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North America Packaging Sustainability Manager

Colgate-Palmolive • United States • Added on Jun 20, 2026
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As the North America Packaging Sustainability Manager, you will take the lead on the regional implementation of a global effort to transform how products are packaged. You will oversee the development and deployment of regional packaging programs, ensuring they align with global goals while navigating the specific regulatory landscapes of the North American market.

This role is a linchpin for circular economy transitions within a major FMCG company. You will tackle the high-stakes challenge of plastic waste by directing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) processes and building strong external partnerships with NGOs and recycling value chain members. Your work directly influences how millions of households interact with sustainable materials every day.

This suits someone who possesses deep technical expertise in material science or packaging engineering and thrives when navigating complex regional regulations. It is ideal for a strategic influencer who can translate high-level sustainability goals into concrete, actionable industrial changes across a vast supply chain.

Job-FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The person in this role serves as the primary regional expert for all packaging sustainability initiatives in North America. This involves translating Global Packaging Sustainability strategies into actionable regional programs and ensuring that every product launch or update aligns with corporate plastic reduction targets. A significant portion of the mandate involves managing the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) process. You will partner with multiple internal functions like Finance, Legal, and Packaging Engineering, while also managing relationships with specialized external consultancies and Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs).

Key learning opportunities for this job

You will gain profound expertise in the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape of North American packaging, particularly regarding emerging EPR laws across various states. This offers a rare chance to see how massive-scale compliance frameworks are built from the ground up within a Fortune 500 environment. Additionally, you will develop advanced skills in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and data analytics tailored specifically for consumer goods. Working within a global matrix structure also provides unique mentorship opportunities from global sustainability leaders, enhancing your ability to influence large-scale industrial transformations.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

Colgate-Palmolive is looking for a seasoned professional with at least 8 years of experience specifically within packaging or sustainability fields. A strong academic foundation in Material Science or Engineering is essential, as the role requires a technical understanding of plastics and alternative materials. The ideal candidate must be a cross-functional collaborator. Experience in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) sector is highly preferred because it demonstrates an understanding of the speed and scale at which these product changes must occur to be impactful.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Focus your application on specific examples where you managed external partnerships, such as working with NGOs or recycling value chain members. Demonstrating that you can reach across the industry to solve circularity issues will set you apart from candidates with only internal project experience. Highlight your familiarity with North American packaging regulations. Since EPR is a core component of this role, being able to speak articulately about existing or upcoming legislation and how it affects manufacturing will prove your immediate readiness for the position.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The primary focus is on circularity and waste management. This role is at the center of the company’s efforts to make all packaging recyclable, reusable, or compostable. You will specifically concentrate on reducing 'virgin' plastic use and improving the infrastructure for plastic recovery. You will also contribute to the company's net-zero goals indirectly. By optimizing packaging materials and improving recyclability, you are helping to lower the scope 3 emissions associated with the end-of-life treatment of sold products.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the steepest challenges is the fragmented regulatory environment in North America. Navigating different state-level mandates for packaging waste while maintaining a cohesive regional strategy requires constant vigilance and legal agility. Additionally, balancing sustainability targets with cost-efficiency and manufacturing constraints is a recurring hurdle. Convincing internal stakeholders to adopt new materials or processes often involves overcoming technical friction and ensuring that sustainable changes do not compromise product safety or brand integrity.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day often involves a mix of strategic coordination and technical review. You might start with a meeting with the Global Sustainability team to align on upcoming plastic reduction targets, followed by a session with the Packaging Operations team to review the data for EPR reporting. Afternoons are often dedicated to external advocacy. This could involve participating in a webinar with a Producer Responsibility Organization or meeting with packaging suppliers to discuss the development of new, more sustainable materials for the North American market.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

This role offers a clear path toward Global Leadership roles within the sustainability or packaging functions. By mastering the North American market, one of the company's largest regions, you position yourself as a candidate for vice-presidential or director-level ESG roles. There is also significant opportunity for specialization in circular economy policy. As EPR and plastic treaties become global priorities, the expertise gained here will be highly sought after across the entire manufacturing and FMCG sectors.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Internally, you will be in constant contact with Packaging Engineering, Finance, and Legal departments to ensure compliance and project viability. You also report into and advise the Global Sustainability leadership team. Externally, you will interact with NGOs, Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs), and members of the recycling value chain. You will also manage relationships with packaging suppliers, pushing them to innovate in line with Colgate-Palmolive's sustainability requirements.

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