Director Sustainability, Packaging, Africa

The Coca-Cola Company; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

The Coca-Cola Company seeks a Director of Sustainability - Circular Economy to lead and innovate sustainability strategies across Africa. This role focuses on data-driven reporting, stakeholder engagement, and managing significant sustainability initiatives, enhancing packaging collection efforts, particularly plastics, to support corporate sustainability goals.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years in executive sustainability roles, with large-scale initiatives.
• Experience in packaging collection and developing data reporting tools.
• Proven negotiation skills and strong project management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead sustainability reporting with data analysis and communicate progress.
• Drive initiatives in packaging collection aligned with global commitments.
• Build impactful relationships with internal teams and external partners.

Skills

Circular Economy

Data Oriented

Detail-Oriented

Influencing

Innovation

Interpersonal Communication

Strategic Insights

Sustainability Management

Education

Master's Degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability Management, Business Management, Engineering or related fields

MBA or business-related advanced qualifications

Professional certifications like ISSP, IEMA, Certified Sustainability Professional, PMP

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Job description

Location(s): South Africa

City/Cities: Johannesburg

Travel Required: 00% - 25%

Relocation Provided: No

Job Posting End Date: June 21, 2025

Shift:

Job Description Summary:

As the Director of Sustainability - Circular Economy for Coca-Cola Africa, you will bring your demonstrated expertise and visionary leadership to guide our ambitious sustainability strategy. Reporting directly to the Senior Director of Sustainability in Africa, your core focus will be on data analysis, reporting, and internal auditing of sustainability initiatives. You will play an integral role in implementing comprehensive programs centered on packaging collection—especially plastics. Your entrepreneurial mindset and ability to nurture innovative solutions will ensure your contributions leave a lasting impact. The role demands a highly detail-oriented and structured approach, adept at working in fast-paced environments.

Function Related Activities/Key Responsibilities:

1. Sustainability reporting: Utilize robust data analysis and reporting techniques to communicate our sustainability journey. Develop compelling narratives using data-driven insights to highlight progress and stimulate wider engagement.

2. Strategic Leadership: Lead sustainability practices that align with Coca-Cola’s global commitments. Drive initiatives in packaging collection.

3. Program Innovation: Champion entrepreneurial and innovative approaches within sustainability programs. Develop complex models and ensure their effective integration into our operational fabric, steering sustainable change to align with strategic objectives.

4. Industry Awareness and Agility: Remain at the forefront of sustainability trends, technologies, and regulations. Integrate emerging concepts into our strategies for significant impact.

5. Stakeholder Engagement: Build and sustain impactful relationships with internal teams, NGOs, government bodies, and external partners to create collaborations that advance our sustainability objectives.

Education Requirements:

• Master's Degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability Management, Business Management, Engineering, or related fields.
• An MBA or other business-related advanced qualifications are highly regarded.
• Professional certifications like ISSP, IEMA, Certified Sustainability Professional, PMP, or equivalent, reflecting advanced sustainability and project management proficiency.
• Engagement in continuous learning and advanced courses on Circular Economy, emerging sustainability trends, technologies, and industry practices is encouraged.

Related Work Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years in executive leadership roles focused on sustainability, with a successful track record in leading large-scale sustainability initiatives. Experience working for global corporations on circular economy is an advantage.
• Strong background in packaging collection, particularly plastics.
• Experience in developing data analysis and reporting tools to track and enhance sustainability efforts.
• Proven ability to cultivate robust collaborations across NGOs, government, private sector, and impact investors.
• Experience in establishing and managing sustainability reporting standards, demonstrating adept data interpretation and performance measurement.

Functional Skills:

• Mastery of strategic thinking, problem-solving, and sustainability software, understanding industry regulations.
• Capability to initiate and manage innovation and change within sustainability practices.
• Proven negotiation skills and budget management competence.
• High organizational and project management skills.
• Highly detail-oriented and structured.
• Thrives in fast-paced environments.
• Advanced skills in Excel; Power BI skills are an advantage.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.

At Coca-Cola, our commitment to a sustainable future is driven by values of leadership, collaboration, integrity, accountability, passion, diversity, and quality. These principles inspire us to innovate and work collectively toward positive change, inviting everyone to join in creating a brighter future.

Skills: Circular Economy, Data Oriented, Detail-Oriented, Influencing, Innovation, Interpersonal Communication, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Power BI, Strategic Insights, Structured Approach, Sustainability Management

Our Purpose and Growth Culture:

We are taking deliberate action to nurture an inclusive culture grounded in our purpose to refresh the world and make a difference. We act with a growth mindset, embrace continuous learning, and focus on behaviors like curiosity, empowerment, inclusivity, and agility. Our culture is a key reason for our ongoing success. Visit Our Purpose and Vision to learn more about these behaviors and how you can bring them to life in your next role at Coca-Cola.