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Director Net Zero & Carbon Management

Greenfield Global • Canada • Added on Sep 3, 2026
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As the enterprise lead for carbon strategy, you will take full ownership of the decarbonization roadmap across a complex industrial footprint. You will move beyond high-level targets to implement concrete emissions reductions, overseeing carbon forecasting, lifecycle assessments, and regulatory compliance within a high-stakes energy environment.

This role is pivotal because Greenfield Global sits at the heart of the energy transition, producing the low-carbon ethanol and renewable natural gas required for global industry to reach net zero. By optimizing the carbon intensity of these fuels, you directly influence the decarbonization potential of entire supply chains in the life sciences and transportation sectors.

This suits someone who possesses a strong engineering or environmental science background combined with the business acumen to navigate carbon taxation and clean fuel regulations. You should be a technical leader who enjoys translating complex emissions data into actionable operational shifts.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission is to steer Greenfield Global toward its Net Zero ambitions by developing and executing a comprehensive enterprise-wide carbon management strategy. You will be responsible for building technical roadmaps that reduce carbon intensity across five distilleries and various blending facilities. On a strategic level, you will lead carbon forecasting and performance analytics, ensuring that every operational shift is backed by rigorous data. This involves tracking progress against corporate goals and maintaining performance scorecards that provide visibility to the executive leadership team. Furthermore, you will manage the complexities of lifecycle assessments (LCA) and carbon taxation frameworks. Your role ensures the company remains compliant with evolving Clean Fuel Regulations while identifying new opportunities to create business value through low-carbon product innovation.

Key learning opportunities for this job

You will gain deep expertise in the Clean Fuel Regulations and various carbon credit programs, which are critical components of the North American energy market. Navigating these regulatory landscapes provides a high-level masterclass in how environmental policy dictates industrial operations. There is significant exposure to emerging green technologies, such as green hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Working within the Distillery Operations department, you will learn how traditional manufacturing processes are being re-engineered for a circular, low-carbon economy. Additionally, the role offers the chance to refine leadership skills in a hybrid industrial-corporate environment. You will learn to bridge the gap between technical engineering requirements and high-level financial planning, a rare and highly sought-after skill set in the ESG space.

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

The ideal candidate brings a solid technical foundation, likely a degree in Engineering or Environmental Science, paired with extensive experience in industrial or energy-intensive sectors. You must be comfortable with the 'nuts and bolts' of manufacturing emissions. Beyond technical skills, financial and business acumen is vital. You need to understand how carbon intensity affects the bottom line and how to present these findings to non-technical stakeholders. Experience with carbon markets and taxation frameworks is a major differentiator. Soft skills are equally important; you should be a collaborative influencer capable of partnering with diverse teams from procurement to finance. A proactive mindset that anticipates regulatory shifts rather than just reacting to them will be key to success.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Focus your application on concrete examples of decarbonization projects you have led in industrial settings. Rather than listing tasks, highlight the specific greenhouse gas reductions or efficiency gains achieved and the methodologies used to track them. Demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the North American energy landscape, specifically mentioning your familiarity with lifecycle assessment (LCA) tools or specific carbon compliance programs. Showing that you understand Greenfield's specific market position as an ethanol and RNG producer will set you apart. Prepare to discuss how you balance environmental goals with business viability. The hiring team is looking for a leader who can make a compelling business case for sustainability initiatives, so your ability to speak the language of ROI and risk management is crucial.

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

The role focuses intensely on Scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction within energy-intensive distillery operations. You will likely spend significant time on energy efficiency projects and transitioning facilities to lower-carbon power sources. Another core focus is Product Carbon Intensity (CI). Since Greenfield’s products are sold based on their low-carbon attributes, your work in lifecycle assessment is directly tied to the commercial value of the company’s ethanol and renewable natural gas. Lastly, the role addresses regulatory and transition risk. You will be the point person for ensuring the company stays ahead of carbon taxes and environmental mandates, turning compliance requirements into a competitive advantage for the brand.

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

A primary challenge will be integrating carbon management into established industrial workflows. Distilleries are complex environments where operational uptime is critical, so finding windows for sustainability improvements without disrupting production requires tact. Maintaining data integrity across distributed global operations can also be difficult. You will need to ensure that carbon accounting is consistent across various warehouses, blending plants, and distilleries, each with its own local nuances and regulatory pressures. Finally, the volatile regulatory environment surrounding carbon markets and clean fuel standards presents a moving target. You must stay agile enough to pivot strategies as government policies evolve in both Canada and the United States.

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

Your day might begin with an analytical review of carbon performance scorecards, checking real-time data from a distillery to ensure CI targets are being met. This is often followed by a meeting with the Engineering team to discuss a new heat-recovery project. Mid-day, you might shift to a strategic session with the Commercial and Finance teams, evaluating how a proposed carbon taxation change will impact the pricing of specialty alcohols. You act as the bridge between technical data and business strategy. Afternoons are often spent on external engagement, representing Greenfield in industry working groups or reviewing lifecycle assessment reports for a new sustainable aviation fuel project. The day ends with reporting updates for the SVP of Operations.

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

Given the 'Director' level and the direct reporting line to the SVP of Operations and Engineering, this role is a springboard for executive leadership. Success here could lead to a VP of Sustainability or a Chief Sustainability Officer role as the company grows. There are also opportunities for cross-functional transition. The deep operational knowledge gained could allow for a move into broader Operations Management or Supply Chain leadership within the renewables sector. Furthermore, by leading high-profile initiatives in green hydrogen and RNG, you will position yourself as a thought leader in the next generation of fuels, providing immense career capital in the rapidly expanding green economy.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will report directly to the SVP of Operations and Engineering, providing regular strategic updates and performance metrics to help steer the company’s operational direction. Internal collaboration is broad, involving Plant Managers and Engineers at the distilleries to implement physical changes, as well as the Finance and Procurement teams to manage the costs and credits associated with carbon. Externally, you will interact with regulatory bodies and industry associations. You will also be a key contact for major customers, particularly Fortune 500 companies who require detailed carbon data to meet their own Scope 3 reporting requirements.

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