VP of ESG Strategy – Jacksonville, FL | CPG & F&B

Are you a forward-thinking leader with a passion for sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices? We are seeking a Vice President (VP) of ESG Strategy to join a dynamic Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) and Food & Beverage (F&B) company based in Jacksonville, FL. This key executive role offers an exciting opportunity to shape the company’s ESG vision, drive impactful initiatives, and ensure long-term success through sustainable practices.

Shape the Future of ESG in CPG & F&B

As the VP of ESG Strategy, you will be responsible for leading the development and execution of the company’s ESG strategy, aligning it with business goals and regulatory requirements. This role requires a visionary leader with expertise in sustainability, a deep understanding of the CPG and F&B sectors, and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders to drive positive environmental and social change. If you are committed to advancing ESG initiatives that create both business value and societal benefit, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

Key Responsibilities of the Vice President (VP) of ESG Strategy – Jacksonville, FL | CPG & F&B

ESG Strategy Development & Execution: Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive ESG strategy, aligning it with the company’s core business goals and values. Drive the creation of actionable ESG initiatives that deliver measurable impact across environmental, social, and governance areas.

Sustainability Leadership: Champion sustainability efforts across the organization by setting ambitious targets for reducing carbon footprint, waste, and water usage. Develop innovative solutions to promote sustainable sourcing, manufacturing, and product packaging within the CPG and F&B sectors.

Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate with senior leadership teams, operations, marketing, and supply chain departments to integrate ESG initiatives into all business functions. Ensure alignment with corporate goals and drive ESG adoption across the entire organization.

Stakeholder Engagement: Build and nurture relationships with key external stakeholders, including investors, regulators, NGOs, and industry groups. Lead transparent communication regarding ESG performance and goals, while influencing decision-making processes with ESG considerations.

ESG Reporting & Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant ESG-related regulations, industry standards, and corporate governance policies. Oversee the development of accurate and comprehensive ESG reports, providing data-driven insights and progress updates to stakeholders, investors, and regulatory bodies.

Talent Development & Culture: Foster a culture of sustainability within the organization by educating and inspiring employees to champion ESG efforts. Attract, develop, and retain top ESG talent, while promoting innovation and accountability at all levels.

Risk Management & Mitigation: Proactively identify and manage ESG-related risks, including reputational, regulatory, and supply chain risks. Develop risk mitigation strategies that protect the company’s long-term sustainability and growth.

Customer & Market Insights: Leverage consumer and market data to identify emerging trends in sustainability and ESG-driven consumer preferences. Guide the company’s product innovation and marketing strategies to meet the growing demand for eco-conscious and socially responsible products.

ESG Performance Metrics: Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for ESG initiatives, regularly reporting on progress towards meeting sustainability targets. Use data and analytics to drive continuous improvement and optimize the company’s overall ESG impact.

Strategic Partnerships & Advocacy: Represent the company in ESG-focused forums, conferences, and industry advocacy groups. Forge strategic partnerships with sustainability-focused organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders to drive broader systemic change.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the Vice President (VP) of ESG Strategy – CPG & F&B, the client seeks a dynamic, forward-thinking leader with a proven track record of developing and executing successful environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies. You should be passionate about sustainability and capable of leading transformative initiatives that drive positive change within the organization while aligning with broader business objectives.

Proven Leadership in ESG and Sustainability

The client is looking for an executive with a robust background in ESG and sustainability, ideally within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) and Food & Beverage (F&B) sectors. You should have a history of successfully leading ESG initiatives that align with corporate values and deliver measurable, impactful results. Experience in shaping and implementing sustainability strategies, reducing carbon footprints, and influencing business models is highly valued.

Strategic Thinker with Vision for Sustainability

As VP of ESG Strategy, you must demonstrate the ability to craft and execute long-term sustainability plans that integrate with the company’s broader goals. The ideal candidate will have experience identifying emerging ESG trends, anticipating regulatory changes, and driving innovation to meet consumer demand for sustainable products and practices. You should be adept at navigating complex ESG challenges while ensuring strategic alignment and continuous growth.

