Circularity and Supply Chain Manager (Hybrid)

United Airlines is seeking a Circularity and Supply Chain Manager in Chicago, IL, to lead sustainability programs and drive corporate goals towards Net Zero by 2050. The role involves overseeing environmental management, modernizing supply chain practices, and implementing waste reduction strategies. The manager will collaborate with various departments to ensure compliance with sustainability regulations and develop processes for responsible sourcing and waste management.
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DescriptionAt United, we take bold action. And our Government, Corporate and Environmental Affairs team are the driving force behind our efforts to make change happen! By working closely with the US government and coordinating grassroots advocacy efforts, our Corporate and Government Affairs team represents United on public policy and legislative issues. And our Environmental Affairs team is equally working hard to shape an environmentally sustainable future. Together these teams advocate for a cleaner, safer, and more optimistic future for our airline, our employees, and the millions of customers we serve all around the globe.



Job overview and responsibilities


This role serves as a valuable asset among a team of diverse professionals with the collective objective to drive a culture of sustainability excellence and to further our corporate goal of Net Zero by 2050. Direct the strategic operation and development of enterprise-wide environmental and sustainability management programs and tools to support the priorities of United's environmental and sustainability strategy. Drive significant progress in modernization of our supply chain and circularity programs to further embed ESG and responsible due diligence practices.

Responsible for administering and overseeing United's circularity and supply chain programs across the enterprise. Develop and implement new sustainability processes and tools in line with United’s corporate project approvals and execution process. Support other job duties as required.


Supply chain – Work with United’s Procurement department to embed sustainability and environmental criteria into current procurement processes and into each step of responsible sourcing, contracting, and supplier management. Develop and implement governance and compliance management processes/tools to enable compliant United due diligence disclosures as required by local, federal, and international regulations.

Circularity – Develop and implement processes to baseline materials, packaging, waste, and recycling practices against relevant regulations. Strategize with waste management stakeholders across the enterprise to implement an effective waste management inventory process. Work with various United business owners and departments to help identify waste minimization and diversion opportunities for self- implementation. Provide subject matter expertise to airport operations teams, Catering, and Hospitality departments on waste reduction/minimization strategies and technologies. Strategize to develop, implement and steward waste minimization and circularity goals across the enterprise to support United’s ongoing sustainability commitment.

Sustainable Products - Monitor single use plastics (SUP) and extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations to identify mitigation and compliance strategies including product replacement and end-of-life alternatives. Collaborate with United’s Hospitality and Clubs organizations to develop a dynamic EPR inventory and strategy for product replacement. Support Government Affairs in advocacy work for emerging EPR and SUP regulations to minimize United’s exposure and risk.

Professional Development and Leadership - Establish individual goals that align with departmental goals. Use technical knowledge and experience to provide thoughtful decision making and guidance in strategic implementation of United’s objectives and initiatives. Be solution-oriented and committed to creating and sustaining a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. Be accountable for providing transparent communication to environmental affairs team members, stakeholders (internal and external), customers and United Leadership. Model integrity, possess self-awareness and foster an environment of accountability.



Other duties as assigned

QualificationsWhat’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications): Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies/policy or related area3+ years of job experience with environmental regulations, sustainability best management practices, supply chain, and circularity programs.Experience developing and managing circularity programs including Life Cycle AnalysesExperience developing and implementing sustainable supply chain programsExperience with procurement and supplier ESG best practicesExperience managing waste minimization and/or recycling programsKnowledge of waste management/minimization regulations and technologiesStrong project management skills with experience in driving project deliverables and timelinesStrong analytical skills with attention to detailStrong presentation skills, with experience communicating to senior leadership and/or external audiencesStrong interpersonal and communication skills to lead cross-divisional teams towards collective solutionsProficient computer skills including Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint and PowerPoint



Ability to travel 20% of the timeMust be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorshipSuccessful completion of interview required to meet job qualificationReliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position What will help you propel from the pack (Preferred Qualifications):

Master’s degrees in business or environmental management or related areaStrong experience in sustainability program management and quality control

Experience working in highly collaborative settings preferred

Leadership and people management experience preferredKnowledge of airline practices and operational proceduresKnowledge of aviation industry and aviation related environmental sustainability rules, supply chain programs, and best management practicesKnowledge of airline practices and operational procedures as well as legal environmental (compliance) and disclosure obligations
The base pay range for this role is $102,220.00 to $133,194.00.
The base salary range/hourly rate listed is dependent on job-related, factors such as experience, education, and skills. This position is also eligible for bonus and/or long-term incentive compensation awards.

You may be eligible for the following competitive benefits: medical, dental, vision, life, accident & disability, parental leave, employee assistance program, commuter, paid holidays, paid time off, 401(k) and flight privileges.

United Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law. We provide reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation, contact JobAccommodations@united.com