As the Green Supply Chain and Sustainability continue to ratchet higher in the corporate consciousness, for an increasing number of supply chain professionals there will be opportunities to take positions that have specific titles and responsibilities for Sustainability.

Many companies, such as Wal-Mart and General Mills, have VP level positions around sustainability already. More will follow, and those VPs will build some staff underneath them.

Should you accept such a position if offered, or even actively seek such a role?

On the positive side, it will probably be considered a promotion and bring some increase in pay, maybe a nicer office, and in some companies you may even be considered as being on the “executive team.”

There will probably be a shortage of experienced talent in this area, meaning after a year or two on the job, opportunities will be available for even more pay at other companies, if you are so inclined.

I also suspect that for awhile, being the Green guy or gal will be a lot more pleasant job than slugging it out in the regular supply chain pits every day, trying to find a way to shave a few more pennies out of logistics costs or whatever. All upside and little downside. Everyone respects your cause, there will be lots of conferences to go to, etc.

On the other hand, no one knows exactly where this Green thing is headed. Sustainability roles may be considered “soft,” with little direct operational responsibility or control. In some companies, Green management positions, like others in your company (you know what they are), could be the place where the nice and modestly capable people go, never to return to real line positions.

So, my advice is this: having Green on your resume is probably a good thing and maybe a very good thing. There may be some who really do want to make a career of this. But for most, it should be thought of like a foreign assignment – put in your time for a couple of years, but ensure you have a path back to the main track as fast as you can.

I’d love your thoughts on this.