Director of Sustainability, Procurement & Community Engagement - UK Lexington

Compass Group•Lexington, KY

13d•Onsite

About The Position

This role offers the opportunity to build a flagship, community-integrated sustainability model across the University of Kentucky enterprise while serving in a high-visibility position with executive and client exposure. It is a chance to deliver meaningful, measurable impact across a major enterprise account. We are seeking a strategic, high-impact Director of Sustainability, Procurement & Community Engagement to lead sustainability, local procurement, and community engagement across a complex, multi-site operation. This leader will shape strategy, drive execution, and build partnerships that elevate local Kentucky suppliers and community-based programs—creating visible results for the client, the business, and the communities we serve.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in sustainability, business, nutrition, hospitality, communications, or a related field
8-10 years of professional experience in sustainability, project management, or hospitality industry operations
Strong understanding of environmental regulations and sustainability best practices
Project Management experience strongly preferred
Good analytical skills with a strong attention to detail
Advanced written and oral communication skills including public speaking
Strong presentation and time management skills, strong management and outstanding interpersonal skills
Culinary and/or food service experience preferred
Experience working with the Kentucky Cooperative Extension and / Food Connection program is a plus

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive sustainability strategy aligned with client and company priorities
Drive initiatives across waste reduction, responsible sourcing, energy, water conservation and food recovery
Measure impact and deliver clear, compelling reporting to leadership and clients
Develop and implement a strategy for utilizing local (Kentucky) suppliers across the enterprise
Collaborate with Foodbuy, sector procurement leads, to onboard local suppliers, including facilitating access to Foodbuy's Grow with Us program and Supplier Accelerator Program
Collaborate with the Kentucky Extension Network to advance community development initiatives, including participation in Bluegrass Buying Power (GPO) and food and wellness mobile truck programs
Build and sustain partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders
Integrate community engagement into sustainability programming to enhance overall impact
Partner cross-functionally with operations, procurement, culinary, marketing, and leadership teams
Serve as a visible thought partner and advocate for sustainability and community impact, inspiring stakeholders at all levels of the organization