Sustainability Director

Graphic Packaging International, LLC

Sustainability Director leading global ESG, climate, and decarbonization strategy for Graphic Packaging International’s paperboard packaging operations. Advising executives and overseeing reporting, product, operations, and supply chain sustainability.

Posted 8/14/2026full-timeAtlanta • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $172,300 - $229,700 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in developing and executing global sustainability strategies, including climate strategy and greenhouse gas accounting across Scopes 1, 2, and 3. Proven ability to lead cross-functional sustainability initiatives and manage high-performing global teams while ensuring compliance with sustainability frameworks and regulations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Sustainability Strategy DevelopmentESG Reporting and DisclosureClimate Strategy and DecarbonizationLeadership and Team DevelopmentSustainability Frameworks Knowledge

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Greenhouse Gas AccountingScience-Based Target SettingKPI DevelopmentProject ManagementData ManagementSustainability Program ExecutionCircularity and Recyclability PracticesImpact ReportingRegulatory ComplianceAnalytical Problem-Solving

Soft Skills

Exceptional CommunicationExecutive PresenceInfluencing SkillsCoaching and MentoringStrategic Thinking

Certifications & Qualifications

Professional Certification in SustainabilityProject Management Certification

Industry Keywords

Sustainability GovernanceESG StandardsGRISASBTCFDCDPCircular EconomyResponsible SourcingSupply Chain SustainabilityForest Products

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 the global sustainability organization across Product Sustainability, Operations Sustainability, and Supply Chain Sustainability
Advise executive leadership, the Board, and oversight committees on sustainability priorities, risks, regulations, and program performance
Develop and execute global sustainability strategy, goals, governance structures, KPIs, dashboards, and roadmaps
Lead climate strategy and decarbonization initiatives covering Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions
Build enterprise capability in environmental data management and carbon accounting
Oversee mandatory and voluntary ESG disclosures, annual Impact Report development, reporting controls, assurance, and verification
Lead product, operational, and supply chain sustainability programs, including circularity, recyclability, renewable energy, waste reduction, responsible sourcing, forestry stewardship, and due diligence
Represent GPI externally with customers, investors, industry associations, communities, conferences, and other stakeholders
Lead sustainability communications, training, employee engagement, and communities of practice
Coach, mentor, manage performance, and develop direct reports and global sustainability teams
Manage sustainability budgets, business cases, forecasts, operating plans, consultants, NGOs, associations, and 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
Demonstrated success developing and scaling enterprise sustainability strategies, including science-based target setting, climate strategy, and greenhouse gas accounting across Scopes 1, 2, and 3
Proven leadership experience managing managers and developing high-performing global teams
Strong knowledge of sustainability frameworks, standards, and regulations, including GRI, SASB, ISSB, TCFD, CSRD/ESRS, CDP, and SBTi
Ability to translate sustainability trends and stakeholder expectations into actionable business strategies and secure executive alignment
Proven success leading complex, cross-functional sustainability initiatives across large organizations
Strong 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 enterprise sustainability performance
Exceptional communication, executive presence, presentation, and influencing skills with executives, Boards, customers, investors, and external stakeholders
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 a related discipline
Preferred: professional certification in sustainability, corporate responsibility, project management, or a related field
Preferred: experience in paperboard, packaging, forest products, or related manufacturing industries
Preferred: experience with fiber sourcing, certification, circularity, recyclability, life cycle assessments, and product carbon footprint methodologies
Preferred: experience navigating global sustainability supply chain regulations, including EUDR and EPR

Benefits

Comp & perks

Compensation and benefits programs described as among the industry’s best
Reasonable accommodation for candidates with disabilities
Inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and hiring process free from discrimination or harassment