Senior Packaging Advisor

Whole Foods Market is seeking a Senior Packaging Advisor to help drive progress against our packaging goals and further our work towards our purpose of nourishing people and the planet. The ideal candidate will possess knowledge and experience with both CPG packaging programs and sustainable materials expertise.  Candidate must have a strong understanding of the packaging regulatory landscape. This person will play a key role on our Sustainability team and support the work of the greater Amazon World Wide Grocery Store business unit. The Sr. Packaging Advisor will help measure and drive Whole Foods Market packaging efforts, as well as support and provide necessary data for shared packaging and sustainability goals with Amazon.

This position is based out of our Austin, Texas office.

Responsibilities:

• Provide depth of knowledge, support and recommendation for numerous packaging improvement and reduction initiatives across Whole Foods Market.
• Work cross-functionally to develop and implement successful packaging programs, strategies and long-term targets.
• Work cross-functionally to maintain baseline of Whole Foods Market’s overall packaging program including but not limited to product specs, materials, and divertability.
• Produce strategic assessments to support development of packaging, waste diversion, and overall sustainability practices for Whole Foods Market and Amazon (as required).
• Oversee 3rd party packaging data tools and teams that support our packaging work.
• Assess and elevate gaps and opportunities in WFM packaging portfolio and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Generate opportunities with brands for innovation and industry-leading pilots.
• Keep key stakeholders in the know on our packaging efforts, including senior leadership.
• Work cross-functionally to develop and roll out updated packaging standards across our stores annually.
• Partner with internal business leads to research and inform key policy issues related to Whole Foods Market’s packaging initiatives.
• Build strong, strategic relationships with internal and external business partners, organizations, and NGOs for maximum impact on packaging issues affecting the industry.
• Help to develop and improve accountability programs for suppliers to comply with our packaging guidelines.
• Partner with Compliance and Legal Teams to ensure compliance to relevant packaging and waste regulations and standards.
• Partner with Amazon’s World Wide Sustainability team in advocacy of WFM and ensure compliance with our collective long-term goals.
• Lead packaging reporting requirements, including third-party data assurance tasks, for all packaging data needs, collaborating with WFM and Amazon partner teams as necessary.
• Support internal business partners and suppliers on evaluating packaging options and alternatives.
• Help develop and support new strategies to promote a more circular economy within and beyond Whole Foods Market four walls.
• Continuously maintain and expand subject matter expertise through research and participation in packaging industry events

Qualifications:

• A four-year degree in a related discipline or applicable work experience.
• 4 to 6 years of experience in packaging roles, preferably in the food CPG and/or retail space or comparable organization, such as an NGO.
• Experience with measuring and tracking packaging footprints.
• Experience in sustainable material and packaging strategy.
• Deep understanding of the connection between packaging and various environmental and social responsibility issues, including responsible sourcing, climate change, food waste, recycling, and carbon emissions.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing packaging programs for comparable business(es).
• Able to thrive as an independent contributor.
• Able to effectively educate, mentor and consciously lead others.
• Solid understanding and passion for natural and organic products as well as Whole Foods Market Core Values and Quality Standards.
• Able to effectively collaborate with diverse business partners, including company leadership, merchandisers, marketers, suppliers, certification bodies, NGOs, and governmental entities. 
• Excellent time-management, organizational skills, attention to detail, and a strong sense of urgency.
• Resourceful self-starter, team player, creative thinker with a win-win-win, solutions-based approach.
• Able to effectively and persuasively develop and deliver a range of communications, from emails to business cases and presentations, for a broad range of audiences.
• Positive, flexible attitude.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time.

The successful candidate will embody Whole Foods Market Leadership Principles and be especially proficient in the following areas:

• Customer Obsession
• Purpose Driven
• Long Term Thinking
• Seeking Win-Win Strategies/Solutions 
• Passion for Creativity, Innovation, and Invention

At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.Whole Foods Market works with job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter to promote opportunities at our company. Please be aware that other career sites may not be accurate or up to date and may even be fraudulent. We encourage and recommend all candidates to apply via our site.