Manager, Corporate Sustainability

~ Business for Social Responsibility (BSR) is a global nonprofit organization that works with its network of more than 250 member companies to build a just and sustainable world. ~

From its offices in Asia, Europe, and North America, BSR develops sustainable business strategies and solutions through consulting, research, and cross-sector collaboration. Visit www.bsr.org for more information about BSR's more than 20 years of leadership in sustainability

We are proud to say that we have a team of some of the most talented and motivated people in the industry working in our global offices in Copenhagen, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, New York, Paris, San Francisco, Shanghai, and Tokyo.

Position Overview

BSR is seeking an experienced manager for its sustainability practice in San Francisco. The position is full-time.

The San Francisco office leads BSR's efforts to work with corporate BSR members and non-members across the United States, with a focus on the west coast, to develop sustainable business strategies and solutions. BSR has more than 60 members headquartered in across the Western United States and many other BSR members have significant presence in the region.

BSR works with companies in many different industries, including extractives, consumer products, food & agriculture, transportation, pharmaceuticals, ICT and financial services, and delivers a range of services related to human rights, climate change, the environment, economic development, and governance. In addition, BSR's SF office works with large foundations, international donors, and international organizations as well as non-governmental organizations, research institutions and other non-corporate sector stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Based in BSR's San Francisco office, the Manager will play a key role in strengthening and deepening relationships with current BSR members operating across the Western United States as well as recruiting and servicing new members in priority industries, and conceiving and delivering projects for companies.

The manager will be primarily focused on working with companies in the consumer products, retail, apparel, and food, beverage and agriculture sectors, but will also be expected to interact with companies in other sectors depending on BSR's needs.

The overall objective of the position is to grow and execute BSR's activities in support of members' needs and the BSR mission of creating a just and sustainable world.

• Member services: The Manager will work with BSR members on an individual and collective basis to ensure that the membership value proposition is met. This requires close cooperation with other BSR departments, industry practices and regions across the world.
• Business development: The Manager will represent BSR to the corporate sector and other key stakeholders in one or two industries (primary focus on Consumer Sectors) to be determined based on the candidate's experiences and skills in close cooperation with relevant BSR global industry leaders and practices. The Manager will assume responsibility for implementation of the global industry strategies across the Western United States and account relationship management for identified members as well as develop business opportunities with other companies in the priority industries.
• Project implementation: The Manager will assume responsibility for managing advisory services projects with members and non-members as well as set and facilitate critical collaborative initiatives within the priority industries. The Manager should expect to allocate up to 70% of hers/his time to project implementation.
• External Representation: The Manager will represent BSR to an external audience by: meeting with key industry stakeholders; attending & presenting at industry conferences; and writing occasional publications. 

Note: This position represents a growth opportunity for the right candidate to build and manage an advisory services portfolio within a global advisory services practice and as part of a truly global organization with colleagues from across the world. You will work with leading companies from mostly North America but also from Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia. 

Qualifications

The ideal candidate must be able to thrive in an international and entrepreneurial environment. You must be able to plan, execute and continuously improve your work independently and/or in close collaboration with colleagues, as appropriate.

The BSR membership is made up by the world's leading corporations within their industries as well as in respect of sustainability, and you must be able to engage with high-level company representatives on a platform of experience and with authority as well as being able to speak to the many aspects of the sustainability agenda.

You are expected to have demonstrated excellence in business development and project management within a sustainability context, either from within a corporation or in a consulting position.

Specific expectations:

• Master's degree in e.g. business administration, law, public policy, environmental management and engineering and/or sustainability/CSR;
• Subject matter expertise across BSR's primary focus areas: climate change, supply chain, human rights, inclusive economy, and/or circular economy 
• Min. 7 years of relevant professional experience from either a consulting firm and/or industry, e.g. a CSR/sustainability department, corporate affairs or business development;
• Industry expertise from consumer products and/or food, beverages and agriculture; in addition expertise with the technology sector is welcome;
• Good insight into San Francisco-area business and business culture; 
• Proven and demonstrable track record of success in working with business in a client/customer facing position;
• Experience managing multiple, disparate projects simultaneously; 
• Fluent in both written and conversational English; 
• Well-developed interpersonal skills for high-level interaction with members and other companies; 
• Excellent presentation and facilitation skills; 
• Ability to undertake business travel up to 20% time; and
• High ethical standards and commitment to BSR core values of Leadership, Respect and Integrity. 

~ BSR is committed to developing an inclusive work environment where diversity of thought, style, culture and skill and is valued in support of individual performance and potential, as well as our business goals and mission. ~