Global Sustainability Director, Climate Strategy & Transition

HUNT VALLEY, MD, US, 21031

McCormick & Company, Inc., a global leader in the spice, flavor, and seasonings industry, is seeking a full-time Global Sustainability Director, Climate Strategy & Transition. This new hire will work in Global Headquarters, in Hunt Valley, MD.

The Global Sustainability Director, Climate Strategy & Transition will report to a Chief Sustainability Officer.

McCormick & Company, Incorporated is a global leader in flavor with approximately 14,000 employees worldwide. With over $6 billion in annual sales across 160 countries and territories, we manufacture, market, and distribute spices, seasoning mixes, condiments, and other flavorful products to the entire food industry including e-commerce, retail,food manufacturers and foodservice businesses. Our most popular brands include McCormick, French's, Frank's RedHot, Stubb's, OLD BAY, Lawry's, Zatarain's, Ducros, Vahiné, Cholula, Schwartz, Kamis, DaQiao, Club House, Aeroplane, and Gourmet Garden. Every day, no matter where or what you eat or drink, you can enjoy food flavored by McCormick.

As a company recognized for its exceptional commitment to employees, McCormick offers a wide variety of benefits, programs, and services. Benefits include, but are not limited to, tuition assistance, medical, dental, vision, disability, group life insurance, 401(k), profit sharing, paid holidays, and vacations.

Position Overview

McCormick is seeking a Global Sustainability Director, Climate Strategy & Transition to lead the company’s enterprise-wide climate strategy and transition, driving delivery of the decarbonization roadmap across Scope 1,2, and 3 emissions.

The role is responsible for advancing the Climate Transition Action Plan, ensuring alignment with business strategy, regulatory expectations, and stakeholder priorities. The role will focus on practical, cross-functional action, coordinating delivery across Procurement, Operations, R&D, and Commercial Teams.

The Director will also lead climate scenario analysis, guide strategic decision-making on climate risks and opportunities, and ensure integration with broader sustainability priorities, including value chain resilience and regenerative systems.

The position reports to the Chief Sustainability Officer and partners closely with Supply Chain Operations and Procurement (Sustainable Sourcing), R&D, and other enterprise functions.

Key Responsibilities

Lead enterprise climate strategy and transition planning.

Own and continuously evolve McCormick’s Climate Strategy and Transition Action Plan. Own climate targets, including science-based targets and associated pathways. Ensure alignment with business strategy, regulatory requirements, and external stakeholder expectations.

Drive and coordinate cross-functional execution of decarbonization initiatives with clear, actionable roadmaps and milestones in partnership with the execution teams in Operations, Procurement, R&D and other functions that execute initiatives. Ensure interconnectedness of related topics (sustainable agriculture, sustainable packaging, biodiversity, water stewardship). Establish governance mechanisms to track delivery and ensure accountability.

Identify and enable value creation opportunities, including cost savings, risk mitigation, and customer-driven growth linked to climate initiatives.

Lead climate scenario analysis and risk integration for enterprise readiness.

Define and lead climate scenario analysis, assessing and setting actions for climate risk mitigation and adaptation.

Prepare data-driven strategic recommendations and risk mitigation plans for business resilience.

Establish and/or recommend company positions, policies, and standard operating practices, for material environmental sustainability matters or for emerging regulatory requirements. Create a glidepath for enabling compliance with current and emerging regulatory requirements company-wide for climate and other material environmental topics.

Partner to ensure accurate reporting of associated metrics in alignment with external frameworks.

Build external relationships and represent the company in prioritized external events and partnerships.

Identify opportunities to showcase thought leadership and represent the company in prioritized external events and conferences.

Develop partnerships with NGOs and industry groups to advance scalable solutions.

Stay ahead of emerging trends, standards, and innovations.

Build enterprise-wide capability and embed climate readiness into core decision-making.

Build climate literacy across the organization.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate decarbonization and risk mitigation considerations into business processes, product development, and decision-making frameworks. Develop tools, frameworks, and guidance to support investments and action.

Secondary Responsibilities

Support customer engagement on climate-related topics as needed

Contribute to enterprise sustainability communications and strategic initiatives

Provide input into broader sustainability priorities and cross-priority integration

Required Qualifications

Level of Education and Discipline         

BA/BS Environmental science, engineering, or related field

Advanced degree preferred       

Experience in climate, sustainability, or related strategy roles

Deep expertise in:

GHG accounting and Scope 1–3 emissions

Climate transition planning and decarbonization levers

Experience working in complex global supply chains and cross-functional environments

Strong understanding of:

Climate-related regulation

Industry standards (SBTi, GHG Protocol, TCFD/ISSB)

Interconnected issues (biodiversity, sustainable/regenerative agriculture, sustainable packaging)

Interpersonal Skills

Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives without direct authority

Strong influencing and stakeholder engagement skills

Ability to translate complex technical topics into business-relevant insights

Other Skills   

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Record of achievement in using effective influence and communication skills with individuals at all levels and functions.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience leading enterprise climate strategy or transition plans

Experience with climate scenario modeling or risk assessment tools

Background in food, agriculture, or consumer goods industries

Experience engaging with investors, customers, or external sustainability coalitions

#LI-BO1

 

Base Salary: $140,610-253,080

 

Base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, experience for this role, and/or internal equity of our current employees as part of any final offer. This position is also eligible to participate in McCormick’s Incentive Bonus (MIB) Plan/ McCormick’s Sales Incentive Bonus (SIB) Plan/ McCormick’s Dividend Program. In addition to a competitive compensation package, permanent employees of McCormick are eligible for our extensive Total Rewards programs that include:

 

- Comprehensive health plans covering medical, vision, dental, life and disability benefits
- Family-friendly benefits such as paid parental leave, fertility benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and caregiver support
- Retirement and investment programs including 401(k) and profit-sharing plans

 

McCormick & Company is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

 

As a general policy, McCormick does not offer employment visa sponsorships upon hire or in the future. 

WHY WORK AT MCCORMICK?

As a McCormick employee you’ll be empowered to focus on more than your individual responsibilities. You’ll have the opportunity to be part of something bigger than yourself—to have a say in where the company is going and how it’s growing.

Between our passion for flavor, our 130-year history of leadership and integrity, the competitive and comprehensive benefits we offer, and our culture, which is built on respect and opportunities for growth, there are many reasons to join us at McCormick.


Nearest Major Market: Baltimore