ABOUT US

The ABCL is the leading peak body representing Australia's non-alcoholic beverages industry. For over 75 years, the ABCL has been the only dedicated advocate for this sector, representing approximately 95 per cent of the industry’s production volume. Our Members range from Australia’s largest drinks manufacturers to small and micro beverage companies whose drinks are enjoyed nationally as well as around the world. These beverages include carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks, sports and electrolyte drinks, frozen drinks, bottled and packaged waters, 100% juice and fruit drinks, cordials, iced teas, ready-to-drink coffees, kombuchas, flavoured milk products and flavoured plant milks.

YOUR NEW OPPORTUNITY

The position of Sustainability Manager (Contract) is a unique opportunity for a committed individual to be responsible to contribute and drive the organisation’s sustainability agenda over the next 12 months. This involves deep collaboration and close alignment with Members and key stakeholders, and will include engagement with relevant industry bodies, subject matter experts and Government decision-makers.

The role will assist across sustainability related engagements and programs, ensuring coherence across ABCL Members and key stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

- Progress and enhance the existing ABCL’s sustainability agenda, both in the domestic and international landscape;

- Administrate and grow the ABCL’s landmark sustainability program, ESR30, particularly its education offering, to internal and external stakeholders;

- Secretariat of our Beverage Industry Environment Committee and the Packaging Reform and Resource Recovery Working Group, including assisting the Chairs to manage the industry’s issues’ agenda;

- Advocate for enhancements to, and assist members in, issues related to Container Deposit Schemes and packaging matters. This will include preparing reports, briefs, submissions and updates as needed;

- Develop,



promote and enhance key stakeholder relationships including relevant government representatives, agencies and non-government organisations and stakeholders in sustainability;

- Provide primary support to plan, manage and deliver ABCL’s sustainability strategy including through supporting the Communications Manager in communications, and media;

- Lead and provide subject matter expertise on key sustainability priorities and deliverables with stakeholders across broader industry, maintaining our position as thought leaders and experts across sustainability, including packaging and Container Deposit Schemes;

- Working with the sustainability and other relevant teams of our Members, to assist in issues related to packaging sustainability, container deposit schemes and ESG considerations; and

- Write reports, briefs, submissions and updates as needed. Provide input to regular e-newsletters, e-campaigns and the like with particular focus on sustainability.

Financial and Risk Management:

- Financial management of projects being undertaken within the sustainability pillar.

- Oversee and manage the application of ABCL’s risk management framework across the Sustainability agenda.

- Accountable for ensuring the effective implementation, monitoring of organisational policies across the Sustainability pillar.

Knowledge & Experience:

- Relevant experience in sustainability policies and practices. Experience in packaging policy will be highly regarded;

- A track record of influencing,



persuading and building confidence and trust with internal and external stakeholders to drive the ABCL’s key priorities in sustainability;

- Possess strategic thinking, creative solutions orientation, and planning skills and experience - able to see the ‘big picture’ whilst also possessing an eye for detail;

- Highly professional communications skills including external representation, presentation and engagement with senior stakeholders and media;

- Experience advising senior managers on complex internal and external priorities;

Skills:

- Ability to think strategically and to communicate effectively within the organisation and across the Membership more broadly about strategic priorities;

- Outstanding written and verbal communications, including cross cultural communications;

- Ability to project manage, including sticking to budgets and agreed timelines;

- Ability to represent the organisation as a leading and effective spokesperson;

- Well-developed analytical and conceptual thinking skills;

- As a minimum, be degree qualified in a relevant or aligned discipline.

Personal Attributes:

- Possess a collaborative working style with receptiveness to current ideas and a capacity to analyse those of value;

- Ability to work autonomously and as a member of a team;

- Willingness to engage with staff, Members and stakeholders to build cohesive relationships to achieve outcomes;

- Possess a dynamic problem-solving approach;

- Ability to negotiate different points of view with a commitment to improving the viability of our Members;

- Capacity for occasional travel;

- Ability to work flexible hours;

- Energised about ABCL’s role and in promoting our Members’ interests and products to our community in a truthful and ethical manner.

What we offer:

- Fun, dynamic, and fast-paced small team environment

- Hybrid work

- Generous leave

- Opportunities to grow, develop and mentor

- Convenient office location near major public transport options

📌 Sustainability Manager (Contract) (Waterloo)
🏢 Australian Beverages Council
📍 Waterloo