Environmental Sustainability Senior Manager (Hybrid)

United Airlines is seeking a Senior Manager for Environmental Sustainability in Chicago, IL. This role involves leading the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) strategy, managing initiatives to reduce emissions, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders. Responsibilities include enhancing SAF demand programs, engaging with customers and industry groups, and overseeing the Eco-Skies Alliance. The position requires strong leadership and strategic execution within the Environmental Affairs team.
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Description

At 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

The Senior Manager of Environmental Sustainability will lead the management and growth of United’s customer-facing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) strategy, with oversight of both SAF demand program management (the Eco-Skies Alliance) and strategic growth levers to expand and accelerate SAF adoption. Lead a team of both direct reports and consultants to administer, improve, and grow initiatives enabling reduction of emissions for business travel, freight forwarding, and other customer-facing entities. Deliver solutions to differentiate United based on understanding of the impact of Scope 3 emissions in GHG accounting and reporting. Work with key internal and external stakeholders to provide partnership opportunities for corporate, cargo, and leisure customers to enable more sustainable flying. This position sits on United’s Decarbonization team within the Environmental Affairs organization and will collaborate with senior internal and external stakeholders to support successful execution and contribute to broader sustainability initiatives as needed.

SAF demand strategic initiatives: Direct the implementation, enhancement, and ongoing management of United’s SAF demand initiatives, engaging with Corporate Sales and Cargo teams to determine product improvement mechanisms and driving further adoption of existing customer SAF funding programs. Identify key internal stakeholders and external service providers, influence broad buy-in alongside leadership, and drive execution of discreet and defined initiatives geared toward program growth and SAF scale.Customer and industry engagement: Lead United’s engagement with key customers and industry groups to deepen partnerships and drive consistent standards for SAF book & claim adoption. Manage contracts and negotiations with third parties, working with internal Legal, Procurement, and Sales teams, and provide strategic and ad hoc support to customer portfolio as needed.Customer SAF program management: Lead United’s customer SAF program, the Eco-Skies Alliance, with responsibilities for SAF commercial contracting, customer Scope 3 allocations and certificate issuances, and verification (largely managed by broader team). Drive toward further optimization of program performance and metric recognition for P&L management.Professional development and leadership: Mentor and develop a high-performing team, made of one direct report and multiple consultants, aligning both individual and team goals with departmental priorities. Develop individual career development plans with leadership and manage direct reports, including hiring, mentoring and supervisory responsibilities. Apply technical expertise to guide strategic decision-making, drive implementation of key initiatives, and adopt a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.Provide clear communication to staff, team members, stakeholders, and leadership, promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity.Other duties as assignedQualificationsWhat’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

Bachelor’s degree in environmental/sustainability studies/policy, business management or related areaMinimum of 5 years of sustainability experience customer-facing sustainability product development, GHG Scope 3 management, or energy transition business developmentMinimum of 3 years experience in project management and leadershipKnowledge of and experience in GHG accounting and Scope 3 managementKnowledge of and experience in sustainability work with commercial lensStrong strategic leadershipStrong presentation skills, with experience communicating to senior leadership and/or external audiencesSkill in evaluating complex business challenges and developing pragmatic solutionsStrong interpersonal and judgment skills to lead cross-divisional teams towards collectiveProficient computer skills including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPointMust 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/sustainability management or related area.Strong experience managing portfolio of commercial customers with sustainable product offeringsExperience working in highly collaborative settings preferred.Leadership and people management experience preferred.Knowledge of and experience in managing emissions reduction credits for customer portfoliosKnowledge of experience with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) technical and sustainability parameters
The base pay range for this role is $127,870.00 to $166,492.00.
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 JobAccommodationsunited.com","industry":"Industry