Director, Strategic Initiatives Sustainable Materials and Packaging

Walmart is seeking a Director of Strategic Initiatives for Sustainable Materials and Packaging in Bentonville, AR. This leadership role involves advancing sustainability goals by reducing plastic use, enhancing recycled content, and innovating sustainable materials in products and packaging. Responsibilities include strategy development, collaboration with cross-functional teams, engaging with suppliers, and promoting sustainability initiatives. Candidates should have expertise in sustainable materials, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to environmental sustainability. Benefits include competitive pay, health coverage, and educational support.
About the position

The Director of Sustainable Materials and Packaging will lead the sustainable retail team at Walmart, focusing on advancing sustainability goals by reducing plastic reliance, enhancing recycled content usage, and pioneering new sustainable materials in products and packaging. This role involves strategy development, innovation, and implementation of sustainable materials and packaging priorities across the global business.

Responsibilities
• Provide expert consultation on materials and packaging with a focus on environmental sustainability.
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• Develop strategies to increase the use of recycled content and reduce virgin plastics in packaging and products.
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• Explore innovative materials and packaging solutions to address plastic waste and lower life cycle impacts.
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• Progress design for recycling and recyclable packaging goals.
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• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement sustainable packaging solutions.
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• Identify, evaluate, and recommend opportunities to introduce new sustainable materials into products and packaging.
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• Stay updated on industry trends and advancements in sustainable materials.
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• Engage with suppliers and stakeholders to drive sustainability efforts.
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• Continuously evaluate the environmental impact of materials and packaging and develop plans to minimize this impact.
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• Lead educational efforts within the company to promote sustainability initiatives.
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• Act as a key liaison to NGO partners and external stakeholders.

Requirements
• Proven experience as a subject matter expert in materials and packaging, preferably with a focus on sustainability.
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• Strong understanding of current trends and advancements in sustainable materials.
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• Proven record in leading initiatives to reduce plastic usage and increase recycled content.
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• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.
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• Ability to collaborate effectively with various internal and external stakeholders.
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• Commitment to environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility.
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• Bachelor's degree in a related field; Master's degree or additional certifications in sustainability or related field are a plus.

Nice-to-haves
• Developing and managing project budgets for governmental or non-governmental organizations, consulting firms, or corporations.
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• Managing project teams in a matrix environment.
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• Managing strategic initiatives.
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• Master's degree in International Business or related field.

Benefits
• Competitive pay with performance-based bonus awards.
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• Health benefits including medical, vision, and dental coverage.
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• Financial benefits including 401(k), stock purchase, and company-paid life insurance.
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• Paid time off benefits including PTO, parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting.
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• Short-term and long-term disability benefits.
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• Company discounts and Military Leave Pay.
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• Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement.
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• Live Better U education benefit program covering tuition, books, and fees.