VP Sustainability F/M/X

Job Description:

Location : Ideally Aimargues (30 min from Montpellier), but open to any location in France

Type of contract : Permanent (CDI)

We are a global enterprise of people and brands with a clear purpose. We believe the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. This vision drives our Sustainable in a Generation Plan, where we aim for a healthy planet, thriving people and pets, and an inclusive society.

The VP of Sustainability at Royal Canin (RC) is charged with spearheading the development, execution, and oversight of our comprehensive sustainability strategy across all RC business units and global regions, aligning with RC’s OGSM and the Mars Sustainable in a Generation Plan.

Our unique nutritional approach allows us to integrate environmental and social considerations into every recipe we create, ensuring the highest quality nutrition for pets while minimizing our footprint. This role is pivotal in embedding sustainability into core business functions and driving impactful programs.

The VP of Sustainability will serve as the voice of RC in global forums within Mars and in external engagements, championing our commitment to a sustainable future.

• Bachelor's and Master's degree in Sustainability, Environmental Science, Business Administration, Finance, Engineering or a related field

• At least 10 years of experience in sustainability related fields

• Experience in a senior global/regional sustainability leadership position handling complex sustainability challenges within a multinational CPG environment.

• Deep-seated passion for sustainability and its profound impact on the planet, people, and pets.

• Strong foundational knowledge and demonstrated success in reducing carbon footprint and delivering savings/value to the business.

• Familiarity with global sustainability reporting standards.

• Work history and exposure across diverse geographic markets.

• Exceptionally strong change management credentials.

• Proven ability to make sound decisions in complex and/or ambiguous business environments.

• History of building internal and external relationships and interaction with management at all levels.

• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization including executive level audiences at the segment and corporate level.

• Working in complex internal organization setting – partnering and influencing across functions and markets and between supply and demand sides of the business.

• Experience in Social/Humanitarian fields, R&D is advantageous

• Fluent in English.

Strategy Development and Implementation:

• Develop and execute global sustainability strategies that align with RC's overall OGSM, ensuring accountability for both financial objectives and key sustainability metrics.

• Formulate and implement sustainable policies and guidelines to embed sustainability into the core of RC's business operations.

• Establish organization wide sustainability goals, targets, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to rigorously track progress against RC's sustainability commitments.

• Define priorities, and effectively allocate resources and funding for sustainability initiatives to maximize impact.

• Lead innovative projects to advance RC's sustainability agenda, focusing on raw materials, supply chain efficiency, manufacturing processes, and sustainable packaging solutions.

• Oversee regular strategic reviews of RC's sustainability objectives, ensuring that KPIs, reporting mechanisms, and management practices drive continuous improvement and deliver tangible results.

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Stakeholder Influence

• Actively engage with RC’s Global Leadership Team to shape strategic sustainability decisions, providing expert guidance and serving as the primary advisor on sustainability issues.

• Advocate for RC’s sustainability priorities within Petcare and Mars Inc. forums, fostering collaboration across Mars segments and driving aligned initiatives.

• Participate in cross-segment sustainability projects and forums to ensure RC’s interests are represented and advanced.

• Serve as the face of RC on sustainability matters, engaging with non-profits, governmental bodies, customers, regulators, and industry groups to promote and communicate RC’s sustainability initiatives at conferences, forums, and public events.

• Cultivate a culture of strong sustainability ethos across RC through targeted training, awareness programs, and associate engagement initiatives.

• Collaborate with key functions such as Corporate Affairs, Regulatory, and Legal teams to advocate for and support RC's sustainability efforts, ensuring cohesive and effective strategies.

Governance, Compliance, Reporting & Risk Management

• Oversee the preparation, governance, and submission of annual and quarterly sustainability reports, including disclosures and updates on sustainability investments, ensuring timely and accurate reporting for RC.

• Continuously monitor global sustainability trends, regulations, and best practices, ensuring RC remains compliant with all relevant sustainability laws and standards.

• Identify and address risks related to environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance, proactively mitigating potential issues.

• Develop and execute comprehensive crisis management plans to address sustainability-related challenges swiftly and effectively

Sustainability Capability Development

• Lead a team of sustainability experts, overseeing their activities, growth, and professional development to ensure high performance and alignment with RC’s goals.

• Deliver visible, inspiring leadership to foster motivation, a sense of belonging, and engagement within the Global Sustainability Cross-Functional Teams, which includes members from VCO, R&D, Demand, and Corporate Affairs.

• Assess and bridge capability gaps across RC's global functions to ensure the team possesses the skills needed to meet current and future sustainability commitments outlined in the OGSM.

• Provide training and development to internal stakeholders, enhancing their ability to understand and execute the sustainability strategy effectively.

• Shape the structure and evolution of the sustainability organization, aligning it with both current needs and future strategic objectives.

Drive Innovation and Technology:

• Propel the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to enhance efficiency, transparency, and decision-making across all Value Chain Operations, driving substantial sustainability improvements.

• Utilize advanced data analytics and digital tools to extract actionable insights, refine sustainability strategies, and stay ahead of market trends.

• Develop and deploy innovative solutions using automation, AI, and machine learning to streamline processes, minimize waste, and boost sustainability throughout the organization.

• Cultivate relationships with technology vendors and service providers to drive supplier-led sustainable innovation, ensuring alignment with the latest technological advancements.

• Continuously monitor emerging technologies and integrate them into RC sustainability strategies, maintaining a forward-thinking and adaptive approach.

• Work with over 130,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.

• You will work in a multicultural environment (more than 40 nationalities) and where your dog will be welcomed by more than 100 other Associates’ dogs at the office

• You will work in a unique campus, which gathers more than 800 Associates working for: the international HQ, the French subsidiary, two laboratories, a kennel and a cattery with more than 200 cats & dogs, and finally the most important factory of the Royal Canin group

• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.

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Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.