Sustainability Associate- Deforestation

Have a passion for doing what’s right? So do we. Because we don’t just keep our prices low. We’re also using our innovations to lessen the impact of our practices. In the past couple of years, we’ve sponsored health and wellness programs, embraced solar power and so much more. On our National Responsibility team, it’s as much about protecting our planet as it is our people – and your work will help do just that.

In this role the Sustainability Associate will be responsible for supporting ALDI’s efforts and engagements related to responsible sourcing of food and non-food products, work with teams across the business such as buying/procurement, legal, warehouse, and international sustainability, and manage data collection.  The ideal candidate will have an educational and/or professional background in relevant disciplines such as Sustainability, Supply Chain Management, Supplier Relationship Management, Responsibly Sourced Certifications, and Data Analytics. The objective of this role is supporting ALDI’s responsible sourcing and sustainability programs and maintaining compliance with all active, relevant regulations while providing thought leadership/project management on opportunities for further engagement. This role will be supporting certification management, company-wide commitments on deforestation, and focus on commodities of palm oil, timber, and beef.

Position Type: Full-Time
Starting Wage: $29.75 per hour
Wage Increases: Year 2 - $30.75 | Year 3 - $31.75 | Year 4 - $33.25
Work Location: Aurora, IL
This role is eligible to participate in ALDI’s Hybrid Work Program, which allows remote work up to 3 days per week (i.e., work remotely up to 3 days per week; work in-office at least 2 days per week).

Duties and Responsibilities:
Must be able to perform duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Provides general administration, word processing, data entry and filing support as required.
• Supports the development and delivery of Corporate Responsibility reporting, including internal and external benchmarking, content definition, collection, and development of ALDI’s action plans. 
• Acts as a liaison for the Buying department regarding Corporate Responsibility-related issues. 
• Acts as a liaison between sustainability sub-teams to direct leader and international teams as needed.
• Maintains and improves organization of research and media monitoring for Corporate Responsibility trends and competitor activity, sharing and discussing findings with the team.
• Develops knowledge and understanding of Corporate Responsibility topics and industry trends proactively. 
• Researches and analyzes multiple information sources.
• Collaborates with team members and communicates relevant information to direct leader.
• Complies with ALDI privacy and security requirements and policies if job responsibilities include possible access to confidential and/or sensitive information.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job-specific Competencies:
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Consistently demonstrates the Mindsets, ALDI Acts Competencies and Professional Skills (M.A.P.) as outlined for the role.
• Gives attention to detail and follows instruction.
• Ability to stay organized and multi-task efficiently.
• Ability to work both independently and within a team environment. 
• Establishes goals and works toward achievement. 
• Effective time management; maximizes productivity.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.  
• Prepares written materials to meet purpose and audience.  
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with internal and external parties.   
• Knowledge of accepted industry standards and practices.

Education and Experience:

• Associate's Degree in Business, Economics, Sustainability or a related field required.
• A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience required.
• Or, a combination of education and experience providing equivalent knowledge.

Physical Requirements:

• Work may be performed in an office, remote office or a combination of both where a computer and office equipment may be used as needed to perform duties.
• Regularly required to sit, reach, grasp, stand and move from one area to another.
• Constantly and repeatedly use keyboard/mouse.
• Occasionally required to push, pull, bend, lift and move up to 25 lbs.

Travel:

• Domestic travel required.
• Up to 10%.

ALDI offers competitive wages and benefits, including:

• 401(k) Plan
• Company 401(k) Matching Contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• PerkSpot National Discount Program

In addition, eligible employees are offered:

• Medical, Prescription, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Generous Vacation Time & 7 Paid Holidays
• Up to 6 Weeks Paid Parental Leave at 100% of pay
• Up to 2 Weeks Paid Caregiver Leave at 100% of pay
• Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life, Dependent Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance

ALDI is committed to equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. As a proud Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE), we do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, religion, sex, sexual stereotyping, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, pregnancy (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), or any other protected characteristic. Employment may be contingent upon ALDI's receipt of an acceptable and job-related drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.