Sustainability and Strategic Initiatives Manager 1

Role Overview

Sodexo’s Campus Segment is seeking a Sustainability and Strategic Initiatives Manager 1 to join our team at the University at Albany. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate sustainability professional to lead and implement high-impact initiatives that reflect the shared values of Sodexo and UAlbany.

In this role, you will drive innovation and strategy while overseeing the daily execution of sustainability programs within UAlbany Dining. Focus areas include advancing plant-forward dining, promoting food systems equity, reducing food and packaging waste, and tracking carbon impact. You’ll work closely with culinary teams, suppliers, students, and campus partners to create collaborative, measurable, and meaningful progress across the dining program.

What You'll Do

• Lead all aspects of dining-related sustainability projects, pilot programs, and research initiatives focused on plant-based offerings, carbon impact, packaging reduction, and sustainable sourcing.

• Develop and implement strategic sustainability plans in partnership with UAlbany stakeholders.

• Coordinate and support major campus events and sustainability-themed programs.

• Collaborate with Executive Chefs and food distributors to grow local and regional purchasing year over year.

• Compile and analyze purchasing and operational data using tools like Microsoft Excel and Power BI.

• Track sustainable sourcing metrics and co-lead reporting in coordination with the UAlbany Dining Sustainability & Campus Partnerships Manager.

• Manage standing orders for local food and troubleshoot supply or logistics issues.

• Identify and develop new sustainable sourcing opportunities within the region.

• Provide resources, training, and guidance to improve sustainability performance at all dining locations.

• Facilitate key governance groups such as the DEI Committee, Local Purchasing Team, and Communications Committee.

What We Offer

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
• 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

What You Bring

• Knowledge of local food systems and regional agricultural supply chains.
• Experience working in or alongside higher education institutions.
• Familiarity with composting programs, carbon tracking, and packaging lifecycle analysis.
• 3–5 years of experience in sustainability, food systems, or university partnerships.
• Strong leadership, project management, and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience mentoring or supervising interns or student staff.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools such as Excel and Power BI.
• A genuine passion for sustainability, health, and community engagement.

Who We Are

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.

Qualifications & Requirements

Minimum Education Requirement: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experienceMinimum Management Experience: 0-3 yearsMinimum Functional Experience: 3 years