Sustainability Associate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Mars, Incorporated is a global, family-owned business with a diverse portfolio spanning food, pet care, and other consumer products. Guided by its Five Principles, Mars is committed to building a better world through responsible business practices and long-term value creation.

By The Sustainability Grid Desk

Location McLean, Virginia, United States

Type Full-Time, Onsite

Salary USD 134,400 to USD 184,800 per year, plus bonus and benefits

Experience Senior Manager, 8+ years of relevant experience

Deadline Not specified

The company is investing in sustainability, responsible business, and stronger governance systems as it works to meet evolving environmental, social, and regulatory expectations across its global operations.

Mars is hiring a Sustainability Reporting Senior Manager to support the Sustainability Reporting Director in preparing for and complying with global mandatory sustainability reporting requirements.

The successful candidate will serve as a subject matter expert for the development, maintenance, and evaluation of Mars' Sustainability Reporting for Finance framework. The role will also involve developing supporting documentation, strengthening internal controls, identifying gaps, and guiding remediation to help ensure ongoing compliance with global regulations and reporting requirements.

This is a highly cross-functional position requiring close collaboration with the Sustainability team, Public Affairs, Corporate Controllership, business segments, Mars Global Services, and subject matter experts across the organization.

The position carries significant responsibility for project management, governance, risk, controls, and compliance. The successful candidate will be expected to take ownership of both the reporting process and its outcomes while driving continuous improvement.

Support Mars' preparation for global mandatory sustainability reporting requirements, with a particular focus on CSRD reporting during the first year.

Support progress across voluntary and regulatory sustainability reporting requirements while helping ensure that Mars maintains high standards of reporting quality, governance, and compliance.

Develop controls within the Sustainability Controls Implementation (SCI) program across relevant Environmental, Social, and Governance reporting areas.

Evaluate existing processes and controls, identify opportunities for improvement, and support the implementation of standardized and automated reporting processes where appropriate.

Coordinate with reporting owners and subject matter experts across the business to ensure strong governance, reliable controls, and high-quality data for sustainability reporting.

Identify potential reporting gaps and provide guidance on remediation, monitoring progress through to resolution.

Develop and manage the sustainability reporting calendar.

Coordinate reporting requirements across functions and ensure that key activities are delivered according to established timelines.

Lead and support global sustainability reporting initiatives, ensuring projects remain aligned with predefined timelines and objectives.

Identify potential challenges early, elevate issues when necessary, and coordinate stakeholders to keep projects moving forward.

Work with associates across Mars' global organization to develop, improve, and oversee sustainability reporting initiatives.

Partner closely with Sustainability, Public Affairs, Corporate Controllership, business segments, and Mars Global Services to build awareness and maintain compliance with reporting requirements.

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Sustainability, or another relevant discipline.

At least 8 years of experience in accounting, finance, IT, sustainability, risk, controls, or related functions.

At least 3 years of experience applying the relevant technical knowledge and skills required for sustainability reporting, controls, governance, or related work.

Experience working within a privately owned, global, decentralized organization.

Experience with sustainability reporting processes and controls.

Understanding of opportunities to automate and standardize sustainability reporting processes.

Knowledge of one or more of the following frameworks, standards, and regulations:

Experience in Big Four public accounting, consumer packaged goods, manufacturing, or service-based industries is an advantage.

A CPA qualification is preferred.

Strong functional, technical, and analytical skills.

Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage complex reporting and control environments.

Strong organizational and project management capabilities.

Ability to influence stakeholders without direct authority.

Ability to coordinate complex global initiatives involving stakeholders across multiple functions and geographic locations.

Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to identify, elevate, and resolve challenges efficiently.

A bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline is required.

An MS or MBA is considered an advantage.

A CPA qualification is preferred.

Mars offers an industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus opportunities.

The total compensation package may include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in a 401(k) plan, and paid time off benefits.

Employees also have access to learning and development opportunities from the beginning of their careers, including Mars University.

The role provides the opportunity to work with diverse and talented Associates while contributing to a purpose-driven organization focused on building a better future.

Sustainability reporting is rapidly moving from voluntary disclosure toward mandatory corporate accountability.

For a global company such as Mars, complying with frameworks such as CSRD and ISSB requires more than producing an annual sustainability report. It requires reliable data, documented processes, effective internal controls, clear ownership, strong governance, and coordination across the entire organization.

The Sustainability Reporting Senior Manager will play a critical role in building those systems.

By strengthening Mars' sustainability reporting controls and governance, this position will help ensure that environmental, social, and governance information is reliable, auditable, and aligned with evolving global regulatory requirements.

Mars is committed to creating an inclusive environment and providing equal employment opportunities.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration in accordance with applicable laws and without discrimination based on protected characteristics.

Mars also provides reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. Candidates requiring assistance or accommodation can contact the company's recruitment team.

Mars welcomes candidates to use AI tools to support application preparation, including CV development and interview preparation. However, candidates are expected to ensure that their application materials, responses, and demonstrations of competencies authentically represent their own ideas, experience, and abilities.