Project Director / Senior Program Manager

Closed Loop Partners•New York, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Center for the Circular Economy at Closed Loop Partners seeks a Project Director or Senior Program Manager to lead complex sustainability and circularity projects. The role combines strategic and analytical consulting work with hands-on implementation alongside companies, recycling facilities, technology providers and other industry partners. Projects may address recycling infrastructure, material recovery technologies, financial and operational feasibility, and field implementation. Prior circular economy experience is welcome but not required. Both levels require strong independent execution. A Project Director takes greater ownership of overall strategy, complex initiatives, senior client relationships, budgets and team leadership. The final title will reflect the candidate’s experience and demonstrated capabilities. Responsibilities span research and analysis, program design and implementation, client and industry engagement, and project and team leadership. The role is based in the Center’s New York City office and requires occasional travel. This is a full-time, permanent position. The target start date is January 2027, pending the project launch date; candidates requiring a later start may be considered. Applicants must have U.S. work authorization. The application deadline is November 15, 2026, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Requirements

At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in management consulting, professional services, corporate strategy, engineering consulting, industrial operations or similarly rigorous analytical and project leadership roles.
Demonstrated experience independently leading complex projects or engagements from problem definition through analysis, recommendations and execution.
Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, including structuring ambiguous challenges, evaluating competing approaches and developing actionable solutions.
Strong quantitative and analytical capabilities, including experience with financial modeling, business case development, operational analysis or investment assessments.
Ability to quickly learn unfamiliar technical subjects, evaluate complex information, work effectively with technical experts and translate findings into sound business recommendations.
Experience managing client relationships and communicating directly with senior business leaders and external stakeholders.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including developing concise, compelling presentations, reports and recommendations for executive audiences.
Demonstrated experience managing project plans, budgets, timelines, external partners and competing priorities with limited oversight.
Experience leading teams or coordinating colleagues, consultants and other project contributors.
Advanced proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint and Word, with strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality deliverables.
Demonstrated interest in sustainability and motivation to apply business and technical expertise to circular economy challenges.
U.S. work authorization.
Ability to travel occasionally.

Nice To Haves

Exposure to consumer goods, packaging, recycling, logistics, retail, foodservice or related industries.
Experience with field pilots, consumer research, behavioral insights, supply chain operations or policy analysis.
Familiarity with recycling systems, commodity markets or extended producer responsibility.
Prior circular economy experience is welcome but not required.

Responsibilities

Structure ambiguous business, technical and environmental challenges into research questions, analytical approaches and actionable recommendations.
Lead quantitative and qualitative assessments of recycling systems, material flows, recovery technologies and end markets.
Develop and oversee financial and operational analyses, including capital expenditures, operating costs, commodity values and return on investment.
Assess technical solutions and emerging technologies with equipment manufacturers, facility operators and subject matter experts.
Synthesize technical findings, market research and regulatory considerations into strategies, business cases and recommendations.
Lead the design and execution of complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives in recycling, packaging and other circular economy areas.
Translate strategies into implementation plans, budgets, milestones and measurable outcomes.
Oversee in-field research and technical testing, including material characterization studies, equipment trials, facility assessments and proof-of-concept projects.
Coordinate with recycling facilities, equipment providers and technical experts to evaluate equipment configurations, operational requirements and material-recovery improvements.
Manage site selection and due diligence, vendor procurement, implementation planning and operational coordination for infrastructure projects.
Develop performance measurement plans, evaluate field results and use technical, financial and operational data to refine programs and recommend scaling successful solutions.
Build and manage relationships with corporate clients, recycling facility operators, technology providers, municipalities, industry associations and other partners.
Lead client meetings, technical working sessions, workshops and multi-stakeholder discussions to align priorities, resolve challenges and advance decisions.
Translate technical and financial findings into clear presentations, written recommendations and executive-level communications.
Work with internal policy colleagues and external partners to understand regulatory developments, including extended producer responsibility, and incorporate implications into project strategies.
Identify and engage industry experts and collaborators to validate findings, address technical challenges and advance implementation and scale.
Lead projects or major workstreams from initial strategy through execution, maintaining accountability for quality, timelines, budgets and outcomes.
Develop project plans, establish priorities, manage resources and coordinate activities across concurrent initiatives.
Identify, engage and manage external consultants, technical specialists and vendors, ensuring their work meets project objectives and quality expectations.
Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams, provide direction, delegate responsibilities and support junior colleagues’ development.
Anticipate and resolve project challenges, manage competing priorities and adapt strategies as information and implementation needs evolve.
Contribute to new initiatives, project scopes, proposals and opportunities to expand the Center’s work.