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Director, Sustainability

The Coca-Cola Company Japan Added on Jul 17, 2026
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As the Director of Sustainability for the Japan and South Korea Operating Unit, you will own the execution of a comprehensive environmental strategy across the regional system. You are the critical link between global corporate goals and local operational realities, managing a portfolio that includes water stewardship, packaging circularity, and climate action. Your work involves orchestrating complex initiatives across bottling partners to ensure that sustainability is embedded into every business decision and financial plan.

This role is vital because it addresses the core environmental footprint of a global beverage leader in a highly sophisticated market. You will drive science-based targets and circular economy innovations that directly influence how millions of products are manufactured and recovered. By leading the charge on water risk and packaging collection schemes, you transform corporate commitments into tangible ecological benefits and regulatory compliance within the Japanese landscape.

This suits someone who is a seasoned operational leader with over a decade of experience in supply chain or technical operations and possesses the strategic mindset to navigate complex stakeholder networks.

Preguntas frecuentes

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission is to lead the operational sustainability strategy for the Japan & South Korea Operating Unit (OU). You will be responsible for translating global sustainability commitments into actionable local roadmaps, specifically focusing on water stewardship, carbon reduction, and packaging circularity within the 'World Without Waste' framework. You will also steward the governance and compliance framework, ensuring all operations meet internal KORE standards and local regulatory requirements. This includes overseeing sustainability data reporting and managing the technical innovation pipeline to create a competitive advantage through sustainable design and efficient supply chain management.

Key learning opportunities for this job

This role offers unparalleled exposure to large-scale system thinking, as you will work across an intricate web of bottling partners and corporate functions. You will gain deep expertise in managing Science Based Targets (SBT) and complex water risk management frameworks in a major global market. Furthermore, you will be at the forefront of circular economy innovation, learning how to implement collection and recycling schemes at an industrial scale. The position provides a unique vantage point on how a multinational corporation navigates the intersection of global ESG standards and local environmental policy.

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

The ideal candidate is a high-level professional with at least 10 years of experience in technical operations, manufacturing, or supply chain. A strong background in Quality, Safety, and Environment (QSE) is essential, alongside proven excellence in people management and leading cross-functional teams. Beyond technical expertise, the role requires a transformational leader comfortable with change management. You should possess the analytical ability to influence technical investment plans and the communication skills to engage with government agencies and industry associations effectively.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, emphasize your experience in orchestrating complex stakeholder networks rather than just your technical sustainability knowledge. Demonstrating how you have successfully aligned independent business partners (like bottlers) with corporate objectives will be highly valuable. Tailor your application to highlight specific instances where you have integrated sustainability into financial and operational planning. Showcasing a 'growth mindset'—one of Coca-Cola’s core values—and providing evidence of your ability to drive innovation within a rigid regulatory environment will significantly strengthen your case.

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

The role focuses heavily on the circular economy, particularly regarding packaging design and the development of regional collection infrastructure. You will be the primary driver for achieving 'World Without Waste' goals in the region, ensuring bottles are collected and recycled effectively. Additionally, water stewardship and climate action are top priorities. You will manage water risk assessments for local operations and implement decarbonization action plans to hit Science Based Targets, ensuring the business maintains its license to operate while minimizing its ecological footprint.

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

One of the chief challenges will be driving alignment across a diverse system of bottling partners who may have varying operational priorities. Influencing these independent entities to invest in sustainability infrastructure requires a high degree of diplomatic and strategic skill. Navigating the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape in Japan regarding plastic waste and carbon reporting also presents a significant hurdle. You will need to balance immediate operational efficiency with long-term sustainability investments in a way that protects both the environment and the company's bottom line.

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

A typical day might begin with a Global Environmental Council meeting to align on corporate standards, followed by a working session with bottling partners to review water risk data for specific manufacturing sites. You might then transition to a regional leadership meeting to discuss the OPEX and CAPEX required for new recycling initiatives. Your afternoon could involve external engagement, such as meeting with a government body or industry association to discuss upcoming packaging regulations. The day often concludes with strategic planning, where you analyze performance models and track progress against the OU's sustainability roadmap.

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

This is a high-visibility leadership position that offers a path toward Executive or C-suite roles within the global sustainability or supply chain functions. Success in this role demonstrates the ability to manage sustainability for one of the company's most significant regional markets. There are also opportunities for lateral moves into broader operational leadership or public affairs (PACS), given the role's heavy focus on stakeholder management and external reputation. The role provides the platform to become a recognized thought leader in the global sustainability community.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact daily with the OU-Bottling partners and franchise leadership teams to drive operational changes. Internally, you report to the OU QSE Lead and collaborate closely with Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability (PACS) teams to ensure message consistency. Externally, your network includes government agencies, regulatory authorities, and industry associations where you represent the company's technical sustainability interests. You will also engage with technical innovators and strategic partners involved in collection and recycling infrastructure.

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