Location: Hershey, PA
How will you fit in the big picture?
As the Sustainability Pillar Manager, you will play a pivotal role in leading, coordinating, and implementing energy and water management programs across the manufacturing facilities. You will lead the development of the Sustainability Pillar within the Hershey Lean Production System (HLPS), transforming sustainability ambitions (energy, water, waste) into standardized, measurable, and sustainable operational results across manufacturing sites. You will support sites to define and execute a clear workplan to minimize their carbon footprint and create the right environmental culture within the manufacturing facility.
This role is critical to build the pillar from early maturity, establishing standards, building capability, and governance to scale impact globally. Through effective leadership, collaboration, and strategic planning, you will contribute to the company's commitment to environmental stewardship and operational excellence.
This position will define how Hershey translates sustainability commitments into daily operational excellence, enabling a shift from fragmented initiatives to a scalable, system-driven model across the network.
What will you do?
Define & deploy Sustainability Pillar System
• Establish global standards, playbooks and minimum HLPS requirement for the Sustainability Pillar.
• Define Pillar maturity model, roadmap, and deployment strategy.
• Ensure alignment with other Pillars (FI, AM, PM, Leadership) and with corporate ESG team.
Build capability across Manufacturing Sites
• Desing and lead capability building programs for Plant Leadership Teams (PLT), Site Sustainability, and Energy Champions.
• Coach site pillar leaders to: Translate standards into execution, Build sustainable routines and governance, Create sustainability culture at the site.
• Benchmark across industry to understand trends and best practices, and bring them to the company.
Drive performance & KPI governance
• In collaboration with ESG department, provide leadership support in setting energy targets, ensuring alignment with Science-Based Targets (SBT).
• Define and standardize core KPI's (energy, water, gas, waste, emissions).
• Build routines to: Track performance vs targets, Explain variances and identify drivers. Provide regular visibility to the organization thru Dashboards.
• Ensure data integrity and reporting consistency across all sites.
Cont.
Integrate Sustainability into Lean System
• Embed Sustainability into: Loss Elimination (FI), Daily Management Systems (DMS), Continuous improvement processes.
• Drive a shift from project-based activity to system-based performance.
Partner across functions
• Act as a key interface between: Manufacturing plants, Corporate sustainability (ESG), Finance and Engineering to prioritize and resource initiatives as needed.
• Align sustainability initiatives with business priorities and savings delivery.
Lead change & adoption
• Influence Plant Directors and Operations Leaders to own sustainability results.
• Build a culture where sustainability is seen as a performance lever, not a compliance requirement.
• Drive adoption through strong communication, governance and visibility.
Accountabilities
1. Execute EHS Program Implementation Develops and implements EHS programs aligned with regulatory and organizational standards. Ensures processes and procedures support sustainable operations across business units. Identifies opportunities to improve program effectiveness and safety outcomes.
2. Conduct Advanced Risk Assessments Performs detailed assessments to identify hazards in operational environments. Recommends controls based on technical evaluation of risk sources and potential impacts. Ensures mitigation actions address environmental and employee safety concerns.
3. Perform Audits and Incident Investigations Conducts audits to evaluate compliance with EHS protocols and regulatory requirements. Investigates incidents to determine causes and prevent recurrence. Communicates findings to stakeholders to support corrective action planning.
4. Provide EHS Subject Matter Expertise Serves as a trusted advisor to operational leaders and project teams. Applies specialized knowledge to resolve complex challenges requiring interpretation of policies and standards. Guides decisions that influence safety practices and environmental controls.
5. Facilitate EHS Training and Awareness Supports development and delivery of training on environmental, health, and safety topics. Ensures employees understand expectations and required safe behaviors. Reinforces learning through ongoing communication and knowledge sharing.
Minimum Education & Requirements
Experience: 5+ years of experience in energy management, sustainability, or related fields.
Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities, with experience in stakeholder engagement and education.
• Proven experience building capability in multi-site manufacturing environment (from low maturity to standardized execution).
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing sustainability systems (energy, water, waste, KPIs, variance analysis).
• Solid background in Lean / TPM / Operational Excellence deployment (pillar bases system preferred).
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to drive change and influence stakeholders at various levels.
• Project management experience, including the ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Knowledge of sustainability reporting frameworks (e.g., GRI, CDP) and experience with data analysis tools and software.
• Strong understanding of energy and water management principles, regulations, and best practices preferred.
• Certifications such as LEED AP, CEM, or similar are desirable but not required.
