Manager, Sustainability Strategy

Overview

Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Manager, Sustainability Strategy? Then we're looking for you! Check out the job description and apply now! Put your skills to meaningful use, gain unique experience, and work with world-class team members with diverse backgrounds and expertise who share the same vision. Join the PECNA team today!


Responsibilities

Manager, Sustainability Strategy

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Meet the Recruiter: Jenny Willhoit

Position Summary:

The Manager, Sustainability Strategy, is responsible for leading and accelerating Panasonic Energy's sustainability agenda across U.S. operations and global stakeholders. This position serves as both an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practitioner and a cross-functional Project Manager, driving implementation of ESG programs including environmental management systems, responsible sourcing, audit readiness, decarbonization, and customer-facing sustainability initiatives. The role works closely with U.S. sites, Japan headquarters, customers, suppliers, and external partners to ensure effective ESG execution and continuous improvement.

Essential Duties:

• Lead ESG-related programs including ISO 14001 / ISO 45001, Responsible Business Alliance (RBA), including Validated Assessment Program (VAP), Greenhouse Gas (GHG) management, renewable energy initiatives, and external audits.
• Serve as a Project Manager for ESG by developing project plans, roadmaps, risk registers, Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed (RACI) charts, and tracking progress across functions and regions.
• Manage certification and audit readiness activities, including fit-gap assessments, internal audits, corrective action tracking, and onsite audit support.
• Support Scope 1-3 GHG management, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)-based carbon footprint (CFP) calculations, and customer sustainability data requests.
• Drive and monitor renewable energy deployment projects (procurement, certificates, onsite generation) and performance metrics.
• Coordinate customer- and supplier-facing ESG engagements, including audits, due diligence, and decarbonization initiatives.
• Support supplier sustainability programs, including Renewable Energy (RE) adoption, emissions reduction tracking, and risk mitigation.
• Lead ESG Key Performance Indicator (KPI) management, dashboard updates, and executive-level reporting.
• Contribute to human rights due diligence, policy updates, and compliance with global ESG regulations.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements:

• To ensure the health and safety in the workplace and for the protection of our employees', wearing PPE is a possibility and includes equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator.

The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills and efforts or work conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the general nature and level of the job.

Qualifications

Requirements - Required and/or Preferred

Education :

• Required: Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Engineering, Business, or a related field
• Preferred: Master's degree or advanced studies in Sustainability, Environmental Management, or ESG-related discipline

Essential Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of experience in EHS-related roles
• 2-3+ years of experience working collaboratively with on-site teams to engage, communicate, and drive the achievement of ESG-related targets.
• Practical experience in ESG operations and project management / PMO
• Hands-on experience with ISO 14001 and/or ISO 45001 implementation or management
• Knowledge of ESG, environmental, human rights, and governance regulations and global trends
• Experience with GHG accounting (Scope 1, 2, and 3), LCA, and CFP calculations
• Experience supporting or managing external audits and ESG due diligence (RBA, RMI, IRMA, supply chain due diligence)
• Strong cross-functional and cross-regional communication skills, including engagement with customers, suppliers, NGOs, and consultants
• Ability to assess supply chain risks and develop mitigation strategies
• Proficiency in English (business-level required)
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 30%
• Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Native-level proficiency in Japanese
• Experience with renewable energy projects (on-site generation, certificates, procurement)
• Experience with supplier sustainability programs and decarbonization initiatives
• Knowledge of battery materials and supply chains (e.g., Battery raw materials)
• Familiarity with EU Battery Regulation and global ESG regulatory frameworks
• Experience working in manufacturing environments and collaborating with EHS teams

Preferred Certification(s):

• ISO 14001 / ISO 45001 Auditor or Practitioner
• LCA or CFP-related certification
• PMP or equivalent project management certification

Physical Demands

Physical Activities: Percentage of time (equaling 100%) during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 80%
• Walk: 10%
• Stand: 10%
• Lift: within 5%

Required Lifting and Carrying:

For this position the required frequency is:

• Up to 10 lbs.: Occasional

• Up to 20 lbs.: Occasional
• Up to 35 lbs.: Occasional
• Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Not Required

Where You'll Be:

For our onsite roles, Panasonic Energy is committed to fostering an ideal working environment that goes beyond the conventional. We understand the significance of moments that matter in your onsite experience, and we prioritize creating a workspace that not only promotes productivity but also ensures a fulfilling and positive work atmosphere. Join us at Panasonic Energy, where your onsite presence is valued, and we strive to make each moment count in your professional journey.

Who We Are:

Meet Panasonic Energy! At Panasonic Energy, you'll do work that matters as we are dedicated to transforming the world through the acceleration of sustainable energy. By producing safe, high-quality lithium-ion batteries, you become part of a team that plays a crucial role in creating technologies that move us.

Our journey began in 2017, and now, as the world's largest lithium-ion battery factory, we are expanding operations to De Soto, Kansas, providing you with the opportunity to experience career growth in more ways than one.

As an innovative thinker, you'll thrive here, as we continually push the boundaries of lithium-ion battery technology and production capabilities to enhance efficiency and performance in EVs.

Being part of Panasonic Energy means positively contributing to society, aligning with our commitment to building a better world through sustainable energy solutions.

We care about what you care about, fostering an environment where your contributions make a meaningful impact on the future of energy and transportation. Join us and be part of a team that values your work, encourages innovation, and actively contributes to a positive societal impact.

In addition to an environment that is as innovative as our products, we offer competitive salaries and benefits.

We Take Opportunity Seriously:

At Panasonic Energy, we are committed to a workplace that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. Fairness and Honesty have been part of our core values for more than 100 years and we are proud of our diverse culture as an equal opportunity employer.

We understand that your career search may look different than others and embrace the professional, personal, educational, and volunteer opportunities through which people gain experience. If you are actively looking or starting to explore new opportunities, submit your application!

Supplemental Information:

Pre-employment drug testing is required.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. All qualified individuals are required to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Due to the high volume of responses, we will only be able to respond to candidates of interest. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction.

Thank you for your interest in Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America.

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