Global Sustainability Program Manager at Southern Mills, Inc in Union City, Georgia

Job Description:

As a Global Sustainability Program Manager, you will play a pivotal role in driving our organization's strategic initiatives on a global scale. You will be responsible for leading and coordinating programs, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices. This role requires a strategic thinker with exceptionally strong program and project management skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams and stakeholders.  

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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  Sustainability Strategic Planning and Leadership: Develop and implement a comprehensive sustainability strategy aligned with the organization's mission, vision, and values. Identify key focus areas, goals, and performance metrics to drive continuous improvement.


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  Sustainability Project Management: Lead cross-functional teams to design, implement, and manage sustainability programs and initiatives that address environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects, including carbon footprint reduction, resource conservation, waste management, chemical management, social responsibility, and ethical governance. Develop project plans, establish timelines, targets, and KPIs, allocate resources, and monitor progress to ensure timely delivery of milestones and objectives.


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  Stakeholder Engagement and Communication: Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including executives, employees, customers, suppliers, NGOs, and government agencies, to build partnerships, gather input, and foster collaboration in advancing sustainability initiatives. Partner with the Marcom department to communicate the company’s sustainability efforts and achievements through reports, presentations, and marketing materials to enhance transparency and build the company’s reputation in sustainability.  Engage with suppliers to promote sustainability in the supply chain, including conducting sustainability audits and assessments.


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  Regulatory Compliance: Stay abreast of relevant environmental regulations, standards, and reporting requirements globally. Ensure that sustainability projects and practices comply with all applicable local, national, and international laws and regulations.


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  Performance Measurement and Reporting: Establish KPIs and metrics to track the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives. Prepare regular reports and presentations for senior management, leadership, and other stakeholders to communicate progress, achievements, and challenges.


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  Risk Management: Identify potential risks and opportunities related to sustainability issues, such as climate change, resource scarcity, and social impact. Develop mitigation strategies and contingency plans to address risks and capitalize on opportunities.


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  Capacity Building: Provide guidance, training, and support to internal teams to enhance their understanding of sustainability principles and practices. Foster a culture of sustainability across the organization by promoting awareness, education, and engagement.


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  Continuous Improvement: Conduct regular reviews and evaluations of sustainability programs and projects to identify areas for improvement and innovation. Implement best practices and lessons learned to optimize processes and outcomes. Foster innovation in sustainability, encouraging the development and adoption of sustainable technologies, materials, and processes.

Competencies

1. Strategic Vision & Thinking

1. Program & Project Management


2. Leadership


3. Creative Thinking


4. Critical Evaluation


5. Analytical Problem Solving/Analysis


6. Collaboration Skills


7. Effective Communication


8. Stakeholder Engagement


9. Cultural Competency and Global Perspective


10. Focus and Strategic Prioritization

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has direct supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional and manufacturing environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and copiers. The candidate is frequently exposed to noise, dust, and various chemicals, and moving mechanical parts requiring the use of appropriate personal protective equipment including safety glasses, hearing protection and non-skid shoes.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, sit, walk, stand, and hear. This employee may be required to reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, and occasionally lift up to 25 Ibs.  Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. May be exposed to heat, flame, chemicals, and noises.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

Travel

This position requires up to 30% travel. Frequently travel is inside the local area to other plant locations and corporate office.  Periodic travel is required to Europe.

Required Education and Experience

1. Bachelor’s degree in Environment, Engineering, Sustainability, or related scientific/technical field


2. 5-10 years of program or project management, or related experience in a global organization.


3. Knowledge of sustainability issues and their relation to a manufacturing environment, production, and processing, regarding textiles a plus.


4. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate effectively at all levels of the organization.


5. Strong knowledge of sustainability frameworks, standards (e.g., GRI, SASB, SDGs), and best practices.


6. Computer skills including MS Office, database inquiries and ability to learn new software.

Preferred Education and Experience

1. Master’s degree


2. Ten years of previous experience in a similar role

1. Experience in manufacturing, economic evaluations, and operations management.

1. Strong science background with technical expertise in multiple disciplines related to textiles.


2. PMP certification

AAP/EEO Statement

TenCate Protective Fabrics provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability,  genetic information,  service in the military, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, selection, hiring, training, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and demotion.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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