ABOUT WAP SUSTAINABILITY
WAP Sustainability is a partnership of sustainability catalysts providing technical and strategic expertise across a variety of sustainability services, such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Healthy Materials, Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) Management, and Carbon (GHG) Accounting. We act in various industries, including consumer and building products, manufacturing, technology, and financial services, and our clients range from Fortune 100 to private equity-backed start-ups.
We strive to solve our clients’ sustainability needs in a high-service white glove capacity. Each client relationship is built on a relentless focus on our client experience and level of service.
Our efforts have been acknowledged with two consecutive years Inc.5000 award, recognizing us as one of the fastest-growing companies in the nation.
WHY WORK WITH US
Based in Tennessee for 15 years, WAP is a leading sustainability and ESG solution provider in the U.S. Join our remote team and directly impact our clients' journey to a more sustainable world! WAP operates remotely, so you can enjoy the flexibility to work from wherever you want, no relocation is needed.
Our collaborative and fun culture, built on trust and flexibility, is key to our team's success. We stay connected through virtual events and biannual in-person retreats-> Think multi-day adventures on special locations that invite personal growth, intimate connection, teamwork, and space to dream big together.
WAP’s continuous growth offers an outstanding professional opportunity for those wanting to progress their careers in the sustainability industry. We invest in our people’s development and rely on your self-starter mindset to drive the direction you want it to go. Developing your career is in your hands!
JOB DESCRIPTION
We are looking for an experienced Embodied Carbon Purchasing Manager to join our sustainability catalyst team and work on an exciting long-term project with one of our major international clients. This role will be crucial in advancing the sustainability goals of our client through the development of a supplier engagement strategy focused on reducing carbon emissions within the buildings space.
The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic, collaborative environment, adept at working with various teams and stakeholders while also capable of independent action to meet goals. They possess an entrepreneurial mindset, eager to learn, adapt, and gain support through effective communication and teamwork. We are technical translators and storytellers.
This role involves close collaboration with the client's sourcing, buildings, and equipment teams, as well as suppliers to develop solutions. Having experience in supply chain (preferably within the buildings or retail space), and knowledge of large-scale procurement processes and supplier management is required.
Moreover, experience working in one or more of the following areas: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Carbon Accounting (leveraging the GHG Protocol or other standards), or Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) would make this candidate more equipped to perform this role.
The candidate will provide support services to the client and is expected to travel up to 10% for on-site visits. Applicants must have documented experience with project management including complex stakeholder groups and deliverables, as well as experience in working on ESG or sustainability projects within large organizations.
Working in a remote setting requires being independently driven and having a self-starter mindset. That means: take action! Don't wait for things to get done; reach out to your coworkers with questions and support - you must be an effective team-oriented collaborator, like the rest of our WAPers.
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Project Management: You will oversee and manage projects aimed at reducing embodied carbon in partnership with client sourcing team. This includes coordinating with internal teams, analysts, engineers, contractors, and suppliers to develop and draft expectations and strategies for carbon reduction in the buildings supply chain, in line with company sustainability commitments.
Strategic Planning: Based on your analysis, you will partner with sourcing to help draft supplier standards for getting LCA and sustainability data, as well as help embed KPIs and targets for ongoing supplier progress on carbon reduction. You will partner closely on the broader buildings sustainability strategy to ensure prioritization of which suppliers and categories are engaged, and will be expected to pilot solutions with one or more suppliers. Such solutions may include the use of low-carbon materials, optimizing design and construction processes to minimize waste and energy use, and considering alternative materials or technologies with lower environmental impacts and/or identifying opportunities for impact reductions using a variety of tools including energy generation and efficiency, optimized materials, carbon credit procurement and supply chain engagement.
Change Management: You will play a pivotal role in change management within the organization and across project teams, working closely with stakeholders to facilitate the adoption of sustainable practices and drive cultural shifts towards greater environmental consciousness. This involves communicating the importance of embodied carbon reduction, addressing potential resistance to change, and fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for implementing new initiatives. By effectively managing change, you will ensure that sustainability goals are integrated into project objectives and embraced by all team members, leading to long-lasting positive impacts on both individual projects and the organization as a whole.
Stakeholder Engagement: You will collaborate with various stakeholders, including internal clients, suppliers, industry associations, and third-party consultants, to promote awareness of embodied carbon issues, advocate for and co-create sustainable building practices. This may involve participating in industry or supply chain forums, presenting research findings, and facilitating discussions on best practices.
Performance Monitoring and Reporting: You will contribute to the development of systems to monitor and track the environmental performance of building projects within the sourcing team, including supplier- and material-level embodied carbon emissions. This involves collecting data in partnership with the buildings team, analyzing trends, and preparing reports to assess the effectiveness of carbon reduction measures and identify areas for strategic adjustment. This will include close partnership with the client’s corporate sustainability and reporting teams.
DESIRED SKILL SET
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE