Manager, Sustainability Strategy

Panasonic•De Soto, KS

4h•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager, Sustainability Strategy, is responsible for leading and accelerating Panasonic Energy’s sustainability agenda across U.S. operations and global stakeholders. This position serves as both an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practitioner and a cross‑functional Project Manager, driving implementation of ESG programs including environmental management systems, responsible sourcing, audit readiness, decarbonization, and customer‑facing sustainability initiatives. The role works closely with U.S. sites, Japan headquarters, customers, suppliers, and external partners to ensure effective ESG execution and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Engineering, Business, or a related field
3-5+ years of experience in EHS-related roles
2-3+ years of experience working collaboratively with on-site teams to engage, communicate, and drive the achievement of ESG-related targets.
Practical experience in ESG operations and project management / PMO
Hands‑on experience with ISO 14001 and/or ISO 45001 implementation or management
Knowledge of ESG, environmental, human rights, and governance regulations and global trends
Experience with GHG accounting (Scope 1, 2, and 3), LCA, and CFP calculations
Experience supporting or managing external audits and ESG due diligence (RBA, RMI, IRMA, supply chain due diligence)
Strong cross‑functional and cross‑regional communication skills, including engagement with customers, suppliers, NGOs, and consultants
Ability to assess supply chain risks and develop mitigation strategies
Proficiency in English (business‑level required)
Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 30%

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or advanced studies in Sustainability, Environmental Management, or ESG‑related discipline
Native-level proficiency in Japanese
Experience with renewable energy projects (on‑site generation, certificates, procurement)
Experience with supplier sustainability programs and decarbonization initiatives
Knowledge of battery materials and supply chains (e.g., Battery raw materials)
Familiarity with EU Battery Regulation and global ESG regulatory frameworks
Experience working in manufacturing environments and collaborating with EHS teams
ISO 14001 / ISO 45001 Auditor or Practitioner
LCA or CFP‑related certification
PMP or equivalent project management certification

Responsibilities

Lead ESG‑related programs including ISO 14001 / ISO 45001, Responsible Business Alliance (RBA), including Validated Assessment Program (VAP), Greenhouse Gas (GHG) management, renewable energy initiatives, and external audits.
Serve as a Project Manager for ESG by developing project plans, roadmaps, risk registers, Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed (RACI) charts, and tracking progress across functions and regions.
Manage certification and audit readiness activities, including fit‑gap assessments, internal audits, corrective action tracking, and onsite audit support.
Support Scope 1–3 GHG management, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)‑based carbon footprint (CFP) calculations, and customer sustainability data requests.
Drive and monitor renewable energy deployment projects (procurement, certificates, onsite generation) and performance metrics.
Coordinate customer‑ and supplier‑facing ESG engagements, including audits, due diligence, and decarbonization initiatives.
Support supplier sustainability programs, including Renewable Energy (RE) adoption, emissions reduction tracking, and risk mitigation.
Lead ESG Key Performance Indicator (KPI) management, dashboard updates, and executive‑level reporting.
Contribute to human rights due diligence, policy updates, and compliance with global ESG regulations.