Recycling Operations Manager

Circular Action Alliance

2d•Remote

About The Position

The National Recycling Operations Manager will be a critical, hands-on member of the CAA team, helping to design, implement, manage and continuously improve overall recycling and material-specific projects, programs and operations. The primary focus of the role is to advance activities that increase the collection, recycling and recovery of materials in the waste stream. Reporting to the National Director of Recycling Operations, this position serves as a key member of a team dedicated to ensuring states where our organization is the designated Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) achieve their recycling objectives. The role focuses on delivering high-quality service, optimizing recycling related outcomes, cultivating stakeholder partnerships, and driving operational innovation.

Requirements

Proven track record of managing high-impact projects that consistently met or exceeded waste diversion targets and sustainability milestones.
Strategic thinker who possesses extensive experience in project managing diversion-focused initiatives and a documented ability to fulfill complex recycling objectives and circularity mandates.
Leadership experience with a focus on empowering cross-functional teams and driving operational excellence through effective people management and motivation
Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder management skills. Adept at leading change, innovating operations, and fostering continuous improvement.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure, exhibiting resilience, adaptability, and composure.
Mission-driven professional committed to sustainability and circular economy principles.
Highly collaborative, proactive, and responsive to operational challenges and opportunities.
Bachelor’s degree in Sustainability or Environmental related field that includes both business and policy coursework.
At least five years of related experience in sustainability, recycling, circularity, waste management, or related field.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Support the National Director of Recycling Operations in deploying key material initiatives while identifying opportunities to optimize execution plans for maximum impact.
Oversee pilot projects and technical assessments related to recyclables recovery, processing efficiency, and contamination reduction while ensuring rigorous adherence to recycling regulatory compliance targets.
Drive continuous improvement and innovation in operational processes and technology through research, pilot projects and the use of waste characterization data.
Actively manage and cultivate productive relationships with key stakeholders, including recycling operation facilities, recycling equipment manufacturers, municipalities, contracted service providers, trade associations, end markets and internal team members.
Serve as an interface between CAA recycling operations, customers' supply chains, and strategic stakeholders, proactively resolving operational issues.
Ensure operational effectiveness and timely delivery of post-collection services by monitoring performance against defined KPIs.
Support the implementation of robust quality management systems to evaluate and enhance recycling operations, identify inefficiencies, and recommend improvements.
Support procurement strategies for recycling and post-collection services including collection, receiving, consolidation, transfer, and material processing.
Lead and support special projects, including research and consulting initiatives. Ensure special projects are completed within timelines, budgets, and align with strategic goals.
Regularly analyze operational data, generate accurate reports, and communicate insights to senior leadership to inform strategic decisions.
Collaborate enthusiastically with all internal team members to ensure activities across the organization are transparently communicated and strategically aligned.
Provide critical input and feedback to ensure strategies and tactics are well-position for success and mitigate operational, vendor, and commercial risks.
Other duties as assigned.