Specialist, Waste Program​

Overall:

The function of the Zero Waste Specialist is to provide assistance on our priority waste, excess and circularity programming for the company, support alignment on business processes to prepare for the upcoming waste reduction goal and waste awareness campaign, provide support to local EHS and other stakeholders at ELC sites with regards to data reporting and waste programming, collaborate with pertinent internal and external stakeholders as necessary to dive progress and expand best practices across our global value chain. We are looking for a team player who will gladly assist as additional needs arise.

As a Zero Waste Specialist within Global EHS, this position reports to the Senior Manager, Environmental Sustainability (who leads the Global Zero Waste program). This global role assists in the development of KPIs and site glidepaths to monitor progress along our sustainability and zero waste journey, and partakes in efforts to improve waste management, diversion from landfill, circular economy, carbon reduction, and resource conservation. The position requires knowledge of basic sustainability principles and an interest to grow into a subject matter expert around the sustainability of ELC’s products and packaging, sustainable processes and responsible waste treatment methods.

• Assist with Waste & Sustainability Projects for Strategic Initiatives (35%)
  • Support the development and implementation of environmental sustainability and zero waste initiatives across facilities and regions to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and save costs. Over the next 5 years (through 2030), these projects will focus primarily on reaching/exceeding ELC’s 2030 Waste Reduction Goal, which is 10% reduction in waste intensity by 2030 (using FY23 data as baseline). The goal is specific to manufacturing and distribution sites.
  • Assist with waste and excess minimization projects at manufacturing and distribution sites to include identifying improvement opportunities, formulating solutions and creating and following through on project plans. This can include interaction with internal employees and external waste service providers.
  • Assist as necessary with waste-related office programs, through collaboration with the Office Sustainability Champions program
  • Monitor waste and recycling data, keeping track of KPI’s to ensure progress towards goals.
  • Prepare for and present on team meetings such as
    • Communities of Practice (CoP) team of global EHS professionals from GVC and Commercial to promote environmental sustainability, reduce waste and increase efficiency. Guide cross-functional teams to embed sustainability into operational decisions, fostering alignment and sharing best practices  
    • Site specific bi-monthly waste connects to walk through site glidepaths, monitor data reporting and progress towards goals
    • Cross-functional excess connects as necessary.

• Provide Technical Guidance & Awareness Training (25%)
  • With the Global Lead of Zero Waste, provide guidance on technical topics related to zero waste, waste materials management, recycling, and the circular economy.
  • Address challenges related to waste management, recycling, and resource conservation. Engage with sites where necessary to address challenges or resistance on sustainability initiatives.
  • Working towards operating with a high degree of independence, providing guidance and support to various teams and departments.
  • Design and deliver impactful education programs, driving cultural transformation (in FY26 specifically, this includes the development of the waste awareness campaign) and share progress and success stories.
  • Work with CoPilot and AI tools to enhance ways of working and enable adaptability as technologies and expectations shift.
  • Collaborate with communications and local facilities teams to promote zero waste initiatives

• Data Analysis & Reporting (25%)
  • Provide technical training and support for waste data reporting, ensuring site teams have the knowledge and skills needed to provide important sustainability data for external reporting and goals.
  • Assist sites in resolving discrepancies in environmental data or reporting challenges.
  • Monitor performance indicators and assist in data validation to ensure accuracy for external ESG reporting
  • Work in PowerBI, Sphera (CCS) and other dashboard tools for measuring KPIs to monitor progress. 
  • Identify trends, gaps and opportunities for improvements through data insights
  • Assist in tracking progress toward zero waste goals

• Sustainability Performance Communication (15%)
  • Develop presentations on the company’s sustainability performance and provide updates to employees and management team as requested.
  • Prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders, highlighting achievements and areas for improvement.
  • Support the development of communication materials for internal and external stakeholders, highlighting achievement and promoting awareness of organizational sustainability efforts

• Additional tasks or focus areas as needs arise.

Qualifications:

• Support and execute zero waste initiatives across manufacturing and distribution facilities primarily. This includes reduction and reuse programs, recycling and circularity. Experience supporting project development and management, developing training materials and presenting to sites where applicable. 
• Assist in the creation and execution of a waste awareness campaign (FY26) which may include creating signage, Microsoft forms and surveys, writing articles and/or presenting on calls with engagement leads to move the project along and generate excitement.
• Support sites with waste data inquiries and analysis. Comfortable with data analysis and basic reporting in Excel. Review waste data to ensure accuracy, regular reporting, usable evidence documentation, and site’s compliance with the companies Zero Industrial Waste to Landfill Commitment.
• Solid verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with coworkers across all levels of the organization.
• Strong analytical skills and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and a proactive mindset.
• Ability to work with MS Word, Excel, Sharepoint and Power Point. Experience with Sphera and Power BI applications a plus. Ability to engage employees and drive interest and excitement in initiatives/projects.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Proactively assesses processes and systems for improvement.
• Working knowledge of operational processes within a manufacturing company.
• Knowledge and passion for sustainability and of zero waste principles, interest in becoming a subject matter expert in the area of waste reduction: zero waste to landfill standards (i.e., UL, True Zero Waste), Cradle to Cradle, Ellen McArthur Foundation Circular Economy, etc.
• Professional environmental consulting experience a plus.

Travel to sites (~10% of time, depending on needs of the department)

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $66,300 to $93,250. Exact salary depends on several factors such as experience, skills, education, and budget. Salary range may vary based on geographic location. In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for participation in a highly competitive bonus program with the possibility for overachievement based on performance and company results.

In addition, The Estée Lauder Companies offers a variety of benefits to eligible employees, including health insurance coverage, wellness and family support programs, life and disability insurance, retirement savings plans, paid leave programs, education-related programs, paid holidays and vacation time, and many others. Many of these benefits are subsidized or fully paid for by the company.