The Responsible Sourcing Manager will be responsible for advancing Costco’s global sustainability initiatives throughout the supply chain for specific commodities and issue areas with a focus on Costco’s private label brand. In this role, the manager will work cross-functionally with buyers, suppliers, and the broader sustainability team to develop responsible sourcing initiatives to support our objectives of reducing our carbon footprint while supporting human rights and environmental stewardship objectives. An important aspect of this role will be to drive sustainability strategy for our supply chain and establish best practices and expectations for our suppliers and buyers to work towards. This position will also take a leadership role in teaching, training, and communicating about sustainability to both internal and external stakeholders.
This is an ever-evolving area of our business and will be a position of ongoing change as our company continues to adapt to our ever-changing planet and our members look to us to take a leadership role within the retail industry. The daily tasks and responsibilities may change over time and the successful candidate will enjoy embracing change while exhibiting a passion for sustainability. This role is an in-person/in-office role.
ROLE
· Researches and develops expertise in commodity-specific best practices; writes up commodity-based guidelines for
· sourcing.
· Co-creates supply chain surveys to analyze key sustainability metrics.
· Identifies and co-creates region-specific and commodity-specific supply chain carbon reduction programs.
· Provides expertise to buying teams at Costco via trainings and meetings; serves as key commodity expert and sustainability expert for buying teams.
· Attends meetings with Buyers and Suppliers. Assists in supporting suppliers to mature their sustainability and carbon
· emission reduction efforts.
· Develops Costco-specific programs for sustainability, including but not limited to, promotional programs, adding sustainability website attributes to specific categories of goods, etc.
· Manages certification programs and supports data collection for reporting and communication purposes.
· Works with management on continuing to develop new ideas and new strategies to deploy across the supply chain.
· Maintains and tracks carbon reduction projects in the supply chain.
· Analyzes data from suppliers and others on estimating our carbon footprint and other sustainability metrics.
· Supports management in developing responses to members and investors as issues arise.
· Engages with multiple stakeholders (value chain partners/other retailers) to achieve systemic change; identifies
· opportunities for strategic partnerships and alliances, builds strong connections with suppliers, industry groups, peers, and
· relevant NGOs.
· Travels by air (including international) and auto, on 3-5 day trips, based on need for conferences, on-the-ground support,
· and research as needed.
· This is a full-time management/leadership position (45+ hours per week).
REQUIRED
· Minimum of 3-5 years’ relevant work experience.
· Excellent computer skills - fluency in Google Suite, Google Sheets, MS Office, Excel, Smartsheet.
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
· Positive, mature, professional attitude with strong organizational and time management skills.
· Ability to work in fast-paced environments and strong prioritization skills.
· Passion for sustainability, environmental conservation, human rights, and ethical sourcing topics.
· Ability to articulate complex topics in a clear way, as well as to present, explain, and discuss them within all levels of the organization.
Recommended
· Degree in Sustainable Agriculture or similar.
· Experience in animal protein, seafood, dairy, and commodity supply chains preferred.
· Working knowledge of carbon accounting, Life Cycle Assessments, sustainability standards, and reporting frameworks.
· Experience in sustainability, supply chain, or sourcing is a plus.
· Good knowledge of Costco's merchandising philosophy, buying, and warehouse operations.
· Ability to adapt to constantly changing priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
· High School Diploma or GED preferred.
Required Documents
● Cover Letter
● Resume
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Pay Range: $100,000 - $145,000, Bonus and Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) eligible
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, health benefits - medical/dental/vision/hearing aid/pharmacy/behavioral health/employee assistance, health care reimbursement account, dependent care assistance plan, short-term disability and long-term disability insurance, AD&D insurance, life insurance, 401(k), stock purchase plan to eligible employees.