to guide Glanbia consumer packaging ambitions.
• Serve as a point of contact for Packaging-related Tax queries and liabilities with our central Tax team.
• Monitor regional policies and advise internal teams of needed action for advanced planning.

General Sustainability Support

• Support sustainability forums and technical teams with documentation, cost analysis, and design rule compliance.
• Address and complete customer sustainability questionnaires.
• Advise strategic teams of needed packaging changes for regulatory compliance to coincide with sustainable packaging transitions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

This role involves extensive cross-functional collaboration with colleagues in Product Supply Center of Excellence, the Global Sustainability team based in Chicago and Ireland, and the European Commercial team. By working closely with these teams, the assurance will be provided that our products are not only compliant and sustainable but also positioned to win in the market. This strategic collaboration enhances product protection, drives innovation, sharing of best practices and supports Glanbia Performance Nutrition's mission to deliver high-quality, performance-driven nutrition solutions globally.

Environment

Your role is primarily based at GPN Middlesbrough, although you may be required to travel to other areas of the business from time to time. We operate a hybrid work approach blending office based and home working.

Experience & Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience in Packaging/ Packaging technology, or compliance roles in the FMCG space.
• Working knowledge of commercializing a consumer packaged item in the FMCG space.
• Consumer Packaging development from inception to commercialization.
• Expertise in European environmental legislation and reporting (e.g. CSRD, EPR, DRS, SUP).
• Expertise in NGO practices and procedures; specifically OPRL and RecyClass.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, ERP systems, and SharePoint.
• Familiarity with digital sustainability tools (e.g Watershed) and databases.
• Interest in continuous improvement and sustainable practices.

Competencies

• Strong organizational and document management skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• The ability to convey recommendations to various levels within the organization.
• The ability to work in ambiguous situations where the best solutions are not always obvious.
• Understanding of packaging structures, materials and recyclability assessment methodologies.
• Ability to interpret and apply regulatory requirements across markets.

Glanbia is a better nutrition company with three divisions: Performance Nutrition, Health & Nutrition and Dairy Nutrition. Collectively and with our partners we offer an incredible breadth of expertise in nutrition. We employ a team of 6000 people, work with global food and beverage companies, and sell our award-winning and market-leading brands and ingredients in more than 100 countries worldwide.

At Glanbia, we celebrate diversity, because we know that our individual strengths make us stronger together. We welcome and encourage interest from a variety of candidates. We will give your application consideration, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.

The opportunity to develop your career on a global stage, continuous learning through an on-demand learning platform, and a competitive compensation package including staff discounts, generous family leave policy, health plan, pension and competitive salary.