Environmental Manager

Description

About Juanita’s Foods

Juanita’s Foods has been delivering authentic Mexican food to families across the country for over 78 years. Based in Wilmington, CA, we are a trusted manufacturer of shelf-stable sauces, beans, canned foods, and ready-to-eat products rooted in heritage, quality, and flavor. We are growing our team and looking for skilled professionals who share our commitment to quality, safety, and environmental stewardship.

Position Summary

The Environmental Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing the organization's environmental compliance programs, sustainability initiatives, and regulatory adherence. Reporting directly to the Director of Engineering, this individual will serve as the primary point of contact for all environmental matters, working cross-functionally to ensure that operations meet or exceed federal, state, and local environmental regulations. The Environmental Manager will oversee projects conducted by a team of environmental professionals and will collaborate closely with engineering, operations, quality assurance, maintenance, and executive leadership to drive continuous improvement in environmental performance.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

Compliance & Regulatory Management

• Ensure full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local environmental laws, regulations, and permit requirements (e.g., Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, RCRA, CERCLA, CARB, AQMD permits, water permitting, hazardous waste management, stormwater, etc.).

• Maintain and renew environmental permits, licenses, and registrations; collaborate with other departments and external consultants as needed to obtain documents and complete the process within regulatory timelines.

• Prepare and submit required regulatory reports and documentation on time, including but not limited to Wastewater Balance, Surcharge Report, CERs Submittal, and CARB; and collaborate with engineering, operations, maintenance, quality assurance, and other departments to obtain related documents.

• Monitor internal operations and regulatory developments and proactively update internal policies, procedures, and programs to remain in compliance.

• Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies, including but not limited to the EPA, state environmental departments, and local authorities.

Environmental Programs & Sustainability

• Design, implement, and continuously improve an environmental management system (EMS).

• Lead the organization's sustainability strategy, including carbon footprint reduction, waste minimization, energy efficiency, and water conservation initiatives.

• Develop and manage Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to aid the organization in meeting permit and regulatory requirements; collaborate with engineering, operations, quality assurance, maintenance, and executive leadership in creating and implementing SOPs.

• Develop and track key environmental performance indicators (KPIs) and report progress to the Director of Engineering and senior leadership.

• Champion environmental best practices across all departments and project sites.

Risk Management & Incident Response

• Conduct regular environmental audits, inspections, and risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential hazards.

• Develop and maintain spill prevention, control, and countermeasure (SPCC) plans and emergency response procedures.

• Lead investigation of environmental incidents, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

• Coordinate with engineering, operations, maintenance, and quality assurance teams on remediation projects and site cleanup activities.

• Conduct incident investigations and submit reports as required.

Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with the Director of Engineering and project teams to integrate environmental considerations into engineering design, construction, and operational planning.

• Deliver environmental training programs to employees, contractors, and site personnel to promote awareness and compliance.

• Support due diligence activities for new projects, acquisitions, and facility expansions.

• Collaborate with external consultants as necessary.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive experience in environmental management, compliance, or engineering roles.

• In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and California environmental regulations and agencies (e.g., EPA, CARB, SCAQMD/AQMD, Regional Water Quality Control Board, DTSC; CERCLA, RCRA, CWA, CAA, CAL OSHA).

• Experience managing environmental compliance in an industrial or manufacturing facility, including air, wastewater, hazardous waste, and stormwater programs.

• Hands-on experience with industrial wastewater/pretreatment and air quality permitting and reporting (e.g., permit renewals, discharge/surcharge reporting, AQMD permits to operate).

• Demonstrated experience managing environmental permits and interfacing with regulatory agencies.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Proven leadership ability with experience managing or mentoring technical staff.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing regulatory reports and executive-level presentations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in environmental science, Engineering, or related field.

• Professional certifications such as Certified Environmental Professional (CEP), Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM), or Professional Engineer (PE) license.

• Experience in food, beverage, or other regulated consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturing.

• Bilingual English/Spanish (the role delivers environmental training to plant employees and site personnel).

• Experience developing spill prevention, control, and countermeasure (SPCC) plans and emergency response procedures.

• Experience preparing sustainability reporting frameworks such as GRI, SASB, or CDP.

• Experience with environmental data management software and GIS tools.

Reporting Structure

This position reports directly to the Director of Engineering.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation Element Range / Detail Notes

Base Salary $130,000 – $160,000 Los Angeles, CA market rate (draft — pending internal equity review & final approval)

Annual Bonus Up to 10% of base salary Company performance + individual goals & objectives

Health Benefits Medical, dental, vision Company-subsidized

401(k) Company match included Vesting schedule applies

PTO 2.31 hours/week up to 120 hours/year (Year 1) Thereafter per Employee Handbook Per Employee Handbook after Year 1

Salary determinations are made based on qualifications, experience, internal equity, and geographic market data specific to the Los Angeles area. The above range represents the anticipated hiring range for this role.

Work Environment

• This is an onsite role which requires the incumbent to work at the Company’s physical location.

• Most of the work will be performed in a manufacturing plant setting with exposure to noise, temperature variations, and chemicals. 

• Willingness and ability to travel on a limited basis (up to 10%).

• Ability to work weekends, holidays and unscheduled shifts, when necessary, based on business needs.

Describe physical work tasks below. Frequency Chart (eight-hour workday):

1. Frequency of Activity Percentage of day Time

(Hours)

2. Minimal (M) 1%-5% 0 – 0.5

3. Occasional (O) 6% - 33% 0.5 – 2.5

4. Frequent (F) 34% - 66% 2.25 – 5.5

5. Continuous (C) 67% - 100% >5.5

Use frequency chart to indicate approximate time spent performing physical requirements.

ACTIVITY FREQUENCY ACTIVITY FREQUENCY

Bending/Stooping O Reaching (at/below shoulder) O

Carrying O Reaching (above head/shoulder) O

Climbing M Reading F

Driving O Repetition O

Gripping/Grasping O Sitting F

Kneeling O Squatting O

Lifting (1 – 10 lbs) F Standing F

Lifting (11 – 25 lbs)   M Twisting O

Lifting (25 – 50 lbs) M Typing F

Pulling M Walking F

Pushing M Writing F

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.