Senior Manager - Zero Waste - Remote

UNFI; Providence (RI); Remote; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading grocery wholesaler as a Senior Manager - Zero Waste, focusing on waste reduction and sustainability initiatives. This remote role involves overseeing waste operations, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Ideal candidates will have a background in sustainability and significant experience in operations.

Benefits

Competitive 401k

Flexible PTO

Health benefits

Mentorship programs

Qualifications

• 7-10 years’ experience in sustainability, operations, supply chain, or procurement.
• Experience managing a large vendor/contractor portfolio.
• Leading complex contract negotiations from RFP to signing.

Responsibilities

• Create, review, and report on Better for All initiatives.
• Manage contractors/vendors for waste and recycling programs.
• Identify opportunities and drive execution of sustainability initiatives.

Skills

Understanding of waste and recycling industry programs

Knowledge of sustainability considerations

Good judgment for autonomous decision-making

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, environmental science, or related field

Job description

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Job Overview:

The Sr. Manager of Zero Waste will lead the Company’s waste and recycling operations, focusing on waste reduction, food donations, and zero waste initiatives. The role involves integrating a zero-waste mindset across operations, collaborating with the Director, Sustainable Operations, to achieve business results, reduce risk, and enhance brand value.

What does it mean to be part of our ESG/Sustainability team?

Our team is dedicated to minimizing waste and reducing excess food within our operations and throughout our value chain, including preventing waste caused by damaged or misplaced products.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Financials and Reporting: Create, review, and report on Better for All initiatives, monitor progress toward waste reduction goals, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to waste and recycling. Oversee billing related to waste and recycling programs.
2. Program Management: Manage contractors/vendors to ensure adherence to contracts for waste and recycling programs, develop policies and SOPs, monitor compliance, and maintain vendor relationships.
3. Strategic Planning and Initiatives: Identify opportunities, develop action plans, and drive execution of sustainability initiatives related to waste and recycling, including new programs, packaging, and supply chain optimization.
4. Operational Responsibilities: Provide support for daily operations, handle inquiries, troubleshoot issues, and oversee site audits and training.

Job Requirements:

Education/Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, environmental science, or related field.
• 7-10 years’ experience in sustainability, operations, supply chain, or procurement.

Experience:

• Managing a large vendor/contractor portfolio with high impact.
• Leading complex contract negotiations from RFP to signing.

Skills/Abilities:

• Understanding of waste and recycling industry programs, compliance, and market instruments.
• Knowledge of sustainability considerations in construction, transportation, and food safety related to waste handling.
• Good judgment for autonomous decision-making.

Work Environment:

This is a remote role with occasional travel to company sites. Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment, with some physical demands such as sitting for long periods and handling equipment.

About UNFI:

North America's leading grocery wholesaler, specializing in natural and organic foods, with over 29,000 employees across 50 distribution centers and offices.

Benefits:

Competitive 401k, flexible PTO, health benefits, mentorship programs, and more.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

UNFI is committed to diversity and inclusion, providing equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.