Job Overview:

The Sr. Manager of Zero Waste will lead the Company’s waste and recycling operations and be responsible for driving progress toward our 2030 Better for All goals, focusing on waste reduction, food donations, and zero waste initiatives. The Sr. Manager will lead the work of integrating a zero-waste mindset across the Company’s operations, in close partnership with the Director, Sustainable Operations, while delivering strong business results, reducing risk, and enhancing brand value.

What does it mean to be part of our ESG/Sustainability team? 

The ESG/Sustainability is committed to minimizing waste and reducing excess food within our operations and throughout our value chain. This includes preventing waste caused by damaged or misplaced products.

Job Responsibilities:

• Financials and Reporting: Create, review, monitor, and report on Better for All initiatives as requested or required, to key stakeholders, executive leadership, or as requested, across the organization. Drive tangible progress toward the Company’s waste reduction goals. Prepare and submit all compliance and regulatory reporting for federal, state, and/or local requirements related to waste and recycling details at UNFI sites. Oversee all aspects of billing related to waste and recycling programs, including accruals, forecasts, and budgeting.
• Program Management: Manage and direct contractors/vendors to ensure adherence to the Terms and Conditions of all established waste and recycling contracts across the organization. Including, but not limited to, Landfill Waste, Mixed Recycling, Paper, Cardboard, Plastics, Donations, Salvage, Food Waste Recycling Programs. Lead the continued development and adoption of policies, SOPs, and training. Monitor compliance with applicable Federal, State, and Local regulations. Lead the vendor partner selection process and maintain productive relationships with these outside experts in support of our sustainable operations objectives.
• Strategic Planning and Initiatives:  Key stakeholder in identifying opportunities, developing action plans, and driving execution to create alignment across the organization’s sustainability initiatives related to waste and recycling programs, including but not limited to:  new program development, packaging recommendations, customer service opportunities, systems enhancements, circular economy initiatives, inventory management, and supply chain optimization of the various generated material streams.
• Operational Responsibilities: Provide real-time support for day-to-day operations in the field, including monitoring over holiday and weekend days. Administer and ownership of several shared email accounts to handle and respond to all internal and external inquiries. Troubleshoot location specific issues to ensure operational interruptions are minimized. Including, but not limited to, equipment failures and damages, level of service issues, waste audits, site audits and training as needed.

Job Requirements:

Education/Certifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in business, environmental science, or equivalent work experience in the field required.
• 7-10 years’ experience in sustainability, operations, supply chain, procurement, or a related field. 

Experience: 

• Experience managing a large portfolio of vendors/contractors with high business impact.
• Experience leading multiple complex contract negotiations through from RFP to contract signature. 

Skills/Abilities:

• Strong understanding of the various waste and recycling industry programs including sourcing, market-based instruments, equipment, compliance and regulatory requirements, transportation, and pricing models.
• Understanding of sustainability considerations for building construction requirements related to waste and recycling equipment and staging areas, and transportation.
• Understanding of food safety guidelines and certification related to waste and recycling handling within the site to remain compliant and avoid cross contamination issues. 
• Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

Work Environment:

Remote Role: 

• This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager. 

Travel (minor):

·       This position may require the associate to travel to company offices, distribution centers, or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons. 

Physical Environment/Demands:

Office Roles:

• Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.
• Incumbent may sit for long periods at a desk or computer terminal.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment during the normal workday.
• Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties. 

About UNFI: We are North America’s premier grocery wholesaler, delivering the widest variety of fresh, branded, and owned brand products to community grocers and retail chains alike. A pioneer in natural and organic foods, we are growing and transforming to meet the needs of an evolving workplace. Our 29,000+ employees work across America in our 50 Distribution Centers and corporate offices. Learn more: Organic, Natural and Conventional Food | Wholesale Food Distributors | UNFI

Benefits: Competitive 401k, Flexible PTO, Remote, Health benefits – first of the month following 30 days of employment, mentorship program/developmental opportunities, etc. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

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