Sustainability Manager

Cooley LLP is seeking a Sustainability Manager in Colorado Springs, CO, responsible for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the supply chain. The role involves implementing sustainability strategies, collaborating with teams, managing supplier performance, and engaging employees in sustainability efforts. Candidates should have over 5 years of experience in corporate sustainability, expertise in GHG Protocol, and familiarity with sustainability reporting frameworks. This position requires some travel and extended hours.
Sustainability ManagerCooley is seeking a Sustainability Manager to join the Social Impact & Sustainability department.Position SummaryThe Sustainability Manager is responsible for implementing strategies that will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across our supply chain. This role will support the Director of Social Impact and Sustainability and collaborate closely with our procurement and operations teams to drive innovative solutions that reduce our environmental impact, improve supplier performance, and enhance the sustainability of our business practices. The sustainability manager will play a key role in engaging Cooley attorneys and business professionals in our firmwide sustainability efforts and help support our internal sustainability champion network alongside the Director. Specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following:Position ResponsibilitiesImplement data-driven sustainability strategies that align with organizational goals and procurement objectivesLead efforts to assess, monitor, and improve the sustainability performance of key suppliersBuild internal processes, governance structures, and tools to support the long-term scaling of sustainability programsSupport the firm's internal sustainability engagement efforts, including the employee sustainability champion networkManage supplier sustainability criteria, scorecards, and ongoing evaluation frameworksCollaborate with procurement to embed environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into supplier selection and management processesSupport the delivery of sustainability training and resources to suppliers to support compliance and innovationConduct and support life cycle assessments (LCAs) to inform sourcing decisions and identify high-impact emissions reduction opportunitiesTrack, analyze, and report greenhouse gas emissions (Scopes 1, 2, and 3), with a strong focus on supply chain (Scope 3) emissionsContribute to the firm's annual ESG disclosures and sustainability reporting efforts, including CDP, Eco Vadis, and science-based targetsPartner with internal stakeholders across Legal, Technology, Facilities, and HR to integrate sustainability into business operationsAll other duties as assigned or requiredSkills and ExperienceAfter orientation at Cooley LLP, exhibit proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and other firm applicationsAbility to work extended and/or weekend hours, as requiredAbility to travel, as required5+ years direct applicable experience (e.g., corporate sustainability or supply chain sustainability, or 5+ years combined corporate sustainability or supply chain sustainability and prior data analysis experience, preferably in a professional services or global business environment)Senior level candidates must have 7+ years applicable experience in the field with 2+ years of exempt/management experience in relevant rolesExpertise in GHG Protocol, carbon accounting, and supply chain decarbonization strategiesDemonstrated experience managing supplier sustainability programs and engaging vendors to improve ESG performanceFamiliarity with sustainability reporting frameworks and platforms (e.g., CDP, GRI, Eco Vadis)Understanding of U.S. and international sustainability regulations and compliance frameworks (e.g., SEC climate disclosure rules, CSRD, California SB 253/261)Preferred:Bachelor's degree in sustainability, environmental science, supply chain management, or related fieldCompetenciesAbility to communicate complex sustainability topics clearly to internal and external stakeholdersExcellent communication skills to develop internal and external networksStrong event management, leadership, and team building skillsEmpathetic and self-motivated professional that can excel in a fast‑paced environmentProven ability to build rapport quickly, and influence internal and external entitiesDemonstrated ability to build, implement and evolve sustainability programsStrong business acumen with a broad experience of sustainability reporting and corporate communicationsStrong project management and cross‑functional collaboration skillsPassion for innovation, continuous…