Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the Founders, the Sustainability Manager will lead the organization’s sustainability strategies and initiatives globally, with an initial primary focus on defining, and developing long-term and annual sustainability goals for the organization. The company is committed to improving environmental impact and driving positive change in the global agriculture landscape, with a particular focus on more regenerative rice farming practices that improve soil health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This role will play a critical role in delivering high-quality, sustainably produced and packaged products to our customers.

You will ensure cross-functional alignment and coordination in pursuit of the company's  sustainability objectives, leading projects and updating company practices to achieve those objectives. This role will lead the audit of the company’s current practices, commitments, and business environment to identify short, medium and long term goals and strategies. This role will also be active in the broader sustainability community, identifying opportunities to adjust or highlight our programs (ie: SRI/SRP, Regenerative Organic Certified.)

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Program Development & Implementation

• Develop and implement comprehensive sustainability programs that align with the company’s goals, existing commitments, and industry best practices.
• Design and execute sustainability strategies focused on reducing negative environmental impact, improving resource efficiency, and enhancing the livelihoods of farming communities.
• Lead initiatives to reduce carbon footprint, manage water usage, and promote biodiversity in rice farming and other agricultural practices.
  
  

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including farmers, suppliers, customers, and industry partners, to drive sustainable practices throughout the supply chain, including packaging and transportation.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including procurement, operations, and marketing, to integrate sustainability into business processes and decision-making.
• Develop Media outreach plan.
  
  

Measuring, Monitoring & Reporting

• Establish metrics and KPIs to measure the effectiveness of sustainability programs and track progress toward sustainability goals.
• Develop plan for Scope 3 Emissions study.
• Prepare and present regular reports on sustainability performance to senior management, highlighting successes, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
• Lead the development of the company’s Annual Impact Report.
  
  

Education & Advocacy

• Educate and train internal teams and external partners on sustainable practices and the company’s sustainability goals.
• Advocate for sustainable agriculture practices within the industry, participating in industry forums, conferences, and partnerships.
  
  

Innovation & Research

• Stay up-to-date with the latest trends, technologies, and regulations in sustainability and agriculture.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, for example such as in-setting, and continuous improvement in sustainable farming practices, particularly in rice cultivation.
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Sustainability, Environmental Science, Business or other relevant field.
• 5+ years in Sustainability, Corporate Social Responsibility, Agriculture, Supply Chain or Business.
• Experience in leading process to identify and execute corporate sustainability goals, preferably in food. Strong preference towards individuals with farming industry experience.
• Experience in developing and implementing sustainability programs, including Scope 3 Emissions evaluations.
• Experience in supply chain management and logistics with small holder farms. International experience strongly preferred.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to create external documents, such as annual plans and reports.
• Ability to work in a global environment with partners across multiple time zones.
• Effective time management skills, as well as being able to respond positively under pressure.
• Passion for sustainability and a commitment to driving positive change in the agriculture and food industry.
  
  

LOCATION

• The Company is Headquartered in Richmond, CA and is a hybrid work environment. This individual needs to be close enough for a 2-3 day commute to Richmond.
  
  

COMPENSATION

• Base compensation starts at $130k, with additional bonus opportunities.