Role Overview

This position will lead to oversee the development of recycling system expansion and optimization and will lead the strategy and development of collection and processing initiatives to achieve the recycling targets prescribed in regulations (e.g., increasing material access, supporting the use of new sorting and/or recycling equipment). Key materials targeted, include, but are not limited to flexible plastic packaging, small format plastics, PET thermoforms, and poly-coated containers.

The ideal candidate must combine strong operational background within the recycling industry, stakeholder management skills to ensure a successful relationship with recycling service providers and processing entities, and strong team leadership experience. This position will also oversee material data acquisition, especially through waste composition analysis (i.e. characterization), and would support downstream reporting requirements across multiple states in the U.S.

This role will report to the Chief of Staff at CAA.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Development

• Develop and implement holistic collection and processing strategies (by material) that raise material access and capture for targeted materials in all states where CAA is involved, including multi-year roadmaps and investment plans.
• Collaborate with other Program Planning and Operations teams on regulatory targets, exemptions, source reduction activities, and PCR targets.
• In collaboration with the CAA Chief of Staff, Executive Directors, state operations staff, the role will work with MRFs, secondary processors, and compost facilities to identify primary and secondary sortation best-practices to meet industry targets. Vet and champion new ideas to deliver transformation system changes in recycling to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
• Identify and implement primary and secondary processing solutions to improve bale quality in support of end market strategies developed by the end markets team. Drive and catalyze third-party investments in additional collection and sortation as required to meet statute targets.
• In partnership with states, support development of program plans for materials for new states outlining detailed strategies.
• Lead the evaluation and development of the alternative collection models for CAA including dedicated curbside collection, drop-off collection, take-back programs, mixed waste collection, and other strategies to complement existing curbside and commercial recycling.

State Execution Plan Support

• In support of state EPR programs, the VP will work with Executive Directors and state materials-leads to ensure annual state implementation plans for materials align with national strategies to solve materials challenges.
• Support states in development of coordinated action and operating plans to accomplish state goals and to ensure budgets align with expected industry costs.
• Support states in developing key strategies to work with MRFs to on-ramp materials and provide detailed guidance and analysis to enable investments to proceed at the state level.
• Support third-party large-scale investments that impact multiple states (i.e. secondary sortation) and drive alignment with the states.

Interest-Holder Engagement

• Responsible for engaging with recycling and materials trade associations, service providers, and other key interest holders to support materials collection and processing strategy development and implementation (in partnership with state teams).

Data and Waste Composition Analysis

• Develop CAA materials intelligence (i.e., how materials flow within recycling systems) in partnership with Data & Analytics.
• Design and oversee the development and implementation of CAA waste characterization protocols for inbound and outbound materials in different states.
• Develop and manage the budget for materials strategy collection and processing initiatives, ensuring that projects are delivered on time and meet key performance indicators.

Support Source Reduction Initiatives

• In collaboration with the VP of Circularity and Packaging Design, Executive Directors, and states materials leads; work with local interested holders to support collection and processing for reusable and refillable packaging in alignment with source reduction activities and strategies.

Team Leadership

• Oversee, manage, delegate tasks, and motivate a team of industry professionals to accelerate system performance improvement and investments, primarily focused on plastics.
• Set annual goals, lead team meetings, provide clear direction, ensure SOW’s are in place, and drive outcomes aligned with the schedules and needs of the business.
• Complete necessary performance reviews and other HR related tasks.
• Other job related duties as assigned.

Skills & Competencies

• Thorough knowledge of recycling collection, processing, and waste characterization principles and procedures.
• Experience implementing sortation improvements and increasing collection via various channels.
• Experience creating roadmaps, strategies, and operational plans to deliver long-term goals.
• Strong understanding of Extended Producer Responsibility.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and identify actionable insights.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and compliance.
• Ability to build, develop, lead and engage strong teams, with direct or indirect reporting lines including remote employees.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment for rapid pace and flexibility. Ideally understand and adapt to the startup nature of CAA.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering or equivalent.
• At least 10+ years of operational experience in MRFs or recycling facilities.
• 3+ years managing teams.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Driver's License with a clean driving history.

Compensation & Other Information

• Location: Fully Remote in the United States
• Pay Rate: Based on a variety of factors in accordance with applicable law including the successful candidate’s relevant experience, skills, knowledge, and experience.
• Reports To: Chief of Staff

Circular Action Alliance is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), national origin, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you require accommodation as part of the application process, please contact careers@circularaction.org.