Vice President of Strategic Sustainable Operations

Position Summary

The Vice President of Strategic Sustainable Operations is a senior leadership role tasked with embedding sustainability principles across all facets of enterprise operations, supply chain strategy, and business transformation initiatives. This executive position focuses on enhancing operational efficiency, minimizing environmental footprint, building organizational resilience, and fostering sustainable competitive advantages.

Working in close collaboration with the Chief Sustainability Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Chief Strategy Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and other executives, the Vice President integrates sustainability into operational decision-making, processes, and global growth plans.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement sustainable operations strategies that align with corporate and ESG goals.
• Embed sustainability considerations in operational planning, resource use, and transformational programs.
• Create frameworks supporting sustainable growth, efficiency, and long-term value creation.
• Balance sustainability initiatives with financial and operational priorities.
• Drive improvements in operational productivity, resource utilization, and process efficiency using Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methods focused on sustainability.
• Lead efforts to diminish waste, optimize energy consumption, and elevate operational performance.
• Set operational excellence benchmarks across international business units.
• Collaborate with Procurement and Supply Chain teams to develop responsible sourcing and improve supplier sustainability through assessments, standards, and enhancement programs.
• Support sustainable logistics, manufacturing, inventory, and distribution practices to increase supply chain transparency, resilience, and environmental performance.
• Advance ESG objectives through sustainability programs addressing carbon reduction, energy efficiency, waste management, circular economy, and resource use optimization.
• Monitor and report sustainability metrics and operational impacts, supporting compliance and reporting functions.
• Lead transformation programs that leverage sustainability as a driver for operational innovation, including automation and digitalization opportunities.
• Work jointly with Technology, Operations, and Innovation teams to implement sustainable business models and foster organizational adoption.
• Develop and maintain sustainability and operational performance indicators, dashboards and analytics to track and communicate progress.
• Manage senior leaders and teams involved in sustainable operations and continuous improvement, developing organizational capabilities and strategic initiatives.
• Present sustainability strategies and outcomes to executive leadership and Board of Directors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as Sustainability, Environmental Science, Operations or Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or Business Administration.
• Advanced degree like an MBA or Master's in Sustainability, Environmental Management, or Operations highly preferred.
• Certifications that demonstrate expertise in Lean Six Sigma, ESG, sustainability, supply chain, or operational excellence are a plus.
• 12 to 18+ years of increasing leadership responsibility in operations, sustainability, ESG, supply chain, business transformation, or operational excellence roles.
• Documented success in leading sustainability initiatives within complex, global operational environments.
• Deep knowledge of sustainable business practices, operational optimization, ESG strategy, and transformational leadership.
• Strong executive communication, strategic planning, and stakeholder relationship skills.

Core Competencies

• Strategic sustainable operations management
• ESG integration and reporting
• Operational excellence and process improvement
• Sustainable supply chain management
• Carbon footprint and resource optimization
• Business transformation and innovation
• Continuous improvement methodologies
• Sustainability analytics and performance management
• Strategic planning and executive leadership