Whole Foods Market is seeking a Senior Diversion Program Manager to help further our work towards our purpose of nourishing people and the planet. The ideal candidate will possess knowledge and experience with overall waste diversion programs including waste, recycling, organics, food waste, packaging and materials. Candidate must have background overseeing sustainable waste, diversion and/or packaging programs, ideally in the food retail (restaurant or grocery) space. This person will play a key role on our Sustainability/CSR team and support the work of the greater Quality Standards team. The Sr. Diversion Program Manager will help measure and drive Whole Foods Market diversion efforts, as well as support and provide necessary data for shared waste and sustainability goals with Amazon.

Responsibilities:

• Provide depth of knowledge, support and recommendation for numerous sustainability, CSR, and waste initiatives.
• Produce strategic assessments to support development of waste diversion, packaging and sustainability practices for Whole Foods Market and Amazon (as required).
• Work cross-functionally to develop and implement successful diversion programs and strategies.
• Baseline Whole Foods Market’s overall diversion program including landfill bound waste, recycling, organics, food waste, and other alternative diversion programs.
• Work cross-functionally to develop and roll out updated packaging standards across our stores.
• Work with the greater Sustainability and QS team to support the development of waste, diversion and packaging policies.
• Partner with internal business leads to research and inform key policy issues related to Whole Foods Market’s waste and packaging initiatives.
• Build strong, strategic relationships with internal and external business partners, organizations, and NGO’s for maximum impact on sustainability, waste and packaging issues affecting the industry.
• Ensure that packages/components meet the needs of the WFM brand, regulatory, environmental legislation, and consumer safety.
• Help to develop and improve accountability programs for suppliers to comply with our packaging guidelines.
• Help develop and support new strategies to promote Circular Economy within and beyond Whole Foods Market four walls.
• Partner with Compliance and Legal Teams to ensure compliance to relevant packaging and waste regulations and standards.

Qualifications:

• A four-year degree in a related discipline or applicable work experience.
• 4 to 6 years experience in waste, diversion, or packaging roles, preferably in the food and/or retail space or comparable organization, such as an NGO.
• Experience with measuring and tracking waste diversion.
• Experience in sustainable material and packaging strategy.
• Deep understanding of various environmental and social responsibility issues, including responsible sourcing, climate change, food waste, sustainable packaging, recycling, and carbon emissions.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the development of executable and measurable business programs specific to corporate social responsibility and sustainability.
• Ability to thrive as an independent contributor.
• Able to effectively educate, mentor and consciously lead others.
• Solid understanding and passion for natural and organic products as well as Whole Foods Market Core Values and Quality Standards.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with diverse business partners, including company leadership, merchandisers, marketers, suppliers, certification bodies, NGOs, and governmental entities. 
• Excellent time-management, organizational skills, attention to detail, and a strong sense of urgency.
• Resourceful self-starter, team player, creative thinker with a win-win-win, solutions-based approach.
• Ability to effectively and persuasively develop and deliver a range of communications, from emails to presentations, for a broad range of audiences.
• Positive, flexible attitude.
• This position is based at the Whole Foods Market Global Headquarters in Austin, TX.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time.

The successful candidate will embody Whole Foods Market Leadership Principles and be especially proficient in the following areas:

• Customer Obsession
• Purpose Driven
• Long Term Thinking
• Seeking Win-Win Strategies/Solutions 
• Passion for Creativity, Innovation, and Invention

At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.

At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.