Director of Sustainability, Procurement & Community Engagement - UK Lexington

Job Summary

Director, Sustainability, Procurement & Community Engagement

University of Kentucky Enterprise | Compass Group

Make an Impact Where It Matters

At Compass Group, we believe food can do more than nourish—it can strengthen communities, advance sustainability, and create lasting local impact. This role offers the opportunity to build a flagship, community-integrated sustainability model across the University of Kentucky enterprise while serving in a high-visibility position with executive and client exposure. It is a chance to deliver meaningful, measurable impact across a major enterprise account.

We are seeking a strategic, high-impact Director of Sustainability, Procurement & Community Engagement to lead sustainability, local procurement, and community engagement across a complex, multi-site operation.

This leader will shape strategy, drive execution, and build partnerships that elevate local Kentucky suppliers and community-based programs—creating visible results for the client, the business, and the communities we serve.

What You’ll Do

Lead Sustainability Strategy

• Develop and execute a comprehensive sustainability strategy aligned with client and company priorities
• Drive initiatives across waste reduction, responsible sourcing, energy, water conservation and food recovery
• Measure impact and deliver clear, compelling reporting to leadership and clients

Advance Local Procurement

• Develop and implement a strategy for utilizing local (Kentucky) suppliers across the enterprise
• Collaborate with Foodbuy, sector procurement leads, to onboard local suppliers, including facilitating access to Foodbuy's Grow with Us program and Supplier Accelerator Program

Drive Community Engagement

• Collaborate with the Kentucky Extension Network to advance community development initiatives, including participation in Bluegrass Buying Power (GPO) and food and wellness mobile truck programs
• Build and sustain partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders
• Integrate community engagement into sustainability programming to enhance overall impact

Influence & Lead

• Partner cross-functionally with operations, procurement, culinary, marketing, and leadership teams
• Serve as a visible thought partner and advocate for sustainability and community impact, inspiring stakeholders at all levels of the organization

What Success Looks Like

• Increased spend with Kentucky-based suppliers and growth in local vendor partnerships
• Expanded participation in community programs and measurable community impact
• Strong performance against sustainability KPIs and client expectations
• Elevated visibility of UK as a leader in sustainability and community engagement

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in sustainability, business, nutrition, hospitality, communications, or a related field
• Desired 8-10 years of professional experience in sustainability, project management, or hospitality industry operations
• Strong understanding of environmental regulations and sustainability best practices
• Project Management experience strongly preferred
• Good analytical skills with a strong attention to detail
• Advanced written and oral communication skills including public speaking
• Strong presentation and time management skills, strong management and outstanding interpersonal skills Culinary and/or food service experience preferred
• Experience working with the Kentucky Cooperative Extension and / Food Connection program is a plus