Sustainability Director

Graphic Packaging International, LLC

. Set the strategic direction and lead governance, execution, and continuous evolution of GPI’s global sustainability program .

Posted 9/18/2026full-timeAtlanta • United StatesLead💰 $172,300 - $229,700 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading global sustainability programs, including climate strategy, ESG compliance, and sustainability governance. Proven ability to develop high-performing teams and translate sustainability trends into actionable business strategies.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Sustainability Strategy DevelopmentESG Compliance and ReportingClimate Strategy and DecarbonizationCross-Functional Team LeadershipStakeholder Engagement and Communication

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Greenhouse Gas AccountingScience-Based Target SettingSustainability Performance MeasurementProject and Program ManagementData Management and Analytics

Soft Skills

Analytical Problem-SolvingExceptional Communication SkillsExecutive PresenceInfluencing SkillsTeam Development and Mentoring

Tools & Technologies

Sustainability DashboardsCarbon Accounting ToolsESG Assessment FrameworksImpact Reporting ToolsFinancial Forecasting Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

Professional Certification in SustainabilityProject Management Certification

Industry Keywords

Sustainability GovernanceResponsible SourcingCircular EconomyEnvironmental RegulationsSupply Chain Sustainability

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Set the strategic direction and lead governance, execution, and continuous evolution of GPI’s global sustainability program
Unify and lead a global sustainability organization across Product Sustainability, Operations Sustainability, and Supply Chain Sustainability
Advise executive leadership, the Board of Directors, and Board oversight committees on sustainability priorities, risks, regulations, and program performance
Lead sustainability strategy, goals, roadmap, reporting, governance, communications, and enterprise capability building
Establish global sustainability governance structures and a cross-functional steering committee
Monitor progress toward internal and public sustainability commitments and provide updates to senior leadership and Board committees
Lead, coach, mentor, and develop the global sustainability team and direct reports
Support sustainability budget development, financial forecasting, business cases, and annual operating plans
Monitor industry trends, regulatory developments, and peer best practices
Lead climate strategy and decarbonization roadmap, including Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions reduction targets
Build environmental data management and carbon accounting capabilities, tools, dashboards, and analytics
Oversee mandatory and voluntary sustainability disclosures, annual Impact Report development, ESG data quality, controls, audit readiness, and verification
Lead engagement with ESG assessment and ratings organizations including CDP, EcoVadis, MSCI, and Sustainalytics
Lead product sustainability initiatives involving circularity, recyclability, R&D integration, LCA, and product carbon footprints
Lead operational sustainability initiatives involving energy efficiency, renewable energy, fuel sourcing, waste reduction, and circularity
Lead supply chain sustainability initiatives involving responsible sourcing, forestry stewardship, zero-deforestation, supplier engagement, and due diligence
Represent GPI externally with customers, investors, associations, communities, conferences, and other forums
Oversee sustainability communications, thought leadership, awards, recognition, and social media engagement
Partner with enterprise functions to translate sustainability priorities into measurable actions
Strengthen employee sustainability capability and engagement through training, communications, resources, and communities of practice
Manage strategic relationships with consultants, industry associations, NGOs, and other external partners

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree required
10+ years of progressive experience leading sustainability, ESG, or related programs within large, global, highly matrixed organizations
Experience developing and scaling enterprise sustainability strategies, including science-based target setting, climate strategy, and greenhouse gas accounting across Scopes 1, 2, and 3
Experience managing managers and developing high-performing global teams
Strong knowledge of GRI, SASB, ISSB, TCFD, CSRD/ESRS, CDP, and SBTi frameworks, standards, and regulations
Ability to translate sustainability trends and stakeholder expectations into actionable business strategies and secure executive alignment
Experience leading complex, cross-functional sustainability initiatives across large organizations
Knowledge of sustainability and procurement practices, including responsible and sustainable sourcing principles
Strong analytical and strategic problem-solving skills; ability to develop business cases, establish KPIs, and measure sustainability performance
Exceptional communication, executive presence, presentation, and influencing skills
Strong project and program management capabilities
Experience developing and managing strategic partnerships with private-sector organizations, NGOs, industry associations, multilateral organizations, consultants, and external service providers
Preferred: graduate degree in Business, Sustainability, Engineering, Environmental Science, Law, or related discipline
Preferred: professional certification in sustainability, corporate responsibility, project management, or related field
Preferred: experience in paperboard, packaging, forest products, or related manufacturing industries
Preferred: experience with global sustainability supply chain regulations, including EUDR and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Compensation and benefits programs described as among the industry’s best
Equal opportunity, inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and hiring process
Reasonable accommodation available for disabilities