Director of Sustainability

Director of Sustainability

Leads the strategy, operations, and continuous improvement of all salvage, waste, and recycling activities across Goodwill Houston. Owns the P&L for the salvage and waste function, with direct accountability for maximizing value recovery from donated goods and diverting materials from landfills. Provides strategic leadership to the Salvage department, drives vendor and market development, ensures operational excellence, and partners cross-functionally to optimize the end-of-life value chain for donated goods.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Direct the overall strategy for salvage, waste, and recycling operations to maximize value recovery and landfill diversion on an ongoing basis.
• Own the P&L for salvage and waste activities, including accountability for revenue targets, expense management, and overall financial performance of the function.
• Develop and execute annual operating plans, budgets, and continuous improvement initiatives aligned with organizational goals.
• Provide strategic recommendations to senior leadership on commodity market trends, new revenue opportunities, and operational investments.
• Oversee all salvage, waste, and recycling department activities to ensure efficient, safe, and profitable operations.
• Ensure accurate record-keeping of inventory, commodity sales, revenue, weights, and schedules across all locations.
• Coordinate with transportation leadership to optimize load planning, routing, and timely shipment of salvage goods from all Goodwill Houston locations.
• Monitor and improve production reporting, load accuracy, and operational metrics to drive efficiency and value recovery.
• Implement strategies and processes that continuously reduce waste volumes and associated disposal costs while maximizing commodity revenue.
• Provide direct leadership, coaching, and performance management to the Salvage Operations Manager and Salvage Coordinators.
• Select, train, develop, and mentor team members to ensure safe, efficient, and mission-aligned operations.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional development within the salvage and sustainability function.
• Direct huddles and operational meetings as needed to communicate expectations, share updates, and reinforce safety and compliance standards.
• Build, maintain, and expand strategic relationships with external vendors and buyers to maximize returns on salvage and recyclable commodities.
• Continuously research and develop new markets, outlets, and processing partners for hard-to-place or emerging commodity streams.
• Negotiate favorable terms, monitor vendor performance, and ensure timely collection of receivables in coordination with Accounts Receivable.
• Evaluate market conditions and competitor positioning (including other Goodwill agencies) to ensure maximum value for salvage and recyclable goods.
• Establish, track, and report on key performance indicators related to value recovery, landfill diversion, revenue, expenses, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure all operations comply with local, state, and federal environmental, safety, and transportation regulations.
• Maintain accurate and timely reporting on salvage sales, weights, trash hauling costs, and other operational metrics as required by leadership.
• Ensure incidents, near-misses, and property damage are reported timely and that corrective actions are implemented.
• Partner with Transportation, Retail, Aftermarket, and other departments to optimize the flow, processing, and end-of-life handling of donated goods.
• Provide training and guidance to retail and aftermarket leadership on salvage commodities, processes, and waste diversion opportunities.
• Collaborate with leadership on contingency planning, process improvements, and initiatives that support organizational sustainability and operational goals.
• Perform other duties as directed by management to support evolving organizational needs.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate professionalism, good judgment, and present a friendly, cooperative attitude.
• Ability to multitask, make quick decisions, adapt to change, and collaborate effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Adheres to all Goodwill Houston Policies & Procedures, Loss Prevention & Safety Regulations, and Goodwill Houston Guiding Principles.
• Must be punctual, maintain a professional appearance, and perform expected duties.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Must perform all duties according to Goodwill Houston safety procedures, maintain good housekeeping standards, and ensure all walkways are clear and free of clutter.
• Adheres to local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A master's degree in sustainability, environmental science, business, operations management, supply chain, or a related field is strongly preferred; relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• A bachelor's degree is required.
• Five (5) or more years of progressive experience in salvage, waste management, recycling, sustainability, or related operations is preferred.
• Experience managing teams, P&L responsibility, and vendor relationships is preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills with the ability to translate data into actionable improvements.
• Excellent computer skills (proficient in Microsoft Office, with strong Excel and data analysis capabilities).
• Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational, and time management skills.
• Valid Texas driver's license with a safe driving record and ability to travel between Goodwill Houston locations as needed.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for current or future employment. Goodwill Houston does not offer visa sponsorship for employment purposes.

Key Performance Indicators (KPI):

1. Exceed 80% of commodity sales (apparel and other commodities) above Goodwill South (GII region).
2. All sales to non-credit confirmed buyers are prepaid.
3. Reduce year over year percent of trash.
4. Expand vendor network.
5. Load planning coordination.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment:

• Regular twisting, bending, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. and, occasionally, lift/move items up to 100 lbs. (e.g., large bags of donations, televisions, furniture, etc.)
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
• Moderate indoor noise with periodic exposure to outside temperatures.