Project Director / Senior Program Manager

Closed Loop Partners, LLC•New York, NY

2d•$120 - $175•Onsite

About The Position

The Center for the Circular Economy, Closed Loop Partners’ innovation arm, seeks a Project Director or Senior Program Manager to lead complex sustainability and circularity projects. The role calls for strong strategic thinking, analytical rigor and client leadership to structure ambiguous business and technical problems, develop actionable strategies, lead multi-stakeholder initiatives and turn recommendations into programs with measurable real-world impact. Work combines consulting-style analysis with direct implementation alongside companies, recycling facilities, technology providers and other industry partners. The position is suited to candidates with at least seven years of relevant experience who can independently lead complex projects and deliver high-quality outcomes. Projects may include recycling infrastructure, material recovery technologies, financial and operational feasibility assessments, and field implementation. Prior circular economy experience is welcome but not required. Candidates should be comfortable learning unfamiliar technical subjects, working with specialized experts and managing projects from strategy through execution. The Center is considering candidates at the Senior Program Manager and Project Director levels; the final title will reflect experience and demonstrated capabilities. Both levels require strong independent execution. The Project Director has greater ownership of overall strategy, complex initiatives, senior client relationships, budgets and team leadership. This is a full-time, permanent, in-office position in New York City. The target start date is January 2027, pending the project launch date; outstanding candidates who need a later start date will be considered. Occasional travel is required. Applicants must have U.S. work authorization. Salary ranges are $150,000–$175,000 for Project Director and $120,000–$140,000 for Senior Program Manager. Applications are due November 15, 2026, and 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 initial 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 the work of 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 is required.
Occasional travel is required.

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, to assess feasibility and inform investment decisions.
Assess technical solutions and emerging technologies with manufacturers, facility operators and subject matter experts, including performance, cost and implementation requirements.
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 assess equipment configurations, operational requirements and opportunities to improve material recovery.
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 their implications into project strategies.
Identify and engage industry experts and collaborators to validate findings, address technical challenges and advance implementation and scale.
Independently 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 work 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 project teams, providing direction, delegating responsibilities and supporting junior colleagues’ development.
Anticipate and resolve project challenges, manage competing priorities and adapt strategies as new information and implementation needs emerge.
Contribute to the development of new initiatives, project scopes, proposals and opportunities to expand the Center’s work.