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Sr. Manager, Social Impact & Sustainability

CAVA • United States • Added on Jul 7, 2026
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As the Senior Manager of Social Impact and Sustainability at CAVA, you will act as the central architect for the brand’s environmental and community initiatives. Your focus will bridge the technical side of corporate responsibility, such as greenhouse gas accounting and Extended Producer Responsibility reporting, with the creative and human side of social impact. You will lead the charge on sustainable packaging and waste diversion while steering the company’s philanthropic direction.

This role is critical because CAVA is rapidly scaling, and this position ensures that growth is synonymous with circularity and community health. By integrating Mediterranean values into modern business practices, you will directly influence how a major restaurant chain handles carbon emissions and food insecurity. It is a rare chance to shape the ESG framework of a high-visibility consumer brand from the ground up.

This suits someone who is a skilled storyteller with a rigorous analytical backbone. You should be equally comfortable navigating complex environmental regulations as you are building partnerships with local non-profits.

Preguntas frecuentes

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission involves designing and executing an integrated sustainability and social impact strategy that aligns with CAVA's Mediterranean heritage. You will oversee the transition to sustainable packaging, manage greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories, and ensure compliance with emerging environmental regulations like Extended Producer Responsibility. On the social side, you are responsible for CAVA’s philanthropic giving and community engagement. This includes building partnerships with national food security organizations and managing employee volunteerism, ensuring that the brand’s growth translates into tangible social benefits.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates will gain deep expertise in GHG inventory management and climate disclosures, particularly within the context of the food and beverage industry's complex supply chains. You will learn to navigate the intricacies of sustainable sourcing and circularity principles applied to commercial packaging. Additionally, this role provides exposure to regulatory reporting frameworks and corporate governance, offering a specialized look at how a fast-growing retail brand maintains ESG transparency while scaling operations rapidly.

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

The ideal candidate brings at least seven years of experience in CSR or sustainability, with a heavy emphasis on strategic program development. You should possess a strong analytical mind, capable of organizing and interpreting large environmental datasets to drive business decisions. Because this role involves significant internal and external advocacy, exceptional communication skills are a must. A background in food waste reduction or sustainable agriculture is highly preferred, as is a personal alignment with CAVA’s mission of generosity and curiosity.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, move beyond just listing your technical qualifications and demonstrate your ability to translate complex data into compelling narratives. CAVA values 'storytellers,' so your application should highlight specific instances where you influenced stakeholders or shifted brand perception through impact reporting. Research CAVA’s current localized charity initiatives and consider how you might scale these while maintaining authenticity. Showing an understanding of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations and their impact on the restaurant industry will also demonstrate your immediate readiness for the role's compliance aspects.

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

The role focuses heavily on circularity and waste management, specifically tackling food waste and packaging optimization within the restaurant environment. You will lead the charge on reducing the environmental footprint of CAVA’s manufacturing and supply chain operations. Climate action is another core pillar, as you will be responsible for tracking Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions and implementing renewable energy initiatives. Your work ensures that the company’s environmental goals are backed by rigorous data and transparent annual reporting.

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

One of the chief challenges will be bridging the gap between corporate sustainability goals and the operational realities of fast-paced restaurant environments. Implementing waste diversion programs requires high levels of buy-in from front-line team members and regional managers. Additionally, keeping pace with rapidly evolving ESG regulations across different states, such as varied packaging laws and reporting requirements, will require constant agility and proactive planning to maintain compliance without disrupting the business model.

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

A typical day might begin with analyzing emissions data or packaging specifications alongside the supply chain team to identify efficiency gains. You might then transition to a meeting with the communications team to draft narratives for the upcoming annual impact report. Afternoons are often dedicated to external stakeholder management, which could involve checking in with community partners on food security projects or evaluating new philanthropic opportunities. The day usually concludes with tracking project milestones and ensuring all initiatives align with CAVA’s core values.

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

As a key leader in a high-growth company, you have the opportunity to build an entire department’s foundation. Success in this role could lead to more senior executive positions within the sourcing or sustainability leadership teams as the company expands its national footprint. You will also have high visibility with cross-functional leadership, from marketing to manufacturing, providing a broad platform to develop a holistic understanding of how sustainability integrates into every facet of a major consumer brand.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will report to the Senior Director of Sourcing & Sustainability and work closely with the Marketing and Communications teams to ensure consistent transparency in public-facing impact stories. Internal collaboration is broad, involving Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations, and People & Culture to implement sustainability initiatives on the ground. Externally, you will be the primary point of contact for non-profit partners, environmental consultants, and packaging suppliers.

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