Director, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Strategy & Systems Development

Target • Minneapolis, MN

39d • $131,000 - $236,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Working at Target means the opportunity to help all families discover the joy of everyday life. Caring for our communities is woven into who we are, and we invest in the places we collectively live, work, and play. We believe that what's good for people, the planet, and business can move together - and sustainability is at the heart of that belief. Through Target Forward, our enterprise sustainability strategy, we're designing for a more equitable and regenerative future - for our guests, our teams, and the planet. As part of Responsible Sourcing & Sustainable Capabilities (RSSC), you'll help shape how Target delivers on our sustainability ambitions. We're seeking an experienced and strategic Director, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Strategy & Systems Development to lead enterprise efforts with a strong focus on EPR readiness and deploying circular systems. In this role, you'll design and scale the strategies, systems, and partnerships that position Target as a leader in circularity - reducing waste, designing for recovery, and preparing for a dynamic global regulatory environment. You'll collaborate across business functions and influence how sustainability, data, and compliance are integrated into every step of Target's value chain. This position is ideal for a systems-oriented leader who can connect big-picture ambition with operational execution and is passionate about building the future of sustainable commerce at scale.

Requirements

• Proven experience leading EPR, sustainability, or circular economy initiatives in a large, matrixed organization.
• Strong understanding of materials, recycling infrastructure, and global regulatory trends relevant to EPR.
• Demonstrated success in building or managing compliance programs and data systems.
• Strong collaboration and influencing skills, with experience engaging cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Ability to translate complex regulatory and technical requirements into clear, actionable business strategies.
• Excellent communication skills and executive presence.
• Strong program management and delivery track record, with the ability to connect strategy to measurable outcomes.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with design for recyclability, traceability systems, or supplier engagement programs.
• Familiarity with ESG reporting frameworks, eco-modulation principles, and emerging global EPR regulations.
• Background in product development, sourcing, sustainability, or materials science.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of the enterprise roadmap for EPR readiness including compliance, data capture, registration, and reporting across categories.
• Build proactive internal team education on the topic and implications of EPR. Partner across Legal, Finance, Government Affairs, Packaging, Product Design and Technology to ensure proactive, transparent, and audit-ready systems.
• Maintain awareness of global EPR regulations and requirements, including U.S., EU, and other key markets relevant to Targets retail and wholesale footprint.
• Champion progress toward Target Forwards circular goals.
• Identify, pilot, and scale innovations that enable reuse, regeneration, and responsible resource use across product lines.
• Lead and influence prioritization and roadmap development for innovations that align to eco-modulation opportunities.
• Drive supplier and category engagement to embed circularity into decision-making and long-term business strategy.
• Work cross-functionally with Merchandising, Owned Brands, Sourcing, Supply Chain, ESG/Reporting, Packaging, and Product Development to integrate sustainability into day-to-day operations.
• Influence senior leaders and key partners to embed sustainability and EPR principles into core business decisions.
• Lead internal and external reporting for sustainability performance across prioritized categories.
• Develop transparent systems to track progress against circularity, material impact, and EPR compliance goals.
• Partner with Technology and Data & Analytics to build the digital infrastructure that supports EPR compliance and materials circularity, with emphasis on eco-modulation and global data requirements.
• Represent Target with NGOs, coalitions, and policymakers to help shape emerging EPR standards and best practices including measurement and reporting.
• Analyze external landscape and track emerging policy and legislation developments to inform and build Targets strategic approach to EPR.
• Build and manage engagements with key stakeholders, industry groups, peers and strategic partners to help cultivate meaningful relationships.
• Serve as Target's EPR and circularity subject-matter expert within RSSC, guiding category, packaging, and supplier teams across Owned Brands and enterprise functions.
• Contribute to developing future-focused sustainability capabilities and talent across the enterprise.

Benefits

• comprehensive health benefits and programs, which may include medical, vision, dental, life insurance and more
• 401(k)
• employee discount
• short term disability
• long term disability
• paid sick leave
• paid national holidays
• paid vacation

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Industry: General Merchandise Retailers
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees