Director Sustainability Innovation

Description

The Director of Sustainability Innovation will lead the identification, evaluation, and commercialization of breakthrough technologies that support Republic’s 2030 Sustainability Goals. Operating with cross‑functional agility, the incumbent will shape an innovation roadmap that moves the company from incremental improvements to high‑impact, value‑creating products through continuous discovery and delivery.

• Monitor global market and technology trends, establishing actionable networks of internal and external experts.
• Identify unmet customer needs and underserved markets to drive sustainable innovation.
• Develop and implement a technology innovation governance framework for screening, testing, and validating opportunities.
• Partner with Business Development to create business cases and support acquisition pipelines.
• Collaborate with R&D to discover and scale market‑led emerging technologies aligned with Republic’s core competencies.
• Design viable business models and commercialization strategies for new and mature innovations.
• Foster a culture of customer obsession, entrepreneurship, and innovation across the organization.
• Influence senior leaders to secure support for the company’s innovation agenda.
• Build and lead a high‑performing team of development managers, ensuring a robust talent pipeline.

Requirements

• Minimum 10 years experience in innovation identification, corporate strategy, or business development, with 5 years of management experience.
• 3+ years of executive‑level exposure and comfort working with board‑level committees.
• Strong knowledge of clean technology trends and analytical, financial, and project‑management skills.
• Proven track record of taking ideas to commercial success in high‑ambiguity environments.
• Excellent communication, presentation, storytelling, and cross‑functional influencing abilities.
• Ability to travel up to 50 % domestically and internationally.

Benefits

Republic Services values safety, commitment to service, environmental responsibility, results‑driven performance, and a human‑centered approach. The organization boasts an 86 % employee engagement score, a diverse and inclusive culture, and has earned recognitions such as Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable Companies and Great Place to Work.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Health care and dependent care spending accounts.
• Short‑ and long‑term disability insurance.
• Life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment coverage.
• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employee discount programs.
• Retirement plan with generous company match.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance