Technical Sustainability Director, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

Mars • Franklin, TN

10d

About The Position

Acts as the primary subject-matter expert on North America Pet Nutrition sustainable packaging to influence and drive our approach for U.S. Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance, with emphasis on California SB 54. Primary owner of the NA Pet Nutrition Technical Sustainable Packaging and EPR strategy and serves as the primary liaison on this topic across segments. Works closely with Central Packaging Sustainability Director, as well with the Central Technologies Directors to ensure alignment to our Global Petcare Strategy. Drives and influences decision making to ensure packaging meets recyclability requirements through strong technical guidance of packaging workstreams. This position will have an R&D Scope (Regulatory and Packaging) and technical leadership for the overall program. The program requires collaboration across different functions (Ex. Finance, Corporate Affairs, Marketing, Commercial, R&D Packaging, etc.) and this position will consolidate the inputs coming from the different owners in each function, provide guidance to the team, and lead stakeholder management. Strong strategic leadership, Regulatory and Packaging Technical Background is critical for the position to drive translation of the requirements into action; coming from regulations across US and Canada that impact Packaging Materials and Design. EPR in NA is a key priority and risk area for the NA business. While the immediate focus is California, the role will develop deep expertise to prepare us across the region as more states pick up. This will require technical expertise, executional excellence on key programs and a build-out of our strategy in accordance with guidance from our key global, segment and other OE partners.

Requirements

• A BS or advanced degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Food Science, or a related technical field
• 10+ years of experience in packaging compliance, sustainability, or regulatory affairs.
• Strong understanding of U.S. EPR regulations and evolving landscape, especially California SB 54.
• Experience with recyclable materials, mono-PE, and supply chain integration.
• Strong analytical, project management, business case development and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to work effectively in cross functional teams and with external suppliers
• Strong written and verbal communication skills especially when simplifying complex technical concepts across functions and levels of the organization.
• Willingness to travel 30%

Responsibilities

• Understand in technical depth the recyclability system in North America and provide technical inputs to co- create with Corporate Affairs, programs to advance the recyclability of our materials.
• Support advocacy efforts externally by providing technical depth and expertise on our unique materials and product needs.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive EPR packaging strategy for North America aligned with Petcare Global Strategy and regulatory frameworks applicable for the market.
• Serve as the subject matter expert on EPR, providing guidance to senior leadership and business units.
• Work closely with Corporate Affairs to guarantee proper monitoring global, and Regional EPR trends, Regulation legislation, and best practices to inform proactive strategy development.
• Work closely with Central Packaging Teams to guarantee monitoring of packaging material new development in the world to identify what can be translated into the NA market.
• Influence external environment in technical forums and with key stakeholders, Ex. Universities, Industry Forums, etc
• Represent Pet Nutrition NA as needed (through technical workstreams) with PRO (Circular Action Alliance) and industry associations (SPC, ACC) to collaborate on regulations and stay informed.
• Provide training to internal teams on regulations and recycling infrastructure across states in NA for compliance and reporting.
• Oversee the technical assessment of packaging and product lifecycle, to optimize for EPR compliance and sustainability. This includes the recycling infrastructure maturity in NA across every package type (flexible and rigids).
• Lead the design and implementation of EPR programs, including data management, reporting, and compliance systems considering short, medium and long term strategy.
• Collaborate with packaging team, supply chain, and product development teams to integrate EPR requirements into business processes and systems.
• Lead the technical paths with business context and packaging technical expertise to make a final recommendation encompassing the different implications in view of EPR.
• Evaluate risk, refine scenarios and propose mitigation strategies based on current technology solutions. Influence business decision making on major capital investments.
• Identify and mitigate risks and trade-offs related to EPR obligations and sustainability targets.
• Ensure packaging technical data flows in a timely and accurate manner across functions to support reporting of EPR data to regulatory authorities and internal stakeholders.
• Provides guidance to develop and maintain R&D documentation, policies, and procedures to support ERP compliance.

Benefits

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level