The Sr. Manager, Environment and Sustainability reports to the Vice President of EHS3 and is responsible for leading the organization's environmental stewardship and sustainability strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives, regulatory requirements, stakeholder expectations, and industry best practices. This role provides strategic direction and oversight for environmental compliance, sustainability initiatives, climate-related programs, resource conservation efforts, environmental risk management, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting.

The Sr. Manager serves as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor to executive leadership, partnering across business functions to develop and implement programs that enhance environmental performance, reduce operational impacts, support long-term sustainability goals, and promote a culture of environmental responsibility. The position requires a strong balance of strategic leadership, technical expertise, stakeholder engagement, and program execution.

How you will thrive and create an impact

Develop and Lead Sustainability Strategy

• Establish and execute enterprise-wide environmental and sustainability strategies, objectives, and performance metrics that align with organizational goals.
• Identify emerging trends, risks, and opportunities related to sustainability, climate change, resource management, and environmental stewardship.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that support long-term environmental performance and business success.

Provide Leadership and Governance

• Serve as the organization's environmental and sustainability leader, providing strategic guidance to executive leadership and business stakeholders.

• Develop policies, standards, and governance processes to ensure consistent implementation of sustainability initiatives.

• Foster a culture of accountability and environmental responsibility throughout the organization.

Oversee Environmental Compliance and Risk Management

• Monitor and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and international environmental regulations and standards.

• Assess environmental risks and develop mitigation strategies to minimize legal, operational, reputational, and financial impacts.

• Coordinate environmental audits, inspections, corrective action plans, and compliance reporting activities.

Lead ESG and Sustainability Reporting

• Direct the collection, analysis, and reporting of environmental and sustainability data.

• Oversee ESG disclosures and reporting processes in accordance with applicable frameworks and stakeholder expectations.

• Ensure transparency, accuracy, and consistency in sustainability performance reporting.

Manage Climate and Environmental Programs

• Lead initiatives focused on greenhouse gas reduction, energy management, waste minimization, water stewardship, pollution prevention, and circular economy principles.

• Establish targets, monitor performance, and implement action plans to achieve environmental objectives.

• Evaluate opportunities for innovation and operational improvements that support sustainability goals.

Collaborate with Internal and External Stakeholders

• Build strong partnerships with operations, facilities, procurement, legal, finance, human resources, and other departments to advance sustainability priorities.
• Represent the organization with regulatory agencies, industry associations, customers, consultants, community groups, and other external stakeholders.
• Promote stakeholder engagement and awareness regarding environmental and sustainability initiatives.

Manage Budgets, Resources, and Vendor Relationships

• Manage departmental budgets and sustainability program expenditures.
• Evaluate and oversee consultants, contractors, and third-party service providers.
• Ensure effective allocation of resources to meet strategic objectives.

Lead Team Development

• Recruit, develop, mentor, and evaluate environmental and sustainability personnel as applicable.

• Promote professional growth, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement within the team.

• Establish performance expectations and accountability measures.

Monitor Industry Trends and Best Practices

• Stay informed of emerging environmental regulations, sustainability frameworks, technologies, and industry developments.

• Benchmark organizational performance against industry standards and recommend enhancements as needed.

• Drive adoption of innovative practices that improve environmental and business outcomes.

Perform Other Duties as Assigned

• Support strategic business initiatives and organizational priorities related to environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility.

What we're looking for

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, Natural Resources, Environmental Management, Industrial Engineering, Public Policy, or a related field required.
• Master's degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Engineering, Business Administration (MBA), Public Administration, or related discipline preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in environmental management, sustainability, ESG, environmental compliance, or related areas.
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience managing environmental or sustainability programs, teams, or enterprise initiatives.
• Experience developing and implementing sustainability strategies within complex, multi-site organizations preferred.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional projects and influencing stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Experience managing environmental compliance programs and regulatory interactions preferred.
• Experience developing ESG reports and sustainability disclosures preferred.

Certifications (Preferred)

• Certified Environmental Professional (CEP)
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
• Sustainability Excellence Associate (SEA)
• LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP)
• ISSP Certified Sustainability Professional (ISSP-CSP)
• Professional Engineer (PE) or other related environmental designations, where applicable

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (Those necessary to perform the job competently)

• Comprehensive knowledge of environmental regulations, compliance requirements, and sustainability principles.
• Strong understanding of ESG reporting frameworks, sustainability metrics, and performance measurement systems.
• Knowledge of climate risk assessment, greenhouse gas accounting, energy management, waste reduction, and resource conservation programs.
• Ability to develop and execute strategic plans that align sustainability objectives with business priorities.
• Exceptional leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Strong project and program management capabilities with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Advanced data analysis and reporting skills with the ability to interpret complex information and communicate findings effectively.
• Outstanding written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate with executives, employees, regulators, customers, and external stakeholders.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost-benefit analysis.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment while maintaining strong collaboration across geographically dispersed teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and sustainability, environmental, and reporting software applications.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment.

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position.

Avantor offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, wellness programs, health savings and flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with company match, and an employee stock purchase program. Employees also receive 11 paid holidays, accrue 18 PTO days annually, are eligible for volunteer time off and 6 weeks of 100% paid parental leave (except in states that offer paid family leave). These benefits may not apply to employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement or those subject to other eligibility rules.