Klöckner Pentaplast (KP) is a leading global private equity owned, plastics packaging solutions business which produces films and trays that provide product safety, help avoid food waste, safeguard medication and medical devices and protect the integrity of countless durable products.
Founded in 1965, KP has 32 plants in 18 countries and generates approximately €2 billion in annual revenues.
The packaging industry is undergoing transformative change and in 2021, KP reached several key milestones in sustainability including:
Industry leadership in recycled content, in circularity with their Tray2TrayTM initiative, and with the launch of 'KP Next' recyclable blister films
Financing secured with interest rates contingent on key ESG metrics - the first loan of its kind in the US
EcoVadis Gold award and placement within the top 3% of plastic companies
In order to continue its sustainability journey, KP is seeking a new Vice President of Sustainability. The VP Sustainability will report into KP's Chief Transformation Officer and work to embed strategy and influence sustainability decision making at the very top of the business.
The role of sustainability is continuously evolving within KP and the business is seeking a VP Sustainability that can lead the way and challenge the status quo, according to emerging legislation, innovations and expectations, and work closely to deliver for investor and consumer markets. The role will suit a dynamic and commercially minded individual who can steer commitments towards action.
Current key priorities include:
To drive, influence and challenge while developing a robust and collaborative relationship with relevant executives and stakeholders on matters related to sustainability
Successful communication of KP sustainability commitments and efforts to internal and external stakeholders, through media, government bodies, sustainability reports
Keep track of external key trends and developments in the field of ESG and Sustainability and bring relevant insights to the organisation
Work closely with all sourcing functions to ensure an ethical, sustainable, environmentally-sound and resilient supply chain across all operating regions
Capacity build across operational and commercial teams to ensure that sustainability is embedded into strategic decision making and product innovations
The successful candidate will be a strong strategic, tactical problem solver and influencer with a "hands on" orientation, who will execute and further evolve the existing compelling vision and strategy.
To excel in the role, you will have:
Experience as a leader in sustainability within a relevant industry paired with a solid understanding of manufacturing, packaging and/or plastics
An ability to quickly understand a broad range of sustainability issues; possess a strong lateral and analytical thinking skills; accustomed to a high degree of rigour, accuracy, detail and complexity in a fast-paced, delivery oriented and client-centric environment
An effective communication style, able to present ideas concisely and articulately at all levels to influence and obtain buy-in, both in verbal and written communication
A track record of quantified impact delivery and of working with key stakeholder groups; from industry press and investor relations, to public and government affairs and policy makers
This is a chance for an experienced and well-networked sustainability leader to take a next step in their career with a PE backed business in a uniquely challenging industry, and put the sustainability agenda at the centre of their transformational journey. With a large and diverse client portfolio, KP's packaging solutions have the privilege to play a part in an array of corporate sustainability strategies across global leaders in commodities, food and healthcare.