Strong Analytical and Financial Acumen

The ability to manage budgets, measure ESG performance, and drive financial impact through sustainability initiatives is crucial. The client seeks a leader who can balance financial objectives with environmental and social goals, optimizing costs while enhancing the company’s ESG profile. You should possess the expertise to measure ROI on ESG efforts and make data-driven decisions that contribute to both sustainability and profitability.

Ability to Build and Lead Cross-Functional ESG Teams

The client is looking for a leader who can inspire and lead cross-functional teams dedicated to driving ESG initiatives. You should excel at collaborating with diverse departments—such as operations, marketing, and supply chain—ensuring that sustainability goals are embedded across all areas of the organization. Experience in fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within an ESG-focused team is highly desirable.

Consumer-Centric ESG Leadership

A deep understanding of consumer behavior and the growing demand for ethical, sustainable products is essential. The ideal candidate will have experience in leveraging consumer insights to shape ESG strategies that not only improve brand loyalty but also enhance market share. Your ability to align sustainability efforts with consumer expectations will be a key driver of success in this role.

Strong Stakeholder and Investor Engagement

The client values a leader who can engage with internal and external stakeholders, including investors, regulators, and industry groups, to ensure the company is meeting its ESG objectives. Your ability to communicate the value of ESG initiatives effectively, using data and insights, will be key to securing support and fostering long-term growth.

Commitment to Compliance and Risk Management

The client is looking for a VP who has a strong understanding of ESG-related regulations, industry standards, and best practices. You should be capable of overseeing the implementation of compliance measures, ensuring that the company meets or exceeds legal and regulatory requirements while minimizing risks associated with environmental, social, and governance factors.

FAQs About the Role – Vice President (VP) of ESG Strategy – Jacksonville, FL | CPG & F&B

What are the key responsibilities of the VP of ESG Strategy in this role?

As the VP of ESG Strategy, you will lead the development and execution of the company’s ESG strategy, driving sustainability initiatives across the organization. You will oversee environmental, social, and governance efforts, ensuring alignment with business goals. Key responsibilities include setting sustainability targets, reporting on ESG performance, managing stakeholder relationships, and integrating ESG principles into every aspect of the business, from sourcing and manufacturing to marketing and consumer engagement.

What qualifications and experience are required for this position?

The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in ESG leadership, preferably within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) and Food & Beverage (F&B) sectors. A proven track record of successfully implementing sustainability initiatives, managing cross-functional teams, and influencing business practices is essential. Experience in regulatory compliance, financial acumen related to sustainability metrics, and a strong understanding of consumer preferences for sustainable products are important. An advanced degree in sustainability, environmental science, business administration, or a related field is preferred but not mandatory.

What leadership qualities are essential for this role?

The client seeks a visionary leader with strong strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. The ideal candidate should have a deep passion for sustainability and a proven ability to lead change across organizations. Key leadership qualities include the ability to drive collaboration, foster innovation, and align ESG initiatives with broader business goals. You should also possess a results-driven mindset and the ability to motivate teams to achieve ambitious sustainability targets.

What challenges can I expect in this role?

As the VP of ESG Strategy, you will face challenges such as navigating complex regulatory environments, balancing sustainability goals with business objectives, and managing stakeholder expectations around ESG performance. You may also encounter difficulties in scaling sustainability initiatives across various departments, ensuring consistency in ESG practices, and addressing evolving consumer demand for ethical and sustainable products. You will need to continuously adapt to industry changes and maintain focus on long-term sustainability goals.

What is the expected impact of the VP of ESG Strategy on the company’s growth?

The VP of ESG Strategy is expected to have a significant impact on the company’s brand reputation, market positioning, and long-term growth. By driving ESG initiatives, you will enhance the company’s sustainability credentials, strengthen consumer loyalty, and open new market opportunities for eco-conscious products. Your leadership in ESG will also help the company stay ahead of industry regulations and meet investor expectations around sustainability, ultimately contributing to business success and profitability.

