Manager, Sustainability

~ Avendra is the leading supply chain and procurement services provider in the hospitality industry. ~

We leverage the purchasing volume of our customers to create significant buying power, and consequently, the ability to negotiate the best possible deals with key suppliers. But that is only one part of why we are the best at what we do. We differentiate ourselves from our competitors with supply chain assurance, which helps control the integrity of products and services, customer support and innovation. 

Our smart, professional, and ambitious team of associates is why we are the industry leader. If you are looking for a collaborative work environment, continuous career development, and a healthy work-life balance, Avendra is the place for you.

Position Overview 

What you should know about this position: 

We have an opening for a Manager, Sustainability. This position reports to the Vice President, Marketing, Communications and Sustainability. The Manager, Sustainability is responsible for providing subject matter expertise on sustainability (balancing environmental, social and economic considerations), helping to develop Avendra's sustainability strategy, implementing the strategy and tracking progress towards goals.

The ideal candidate will have a strong belief in sustainability as an important business tenet, and experience with practical approaches to affect and measure change. 

We're looking for the following skills: 

• Ability to balance between strategic, big-picture thinking and a tactical focus
• Independent decision maker who can also utilize team consensus or collaboration
• Comfortable working in a fast paced environment and having a keen sense of urgency
• Drive, determination, and a self-disciplined approach to achieving results
• Ability to learn quickly, thoroughly and in detail
• Persuasive communicator 

Main Responsibilities 

• Review, refine and create alignment around the strategy related to Avendra's approach to sustainability (balancing environmental, social and financial objectives across our broad base of business and categories)
• Define, develop and integrate the role of sustainability within Avendra's overall value proposition, including aligning internal and external customer needs
• Manage the day-to-day execution against this strategy, including delivering against specific goals
• Liaise with clients, suppliers and Avendra departments:
  With clients on their sustainability objectives and how Avendra can support their unique goals. Offer up ideas, metrics and success stories specific to their businesses
• With suppliers on their sustainability objectives. Manage information and data flow from suppliers to Avendra to ensure proper capture into Avendra's systems (e.g. myAvendra), presentation, dissemination and tracking
• With internal resources (contracting, account management, data teams, analytic teams, QA) to ensure overall sustainability objectives are achieved
• Manage risk assessments within the supply chain, as well as specific categories, and design solutions to mitigate these risks
  Analyze data to identify patterns, information and next steps
• Manage communications related to Avendra's sustainability strategy, including reporting needs, marketing/communication materials, etc.

Qualifications 

The ideal candidate for the Manager, Sustainability role will meet the following requirements: 

• Broad knowledge of environmental and social issues
  Understanding/tracking of sustainability measurement tools and frameworks, including current/emerging sustainability related reporting initiatives (e.g. GRI, SASB)
• Knowledge of Life Cycle Assessments preferred
• Strong analytical skills and comfort working with data; turning data into information and telling a story with this information
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills
• Strong customer focus and comfort with Executive/Sr. level customer communication and interaction
• Proven project management skills
• Self-motivated with the ability to think and act independently
• Strong critical thinking capabilities 

Years of Relevant Experience: 

• Five to eight years' of relevant experience within supply chain, manufacturing or distribution industries 

Education Requirements: 

• BS/BA degree required. Degree in Environmental Management, Sustainability, Business or other related field desired 

What we want you to know about us:

Knowledgeable and skilled associates are the backbone of industry leaders like Avendra. With our collaborative culture, associates are encouraged to learn, ask questions, take on new challenges, and understand different perspectives. Our associates take pride in their work and endeavor to provide the best solutions. Our team of smart and motivated associates has been our true key to success over the past fourteen years.

Once selected to be a part of the Avendra team, associates go through a thorough onboarding process. All associates are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to develop current skills and learn new ones through our Avendra University class offerings. Internal and external training opportunities as well as tuition reimbursement are available. 

Benefits: 

To support our associates, we strive to have superior benefits and a rewarding and supportive work environment.

• Several medical plan options that offer great affordability along with dental and vision coverage
• Life, AD&D, short and long term disability that are company paid. Supplemental insurance is available
• Traditional and Roth 401(k) plans with company contribution
  Paid Time Off -- 20 days to start!
• Profit Sharing Incentive Program available to all associates
• Tuition reimbursement
• Avendra University -- internal training program
• Associate Purchasing Program where associates can purchase discounted products and services, such as TVs, mattresses, and hotel stays through our customer and supplier partners
• Social committee that offers an assortment of activities for associates to participate in throughout the year
• Rewards and recognition program with nominations coming from peers
• Charity Days/Fun Funds where each department supports a local community organization with their time