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Sustainability Director

Graphic Packaging International • United States • Added on Sep 5, 2026
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As the Director of Enterprise Sustainability, you will steer the strategic evolution of a global sustainability program for a leader in consumer packaging. You will unify efforts across product, operations, and supply chain workstreams to ensure a cohesive approach to environmental impact. Reporting to the EVP and General Counsel, you will serve as the primary subject matter expert for the Board and executive leadership while managing a matrixed team to deliver on ambitious corporate targets.

This role is critical because Graphic Packaging operates at a massive scale, producing fiber-based alternatives to plastic for the world’s largest brands. By leading the decarbonization roadmap and circularity initiatives, you directly influence the reduction of the environmental footprint of everyday consumer products. Your work translates complex regulatory requirements and science-based targets into operational reality across a global manufacturing network, driving meaningful change in the packaging industry.

This suits someone who is a seasoned sustainability leader with a high level of executive presence and a deep understanding of manufacturing supply chains. You should excel at navigating complex global regulations like CSRD while fostering a culture of sustainability across a large, diverse workforce.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission is to set the strategic direction and lead the governance of Graphic Packaging's global sustainability program. You will be accountable for the entire lifecycle of sustainability, including product circularity, operational efficiency, and responsible supply chain management. Day-to-day, you will oversee the evolution of the company's climate strategy and decarbonization roadmap. This involves managing science-based targets (SBTi) and ensuring all Greenhouse Gas (GHG) accounting for Scopes 1, 2, and 3 is accurate and actionable for site-level performance improvements. You will also lead the production of the annual Impact Report and manage all external ESG disclosures. This role ensures the company remains compliant with emerging global regulations while serving as the main point of contact for investors, customers, and ratings agencies like CDP and EcoVadis.

Key learning opportunities for this job

You will gain deep expertise in navigating global regulatory landscapes, specifically focusing on complex frameworks like CSRD, ESRS, and EUDR. This role offers a unique vantage point on how a massive manufacturing enterprise adapts to evolving environmental laws across North America and Europe. There is significant opportunity to master advanced carbon accounting and environmental data management systems. Leading the implementation of technologies that improve ESG data quality will place you at the forefront of the 'digitalization of sustainability' trend. Additionally, you will refine your board-level influence and executive communication skills. Advising the Board of Directors and executive leadership provides a high-stakes environment to develop strategic advocacy and financial business-case modeling for sustainability investments.

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

The ideal candidate brings over 10 years of progressive experience in sustainability leadership within large, matrixed manufacturing environments. A strong technical foundation in GHG Protocol, SBTi, and Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) is essential for credibility in this role. You should possess a Master's degree in a relevant field like Business, Sustainability, or Environmental Science. A proven track record of managing managers and building high-performing global teams is vital, as you will lead a diverse group of functional sustainability experts. Beyond technical skills, the candidate needs exceptional interpersonal and negotiation skills. The ability to influence procurement, R&D, and manufacturing leaders to prioritize sustainability alongside traditional business KPIs is what will define success in this position.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Focus your application on concrete examples where you have successfully integrated sustainability into capital planning or core business strategy. The search committee is looking for a leader who treats sustainability as a value driver, not just a compliance exercise. Highlight your experience with fiber-based packaging or forest products if applicable. Since Graphic Packaging emphasizes renewable and recycled materials, demonstrating an understanding of forestry stewardship and zero-deforestation commitments will give you a significant advantage. Be prepared to discuss your approach to matrix management. Explain how you have successfully influenced regional teams or functional departments that you do not directly manage to achieve shared environmental or social goals.

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

A major focus will be on circularity and recyclability. As a packaging company, GPI's impact is heavily tied to the end-of-life of its products, so you will spend significant time on innovation and R&D to replace plastics with fiber-based alternatives. Decarbonization of the manufacturing footprint is another pillar. This involves managing energy efficiency projects and renewable energy sourcing across more than 130 global locations to meet science-based emission reduction targets. You will also prioritize supply chain due diligence. This includes ensuring zero-deforestation in fiber sourcing and addressing human rights and labor practices within the global supply network to meet both ethical standards and new regulatory requirements.

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

One of the toughest challenges will be data quality and assurance. Moving ESG metrics toward the same level of rigor as financial reporting is a complex task in a global manufacturing company with diverse data sources. You may also face the challenge of balancing sustainability goals with the immediate financial and operational pressures of a publicly traded company. Navigating the trade-offs between long-term decarbonization investments and short-term capital expenditure limits requires high-level political and business acumen. Additionally, keeping up with the rapidly changing regulatory environment across different jurisdictions (US vs. EU) adds a layer of complexity. Ensuring the global strategy is flexible enough to meet local requirements without becoming fragmented is a constant balancing act.

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

A typical day might begin with a strategy session with the EVP and General Counsel to review progress against science-based targets. You could then move into a steering committee meeting to align the R&D and manufacturing teams on new recyclability standards for a major customer. Afternoons are often spent mentoring direct reports who lead the product and operations workstreams. You might review a draft of the annual Impact Report or analyze the latest results from an ESG rating agency to identify areas for program improvement. The day could conclude with an external engagement, such as a call with a key investor to discuss the company’s climate risk management or a presentation to an industry association regarding sustainable packaging trends.

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

This role is a high-visibility position that can lead directly to C-suite level leadership, such as a Chief Sustainability Officer role. The exposure to the Board and executive leadership provides the professional platform needed for the highest levels of corporate governance. You will have the opportunity to lead enterprise-wide transformation projects, which builds a reputation as a change agent. Successfully navigating the transition to a low-carbon economy for a global industry leader is a career-defining achievement. Furthermore, the role allows for global thought leadership. By representing the company at major international forums and within industry associations, you can become a recognized voice in the global conversation on circular economy and sustainable manufacturing.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact heavily with the Executive Leadership Team and the Board of Directors, providing them with the data and insights needed to oversee the company's ESG performance. Internal functional partners are also key, particularly in Procurement, R&D, and Manufacturing. You will need to collaborate with these teams to embed sustainability into how materials are sourced, how products are designed, and how factories are run. Externally, your main stakeholders include investors and customers (global brands). You will also work closely with NGOs, industry associations, and third-party auditors who verify the company's environmental claims and data accuracy.

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