Manager – Packaging, EPR & Circularity (Global)

Sysco • Houston, TX

16d • Hybrid

About The Position

Sysco is seeking a Packaging Manager to lead its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance and drive packaging and circularity innovation across our global assortment. This role sits at the intersection of regulation, sustainability, and commercial value creation. The successful candidate will be responsible for reducing EPR exposure and fees, leading packaging innovation pilots, and collaborating with suppliers and internal stakeholders to drive sustainable packaging and circular system solutions across categories.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or certifications in packaging engineering, sustainability, supply chain, or environmental science preferred.
• 5–7+ years of experience in packaging sustainability, EPR compliance, supply chain, or product development, ideally in food, CPG, or distribution.
• Deep knowledge of EPR regulations, circular economy principles, and packaging material innovation.
• Demonstrated success in managing pilots or cross-functional initiatives, with strong project management and communication skills.
• Highly collaborative with strong influencing skills in matrixed environments.
• Digitally fluent—comfortable using Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Teams, and data tools to manage reporting, storytelling, and dashboards.
• Curious, flexible, and able to work across a range of sustainability topics as part of a global team.

Responsibilities

• EPR Compliance & Exposure Management Lead EPR compliance reporting and strategy across markets, tracking emerging legislation and translating requirements into supplier and merchandising actions.
• Develop internal reporting and analytics on EPR exposure and cost drivers; partner with Legal and Finance teams to ensure accurate forecasting and mitigation planning.
• Identify packaging designs and materials that increase Sysco’s financial risk under EPR regulations and lead efforts to address them with internal and external partners.
• Circular Packaging & Systems Innovation Partner with suppliers, category teams, and external innovators to identify, test, and scale circular solutions—including reuse pilots, compostable or recyclable formats, and secondary packaging optimization.
• Design and lead packaging pilots, working closely with merchandising, operations, and customers to test circularity solutions and capture performance data.
• Stay abreast of packaging material science and industry trends and act as Sysco’s subject matter expert on packaging innovation opportunities.
• Supplier Engagement & Cost Reduction Run supplier-facing packaging innovation initiatives such as the Pack-a-Thon and Supplier Sustainability Summit.
• Build business cases to redesign packaging formats with lower environmental and financial cost—working collaboratively with suppliers and merchants.
• Influence packaging specifications and sourcing practices through Sysco’s category management and Partnership Growth Management processes.
• Cross-Functional & Global Collaboration Collaborate with global and regional Sustainability team members on shared priorities, contributing to initiatives beyond packaging (e.g., waste, emissions, sustainable sourcing).
• Bring best practices and innovation insights into global forums to strengthen Sysco’s sustainability strategy and product roadmap.
• Represent the packaging and circularity perspective in cross-functional working groups and stakeholder engagement.

Benefits

• We offer our colleagues the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, to contribute to the success of a dynamic organization, and to serve others in a manner that exceeds their expectations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees