Sustainability Specialist | KanPak | Penn Yan, NY

Golden State Foods

Salary: $75k - $85k
Experience: 3+ yrs
Location: Penn Yan, New York, United States
Job type: Full-time

Required skills

Environmental Management System
ISO 14001
GHG accounting

About the role

Description

ABOUT GOLDEN STATE FOODS
Golden State Foods is a distinguished leader in the food service industry, offering an extensive array of products and services to a diverse clientele. Rooted in the values of quality service and integrity, we are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where employees can advance, innovate, and contribute to our ongoing success.

ABOUT THE ROLE

KanPak, a Golden State Foods (GSF) company, is seeking a passionate and results-driven Sustainability Specialist to lead and implement site-level sustainability initiatives that support our 2030 environmental goals and long-term business strategy. This role serves as a key driver of environmental performance, operational efficiency, and associate engagement—acting as the site champion for sustainability.
The ideal candidate brings analytical strength, collaborative leadership, and hands-on experience translating sustainability strategy into measurable results within a manufacturing environment.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
Sustainability Strategy & Implementation
Serve as the site lead for sustainability initiatives and progress toward GSF’s 2030 goals
Partner closely with the GSF Corporate Sustainability Team to support system-wide initiatives
Collaborate with facility leadership to design and implement programs that reduce:
Energy consumption
- Water usage
- Greenhouse gas emissions
- Waste generation
Analyze facility operations to identify sustainability and operational improvement opportunities
Lead root-cause analysis and facilitate systematic problem-solving
Support project leadership by defining, financially justifying, and launching sustainability projects
Coordinate with project leaders to manage integration issues across initiatives
Provide feedback and recommendations to leadership on SOP improvements
Establish project measurement and tracking processes; deliver timely reports to stakeholders
Evaluate outcomes and impacts of implemented actions
Lead the development and implementation of an Environmental Management System (EMS) using ISO 14001 as a guideline
Investigate renewable energy opportunities (e.g., solar, wind, hydropower) in collaboration with Procurement

Collaboration & Engagement

Work cross-functionally with Operations, Corporate Leadership, Product Development, Safety, Sales, and other teams
Engage external stakeholders, including suppliers and customers, on sustainability initiatives and information requests
Develop and maintain facility-level sustainability policies
Create and deliver training programs to educate associates on sustainability initiatives and expectations
Establish systems to measure, track, monitor, and report sustainability metrics, including:
- GHG emissions (Scope 1, 2, and 3 where applicable)
- Energy consumption
- Water and waste reduction
Monitor progress toward long-term sustainability goals
Prepare and present reports to site and corporate leadership
Support internal and external communications that promote KanPak’s sustainability efforts

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

Social & Compliance Responsibilities

Maintain compliance with KanPak/GSF Code of Business Conduct, policies, management systems, and all applicable Environmental, Health, Safety, and regulatory requirements
Act in alignment with KanPak’s Creed and Values
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Sustainability, Engineering, or a related field from an accredited institution
Minimum of 3 years of experience in operations and/or environmental sustainability, including Environmental Management Systems
Knowledge of sustainable manufacturing practices
Hands-on experience with Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001 preferred)
Familiarity with Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas accounting
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks including standing, walking, bending, and reaching

Travel Requirements

Occasional domestic travel may be required

THE SCHEDULE & SETTING
Shift: 8a - 5p

Days, Mon-Fri

PAY & BENEFITS
Pay Range (Base Pay): $75,000-$85,000/YR

Health and Wellness: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, FSA, EAP, and voluntary insurance options
Retirement Benefits: 401(k)
Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid company holidays in accordance with policy and laws

To apply, click “Apply” and complete the online application.

WHY JOIN US
Golden State Foods (GSF) is one of the largest diversified suppliers in the food industry, manufacturing a range of products including sauces, dressings, condiments, syrups, and toppings for leading restaurant and retail brands.

Join GSF and grow your career with a global food industry leader who:

People First: At Golden State Foods, we are a dynamic community where your talents are celebrated and your ambitions are nurtured.
Values Driven: Our core values drive everything we do, fostering innovation, integrity, and excellence.
People Development: We invest in developing our people to prepare us all for the future.
Philanthropy & Sustainability: We support charitable and sustainability initiatives across the globe.
Extensive Benefits: We take a holistic approach to wellness, supporting the whole person.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

KanPak, LLC encourages diversity in the workplace; we are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minority/Female/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Disability/Veteran

Applicants only; No Recruiters please.

KanPak, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and, as such, affirms to recruit, hire, train, and promote, in all job classifications, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, sex, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.

KanPak will not discriminate against persons because of their disability, including disabled veterans, and will make reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of qualified employees and applicants with disabilitie

About Golden State Foods

Diversified supplier providing food processing and logistics services.

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