What is the company’s culture and work environment like?

The company fosters a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment where sustainability is at the core of its mission. Employees are encouraged to innovate, collaborate across departments, and lead with a shared commitment to social and environmental responsibility. The culture is dynamic, values continuous learning, and prioritizes a strong sense of purpose. As the VP of ESG Strategy, you will have the opportunity to shape the corporate culture and influence the company’s sustainability direction while fostering a team-driven, inclusive atmosphere.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As the Vice President (VP) of ESG Strategy – CPG & F&B in Jacksonville, FL, you can expect a highly competitive compensation package, tailored to attract experienced leaders in the sustainability and ESG space. The remuneration for this role typically includes:

Base Salary
The base salary for a VP of ESG Strategy in the CPG and F&B industry varies depending on the size, revenue, and market position of the company. For a mid-to-large-sized organization, the annual base salary can range from $180,000 to $350,000. Larger corporations or high-growth companies may offer even higher salaries, reflecting the strategic importance of this role in their long-term sustainability goals.
Performance-Based Bonuses
In addition to the base salary, most VP of ESG Strategy compensation packages include performance-based bonuses. These bonuses are typically tied to ESG-related goals such as reducing carbon emissions, enhancing social impact, meeting regulatory compliance standards, and driving sustainability in product lines. Bonuses can range from 20% to 50% of the base salary, depending on individual and company performance.
Equity & Stock Options
Many companies offer equity-based incentives to align the VP’s interests with the long-term success of the organization. These could include stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), or performance shares. The value of these incentives can vary greatly depending on the company’s size and market performance, but they are designed to provide long-term financial rewards tied to company growth and profitability.
Profit-Sharing & Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)
Some organizations offer profit-sharing or LTIPs as part of the overall remuneration package. These plans reward sustained performance over several years and are particularly focused on the long-term growth and stability of the company. These incentives ensure that ESG initiatives are continuously prioritized for the benefit of the company’s future success.
Executive Benefits & Perks
The VP of ESG Strategy can expect a comprehensive suite of executive benefits, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) or pension plans with company contributions
- Executive retirement plans
- Company-provided vehicles or travel allowances
- Wellness programs designed specifically for executives
- Expense accounts for business development and networking
- Access to exclusive leadership events and conferences
Signing Bonuses & Relocation Assistance
For top-tier candidates with the requisite experience, companies may offer signing bonuses or relocation packages. These incentives are designed to attract high-caliber professionals and can range from $30,000 to $150,000, depending on the candidate’s experience and the company’s needs.

Total Compensation Potential

When factoring in the base salary, bonuses, stock options, and additional benefits, total compensation for a VP of ESG Strategy in the CPG & F&B sector can range from $250,000 to $700,000 or more annually. For high-growth or publicly traded companies, compensation packages may be even more lucrative, reflecting the critical role of ESG in their strategic direction.

How to Apply

If you are a passionate and results-driven leader with a deep commitment to sustainability and driving change in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) and Food & Beverage (F&B) industries, we invite you to apply for the Vice President (VP) of ESG Strategy role in Jacksonville, FL. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead an innovative ESG strategy that will drive long-term growth, environmental responsibility, and social impact within a dynamic organization.

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience in leading ESG initiatives, developing sustainability strategies, and your expertise in driving change within the CPG and F&B sectors. Be sure to highlight your track record of successfully integrating ESG principles into business strategies, managing cross-functional teams, and achieving sustainability goals that align with company growth.

This role offers the chance to influence an organization’s approach to sustainability and ESG while making a lasting impact on its future success. Apply today to take the next step in your career as a Vice President of ESG Strategy in Jacksonville, FL!

For more information or to explore similar opportunities, visit our ESG Executive Recruiters Page.

Job Category: CPG & F&B

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Jacksonville

VP of ESG Strategy – Jacksonville, FL | CPG & F&B