Director, Environmental & Sustainability

Winnebago Industries Inc is seeking a Director of Environmental & Product Sustainability based in Eden Prairie, MN. The role involves developing strategies for environmental compliance and sustainability, overseeing data management and emissions reduction programs, and integrating sustainability into product innovation. Candidates should have 10+ years of leadership experience in environmental sustainability, preferably in the RV, marine, or manufacturing industries, and possess strong strategic and technical expertise.
Are you passionate about the environment and being a part of a strategic leadership team? Winnebago Industries is seeking a Director of Environmental & Product Sustainability based at our Eden Prairie, MN location. The Director of Environmental and Product Sustainability will drive enterprise-wide strategies, ensuring robust environmental compliance while advancing sustainability initiatives tied to our product innovation and operational practices. We are seeking a proven leader with a track record of success in environmental and product sustainability and compliance, with a strong preference for experience in the RV, marine, and manufacturing industries. This role requires a visionary leader who can balance strategy and execution, collaborating across business units to embed sustainability into the company’s culture and product lifecycle. The Director will shape and deliver on our environmental sustainability commitments and regulatory obligations.

Day to Day of the Role:

•Drive Environmental and Product Sustainability Strategy: Develop and execute comprehensive strategies that enhance environmental compliance and align with long-term sustainability goals across product development, manufacturing, and supply chain operations.

•Ensure Environmental Compliance: Design and implement robust control systems and processes to meet environmental regulations and internal standards globally.

•Lead Data Management and Disclosure: Oversee global environmental data collection, management, and third-party verification to evaluate and transparently disclose environmental performance through ESG reporting frameworks.

•Advance Emissions Reduction Goals: Plan, design, and implement sustainability programs focused on emissions reduction, including the development.

•Integrate Sustainability into Product Innovation: Collaborate with Legal, Operations, Sales, and Product Development teams to embed environmental sustainability principles into product design, material selection, and lifecycle management.

•Engage and Educate: Build awareness and inspire collective action on environmental sustainability, engaging employees at all levels and fostering a culture of accountability and innovation.

•Support ESG Reporting and Strategy: Partner with the Corporate Responsibility team to ensure accurate and compelling ESG reporting, contributing to high performance in ratings and rankings such as CDP and others.

Required Qualifications:

•Proven Leadership: 10+ years of progressive experience leading environmental sustainability and compliance programs, with a demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams and senior leadership.

•Industry Experience: Strong preference for experience in the RV, marine, and/or manufacturing industries, with knowledge of product sustainability and environmental compliance in these sectors.

•Strategic and Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of environmental management systems (ISO 14001, ISO 50001), regulatory compliance, climate change protocols, and reporting standards.

•Product Sustainability Focus: Experience integrating environmental sustainability into product development and lifecycle management.

•ESG and Data Proficiency: Expertise in environmental data management, including GHG Protocol and emissions calculations, and familiarity with ESG ratings and rankings (CDP, etc.).

•Collaborative Approach: Proven success building partnerships across multiple business units, including Operations, Legal, Sales, and Product Development, to drive sustainability goals.

•Strong Communication: Ability to translate complex environmental concepts into clear, meaningful messages for both internal and external stakeholders.

•Education: Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, Business, or a closely related field required. Advanced degree preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

•Experience with product lifecycle assessments (LCA) and circular economy principles.

•Familiarity with sustainability certifications and product compliance standards.

•Professional certifications (e.g., LEED AP, ISSP, CSR-P).

By fostering innovation, igniting growth, promoting well-being and connecting with purpose, we cultivate the passion and pride that make both work and play extraordinary. Greatness is in your NATURE.

This posting includes a range of the salary across a geographical market. The base pay for this position ranges from $190,000/year in our lowest geographic market up to $230,000/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on a number of factors including market location, internal equity, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Dependent on the position other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. For more information, please visit https://www.winnebagoind.com/careers/total-rewards. ;