Sustainability Specialist, North America

Magnera's purpose is to better the world with new possibilities made real. For more than 160 years, the originating companies have delivered the material solutions their partners need to thrive. Through economic upheaval, global pandemics and changing end-user needs, they have consistently found ways to solve problems and exceed expectations. By bringing together these legacy companies, the distinct scale and comprehensive portfolio of products will bring customers more materials and choices. With a combined legacy of resilience, Magnera will build personal partnerships that withstand an ever-changing world.

The Sustainability Specialist plays a critical role in executing the company’s global sustainability strategy by managing data, supporting cross-functional initiatives, and driving engagement with internal and external stakeholders. This role combines tactical execution with strategic support, contributing to environmental performance tracking, regulatory engagement, grant acquisition, and sustainability education. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, and passionate about advancing ESG goals across a global organization.

Business Integration

• Understand the company’s business model, market drivers, and customer needs to position sustainability as a strategic growth lever.
• Identify and develop pathways to integrate sustainability into commercial strategies, product development, and customer engagement.
• Build relationships with customers to co-create sustainability solutions.

Data Management & Reporting

• Establish, maintain, and report key sustainability metrics, including life cycle assessments (LCAs), site emissions, and environmental performance indicators.
• Support quarterly and ad hoc sustainability reporting, including customer proposals and internal dashboards.
• Develop and maintain a centralized data inventory (e.g., supplier PCFs, emissions, primary data)

Stakeholder Engagement & Value Chain Impact

• Monitor and report on sustainability-related legislation at the state, regional, and national levels.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to reduce environmental impact across the value chain.
• Support the execution of customer sustainability questionnaires and requests.
• Partner with Business Excellence & Operations teams to ensure accurate data collection and establish best practices.
• Identify and pursue grant opportunities globally; develop proposals and track outcomes

Process Development & Tactical Execution

• Develop and document repeatable processes and procedures for sustainability data collection, reporting, and customer engagement.
• Support tactical execution of sustainability initiatives, including scrap management, ENDURANCE program oversight, and internal education campaigns.
• Create sustainability-centric tools and resources to identify performance gaps and support project development.

Strategic & Cross-Functional Support

• Assist the Global Sustainability Manager in executing strategic projects and initiatives.
• Support cross-functional teams with sustainability education, market intelligence, and corporate progress updates.
• Lead monthly global sustainability education series and engagement campaigns

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as:
  • Environmental Science
  • Sustainability
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Policy
  • Natural Resources
  • Urban Planning
  • Business (with sustainability focus)

• 1–5 years of relevant experience in sustainability, ESG, corporate responsibility, or environmental compliance
• Experience conducting GHG inventories, ESG reporting, or materiality assessments
• Hands-on work with data analysis related to energy, water, waste, or supply chain sustainability
• Exposure to sustainability strategy development or implementation at a team or organizational level
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
• Experience with ESG/sustainability reporting frameworks, such as:
  • GRI (Global Reporting Initiative)
  • TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures)
  • CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project)

• Understanding of life cycle assessment (LCA) and tools
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Ability to work cross-functionally with departments like procurement, operations, HR, and compliance
• Project management skills; PMP certification is a plus but not essential
• Strong stakeholder engagement and presentation abilities