About Wakefern
Wakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States and supports its co-operative members' retail operations, trading under the ShopRite®, Price Rite®, The Fresh Grocer®, Dearborn Markets®, and Gourmet Garage® banners.
Employing an innovative approach to wholesale business services, Wakefern focuses on helping the independent retailer compete in a big business world. Providing the tools entrepreneurs need to stay a step ahead of the competition, Wakefern’s co-operative members benefit from the company’s extensive portfolio of services, including innovative technology, private label development, and best-in-class procurement practices.
Essential Job Functions:
Responsibilities:
General oversight of day-to-day ESG/sustainability and corporate philanthropy programs;
- Identify emerging ESG topics which may become material to the food industry and Wakefern keeping the organization informed and prepared to respond;
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to integrate CSR within Wakefern’s business including its procurement strategy, own brand product development, marketing programs and event sponsorship both at Wakefern’s wholesale operations and in conjunction with its member organizations and retail stores;
- Cohesively communicate Wakefern’s CSR strategy to Wakefern’s leadership, its Board of Directors, associates, non-profit partners, government officials and consumers;
- Develop and implement sustainable sourcing and animal welfare policies and practices;
- Create community and employee-based, sustainability programs that support the cooperative’s objectives of waste reduction, water and energy conservation and future goals yet established;
- Manage company charitable programs, including ShopRite Partners In Caring cause marketing program and its annual fundraising and associate engagement strategies and charitable components of the ShopRite LPGA Classic;
- Oversee strategy for the implementation of employee volunteer and giving programs (Wakefern ACTS);
- Develops and directs strategic non-profit relationships for the company and its retail banners (ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace and The Fresh Grocer). This includes relationship-building, negotiating and management of Wakefern’s environmental and hunger fighting partnerships, NGO’s, foundations and other members of the non-profit community;
- Manages the day-to-day responsibilities of Wakefern’s corporate giving program;
- Provide oversight for event sponsorships, including contract negotiations, staffing, and event management;
- Represent Wakefern in the community at local events and to external, non-profit organizations. Area non-profits include, but are not limited to: The Community Foodbank of NJ, The Community Foundation of NJ, Susan G. Komen North Jersey, and American Red Cross, in addition to more than 200 other regional organizations;
- Manage disaster relief efforts coordinating with Wakefern’s Loss Prevention, Transportation, and Procurement divisions as well as disaster relief agencies and FEMA;
- Works with non-profit organizations and Wakefern executives to enhance partnerships through board placement and service;
- Manages departmental budget in collaboration with department leadership, with regular tracking and reporting;
- Manages two direct reports or more as assigned;
- Hires, trains, supervises and develops associates;
- Manages schedules and workflow; provides day-to-day guidance and oversight of staff; actively promotes and recognizes performance and monitors quality of work;
- Other aligned responsibilities, as needed.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science and Policy, Sustainability and Environmental Management, or related degree;
- 5+ years of related experience in sustainability management, public policy, community affairs, project management, program development, including several years in a management/supervisory capacity;
- Strong track record of building and executing sustainability/environmental programs;
- Knowledge of ESG reporting protocols including GHG emissions reporting (Scopes 1, 2, and 3) and developing and implementing a GHG inventory;
- Understanding of relevant standards from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), The GHG Protocol, and sustainability and ESG reporting frameworks (GRI, SASB, CDP, TCFD, etc.);
- Exceptional public speaking and presentation skills;
- Excellent written skills and project management skills required;
- Strong coaching and leadership skills;
- Ability to establish and build relationships. Exceptional interpersonal skills to build consensus among a diverse group of constituents;
- Must be able to work closely with executives and senior leadership;
- Ability to analyze data to plan and strategize future initiatives and create regular CSR/ESG reports for public and internal use;
- Must be able to represent Wakefern with all internal and external constituents, including community members and key not-for-profit organizations;
- Excellent business acumen;
- Expert in Microsoft Office suite.
Working Conditions & Physical Demands
- Availability to work a varied, flexible schedule to meet business demands
- Ability to monitor computer screens for long periods of time
- Ability to work a hybrid schedule as established by the division (4 days on-site, 1 day remote)
Competencies
- Communicate Effectively
- Build Relationships
- Stay Competitive
- Embrace Change
- Develop You
- Drive For Results