Senior Manager - Sustainability (Hybrid)

Description

At United, we take bold action. And our Government, Corporate and Environmental Affairs team are the driving force behind our efforts to make change happen! By working closely with the US government and coordinating grassroots advocacy efforts, our Corporate and Government Affairs team represents United on public policy and legislative issues. And our Environmental Affairs team is equally working hard to shape an environmentally sustainable future. Together these teams advocate for a cleaner, safer, and more optimistic future for our airline, our employees, and the millions of customers we serve all around the globe.

Job overview and responsibilities

Lead the development and delivery of United's voluntary and regulatory environmental disclosures, including the company's greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory and related public reporting. Manage initiatives that strengthen the accuracy, transparency, and timeliness of climate disclosures while reinforcing United's leadership in environmental sustainability.

Drive continuous improvement of business processes supporting climate disclosure and GHG inventory development, including automation, internal controls, governance, and portfolio management. Apply strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills to coordinate cross-functional teams and deliver high-quality disclosures on schedule.

Recommend strategies that ensure compliance with evolving regulatory requirements while using voluntary reporting to highlight business value and sustainability leadership. Collaborate with senior internal and external stakeholders to support successful execution and contribute to broader sustainability initiatives as needed.

This position is Chicago-based hybrid and requires 3 days in office weekly.

• Climate Disclosure Strategy and GHG Emissions Reporting:
  • Lead the coordination and execution of United's climate disclosure strategy across the company
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders to manage both voluntary and regulatory environmental reporting, including governance alignment, data collection and management, performance tracking, and external communications
  • Work closely with United leadership, business units, and external stakeholders to ensure timely, accurate, and high-quality disclosures
  • Oversee reporting across key frameworks and regulatory programs, including CDP, CSRD, IFRS sustainability standards, the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), RefuelEU, the EU Emissions Trading
  • System, United's annual Corporate Report, and relevant external rating agencies
  • Engage with industry organizations, investors, and other external stakeholders as appropriate, and support broader sustainability initiatives as needed
• Annual GHG Inventory:
  • Oversee the development, verification, and publication of United's annual greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory in collaboration with a direct report
  • Lead efforts to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and reliability of the inventory through automation and enhanced data management processes
  • Partner with Internal Audit and other key functions to design and implement strong internal controls and governance structures
  • Manage the third-party verification process and drive continuous improvement by applying best practices in GHG accounting and reporting
• Culture and Leadership:
  • Be solution-oriented and committed to a creating and sustaining a culture of continuous improvement and innovation
  • Model integrity, possess self-awareness and foster an environment of accountability
  • Provide transparent communication to department staff, leadership, and stakeholders
  • Establish individual goals that align with United's climate ambition: net zero carbon emissions by 2050
  • Use technical knowledge and experience to provide thoughtful decision-making and guidance in strategic implementation of United's climate strategy and program

• Bachelor's degree
• Bachelor's degree in environmental studies/policy, business management or related area
• Minimum of 5 years of sustainability experience in corporate environmental sustainability, with a focus on developing GHG disclosures; minimum of 3 years experience in project management and leadership
• Knowledge of and experience implementing GHG accounting methodologies
• Knowledge of and experience implementing climate reporting best practices
• Strong project management skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Strong presentation skills, with experience communicating to senior leadership and/or external audiences
• Skill in evaluating complex business challenges and developing pragmatic solutions
• Strong interpersonal and judgment skills to lead cross-divisional teams towards collective
• Proficient computer skills including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Ability to travel up to 10%
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship
• Successful completion of interview required to meet job qualification
• Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position

• Master's degree
• Master's degrees in business or environmental management or related area
• Strong experience in program management and quality control, Experience working in highly collaborative settings preferred
• Leadership and people management experience preferred
• Application of GHG accounting methodologies