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Director of Sustainability

Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages • United States • Added on Jul 27, 2026
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As the Director of Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs, you will serve as the primary architect of environmental strategy and public policy for a major regional bottling operation. This leadership role involves steering multi-state lobbying efforts and governing the enterprise risk management framework to ensure business continuity across Texas and neighboring states. You will be responsible for translating high-level sustainability goals into operational realities while navigating a complex legislative landscape.

This position is essential because it bridges the gap between large-scale beverage manufacturing and critical environmental stewardship. In an industry facing intense scrutiny over water usage, plastic waste, and carbon emissions, your work directly influences how one of the largest Coca-Cola bottlers mitigates its footprint. You are not just managing compliance; you are protecting the organization’s social license to operate by fostering relationships with government agencies and community leaders.

This suits someone who is a seasoned strategist with a deep background in public policy and environmental impact. You should be comfortable moving between boardroom presentations and legislative sessions, possessing the gravitas to influence executive leadership and external officials alike.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

You will own the Sustainability Strategy and Governance for the business unit, ensuring that all environmental and social goals align with long-term operational needs. This includes overseeing the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework to identify and mitigate physical, regulatory, and reputational risks specifically related to the beverage industry. On the public policy side, you will direct government affairs and lobbying strategies across the southwest region. You are responsible for legislative intelligence, ensuring that the company stays ahead of policy shifts that could impact manufacturing or distribution, while also managing the governance of the PAC and advocacy enablement.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates will gain unparalleled legislative insights into the U.S. beverage and CPG sector, learning how to navigate the intersection of state-level politics and corporate sustainability targets. You will likely deepen your expertise in multi-state advocacy and the specific complexities of the 'polluter pays' or packaging waste regulations appearing across the country. Furthermore, you will refine your skills in enterprise risk management at a massive scale, learning how a major industrial entity balances business continuity with aggressive environmental stewardship goals. Exposure to the Arca Continental global sustainability framework provides a unique perspective on international versus domestic sustainability standards.

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

The ideal candidate brings at least 8 to 12 years of experience in sustainability leadership or public policy, specifically within regulated environments like CPG or manufacturing. A strong grasp of U.S. legislative processes and a proven track record of engaging with elected officials is paramount for this hybrid regulatory-sustainability profile. Beyond technical knowledge of ESG metrics and risk frameworks, you need exceptional cross-functional influence. Since this role requires 50% travel, you must be a flexible communicator who can build trust with stakeholders ranging from factory floor managers to high-ranking government regulators and executive boards.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, emphasize your tangible lobbying successes and how you have previously bridged the gap between environmental goals and commercial interests. Highlight specific instances where you successfully influenced policy or mitigated a significant regulatory risk during a major transition. Your application should demonstrate an understanding of the beverage industry's unique challenges, such as water scarcity in the Southwest or circular economy mandates. Aligning your resume with the 'With Respect, We All Win' culture by showcasing collaborative problem-solving will signal that you are a cultural fit for the Arca Continental ecosystem.

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

A major focus will be on circular economy initiatives and plastic reduction, as packaging is a core issue for the beverage sector. You will also likely engage deeply with water stewardship projects, which are critical given the geographic footprint of Texas and New Mexico where water scarcity is a primary operational risk. Additionally, the role focuses on regulatory compliance and risk. You will be at the forefront of decarbonizing the distribution fleet and ensuring that all environmental reporting meets both corporate standards and evolving state-level mandatory disclosures.

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

The most significant challenge will be balancing operational efficiency with increasingly stringent environmental regulations across multiple states with differing political climates. Translating complex sustainability data into a compelling narrative for diverse government stakeholders can also be difficult. Furthermore, the high travel requirement and the broad scope of managing Enterprise Risk Management alongside lobbying suggests a high-pressure environment where competing priorities must be managed carefully to ensure neither compliance nor strategic progress lags behind.

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

A typical day might begin with a briefing on pending state legislation in Austin or Santa Fe, followed by a meeting with the supply chain team to review water-use efficiency data. You might then shift to a strategic session with executive leadership to update the enterprise risk heat map. Afternoons could be spent engaging with industry groups or preparing testimony for a legislative committee. Given the travel component, your day may frequently take place at different production plants or in state capitals, building relationships with local community leaders and plant managers to ensure field-level strategy alignment.

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

This role offers an executive-level trajectory within the global Arca Continental network or the broader Coca-Cola system. Success in this position demonstrates a rare combination of political acumen and technical sustainability expertise, making you a prime candidate for Chief Sustainability Officer or Head of Corporate Affairs roles. High visibility with the Board of Directors and senior executives ensures that your work is recognized at the highest levels of the organization, providing fertile ground for professional advancement into global strategic roles.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact extensively with government agencies and elected officials to advocate for the company's interests and sustainability performance. Internally, you will work closely with the Supply Chain, Legal, and Finance departments to integrate risk management and environmental goals into the core business. External relations also include industry trade associations, community stakeholders, and various environmental NGOs. You serve as the primary link between these external groups and the internal executive leadership team, ensuring two-way communication regarding CCSWB's impact and policy positions.

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