Job Description

Position:

Sustainability Manager

Location/Department:

Richmond Headquarters/Operations

Status:

Full-Time/Salaried Exempt

Reports To:

SVP, Operations

Our Company

Universal is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, and is the leading global leaf tobacco supplier. Tobacco sourcing and processing has been the Company's principal focus since its founding in 1918. The largest portion of the Company's business involves procuring and processing flue-cured, burley, and dark air-cured leaf tobacco for manufacturers of consumer tobacco products. Over the past few years, Universal has expanded its business through a series of acquisitions to develop a plant-based ingredients business segment to support the food and beverage markets which will provide future growth opportunities for Universal. We are now a global business-to-business agri-products supplier to consumer product manufacturers, that sources and processes leaf tobacco and plant-based ingredients. Through our plant-based ingredients platform, we provide a variety of value-added manufacturing processes to produce high-quality, specialty vegetable- and fruit-based ingredients as well as botanical extracts and flavorings for human and pet food end markets.

For more information on Universal, visit our website at www.universalcorp.com

Summary

As a

Sustainability Manager

at Universal, you will lead initiatives that drive environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and sustainable business practices across the organization. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement strategies that align with global sustainability goals, regulatory requirements, and stakeholder expectations. This role requires a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills to influence change and promote a culture of sustainability. You will also be responsible for monitoring performance metrics, reporting progress, and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement, all while navigating dynamic environments and adapting to evolving technologies.
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What You'll Be Doing (Essential Duties)

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Develop, administer, and enforce company policies and programs related to sustainability, including social and environmental topics and impacts. Coordinate and maintain documentation related to sustainability policies and programs. Develop and implement sustainability programs, initiatives and best practices to improve global sustainability performance. Monitor performance of sustainability programs and initiatives through development of reporting systems, regular communications and travel to global ULT operations. Cooperate with ULT operating regions, supply origins, other ULT departments (e.g., Agronomy Services, Communications, Corporate Affairs, IT, Financial Accounting, HR, Legal, and Production) and stakeholders in developing, implementing, monitoring and reporting regarding sustainability Report progress and performance to ULT management, customers, NGOs and other stakeholders through sustainability reporting platforms, as well as periodic written reports and presentations. Manage ESG analyst and intern work to support ESG efforts and reporting Keep abreast of current and proposed Sustainability standards and best practices developed by industry, NGOs and customers.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline or other field related to sustainability, environmental management, or corporate responsibility Minimum of five (5) years' relevant experience High level of commitment to developing excellence in technical and/or business skills Effective analytical, planning and organizational skills Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; highly adaptable to new software applications Exemplary verbal and written communication skills Adaptable to frequent changes in climate, environment, workload and schedules Willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 40%

Preferred Requirements

Advanced degree in a related field Supervisory experience preferred

Benefits

We offer a wide range of market-competitive total rewards that include 401(k) match, pension, merit increases, paid holidays, medical, dental, life, vision, short and long-term disability benefits, and tuition assistance to name a few.

EOE M/F/Disabled/Vet Employer

All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.