Director, Zero Waste & Circularity

Become a Part of the NIKE, Inc. Team

NIKE, Inc. does more than outfit the world’s best athletes. It is a place to explore potential, obliterate boundaries and push out the edges of what can be. The company looks for people who can grow, think, dream and create. Its culture thrives by embracing diversity and rewarding imagination. The brand seeks achievers, leaders and visionaries. At NIKE, Inc. it’s about each person bringing skills and passion to a challenging and constantly evolving game.

NIKE, Inc. is transforming manufacturing with world-class standards that ensure our products are made responsibly and sustainably. Everything we do puts workers at the center. We are respecting the environment and using cutting-edge technologies to create better, more personalized products for our customers.

Many of the challenges we seek to address are complex and beyond the scope of one brand or company. We need to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders to think creatively, and pool our skills in order to address risks and improve outcomes for our manufacturing factories, workers, and their communities.

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

This role will be a member of the Climate & Environment leadership team within Nike’s Global Sustainability function.  You will collaborate with embedded sustainability team members across the enterprise, including innovation, product, supply chain, marketplace and brand.  There will also be a strong emphasis on engaging with key external stakeholders.  This role will manage a team of 3-4 direct reports and actively partner with our adjacent Nike Grind business team.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking an individual who is self-motivated, driven and passionate about fueling sustainable growth at Nike through advancing circular business solutions.   The role requires a system-level problem solver who can see how diverse parts can fit together to drive clear value and impact at scale.  In addition to subject matter experience, we are seeking an individual that is an effective communicator that can work cross-functionally and influence different personalities and perspectives. 

The candidate will bring:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, experience or training

• A minimum of 9 years directly relevant work experience in business and sustainability

• Specific experience in driving sustainability programs in a large CPG company preferred

• Management-level strategic planning and performance management experience required

• Strong business acumen and superior quantitative and analytical problem-solving skills

• Subject matter expertise in circular economy principles, waste management practices, and relevant waste regulations / industry standards

• Proven ability to lead collaboration across diverse teams within a large organization and inspire confidence to motivate groups collectively to meet common objectives

• Ability to network, influence, and utilize internal and external resources

• Exceptional verbal and visual communication skills to convey complex information in a simple, easily understood to diverse groups of stakeholders

• Experience in managing external partnerships, vendor relationships, and contract budget management.

• Proven people and team management skills with ability to deliver results through others

• Ability to travel up to 15% per year, domestically and internationally

WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON

Nike is working to accelerate the transition from take-make-waste business models to more circular solutions that create value by eliminating waste and keeping products and materials in use.  We aspire to not only achieve zero waste in our global operations but to work with suppliers, customers and communities in addressing the broader systemic changes needed to unlock a truly circular economy.   

This role is responsible for unifying the enterprise around a shared vision for a circular future, collaborating with accountable business units to turn vision into reality and leading external partnerships to unlock challenges requiring multi-stakeholder collaboration.  The position also is accountable for leading the embedded zero waste strategy within Nike’s extended supply chain from manufacturing to consumer and back again.

Core responsibilities include:

• Unite Nike and its value chain behind an integrated waste and circularity offense

• Track Nike’s enterprise circularity metrics and leverage data insights to identify opportunities for continued improvement

• Set Nike’s waste & circularity policies / guidelines

• Identify and build the business case for innovative circular solutions

• Develop strategic internal and external partnerships to remove barriers and accelerate action

• Provide internal subject matter consulting support

• Manage team structure that facilitates and maximizes individual and team performance.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees and job applicants. We offer a number of accommodations to complete our interview process including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible and single location for in-person interviews, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications as needed. If you discover, as you navigate our application process, that you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please complete the Candidate Accommodation Request Form.

NIKE, Inc. is a growth company that looks for team members to grow with it. Nike offers a generous total rewards package, casual work environment, a diverse and inclusive culture, and an electric atmosphere for professional development. No matter the location, or the role, every Nike employee shares one galvanizing mission: To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world.

NIKE, Inc. is committed to employing a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.