Recycling Processing Manager - CALIFORNIA

CIRCULAR ACTION ALLIANCE-posted 5 days ago
Full-time • Mid Level
Remote
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This role supports the Director of Recycling Operations on the management of funding and compliance obligations related to the collection and management of recyclable material across California under Senate Bill 54 (SB 54). The Recycling Processing Manager will assist in the review of infrastructure and processing reimbursement applications to Circular Action Alliance (CAA), the Producer Responsible Organization (PRO) selected by CalRecycle. This position is integral in establishing relationships with haulers, material recovery facilities (MRFs), transfer stations and other downstream processors, including engagement and communication with California jurisdictions, special districts, tribal governments and unincorporated county areas throughout the state. Reporting to the California Director of Recycling Operations, this role will ensure that CAA’s recycling strategy aligns with the needs of jurisdictions and service providers applying for funding. As such, this position will support the identification, onboarding, contracting and performance monitoring of recycling infrastructure across the state in need of funding to meet the targets of SB 54. The Recycling Processing Manager will also assist in the hiring and leadership of a regional team across California to develop, manage and maintain relationships and fully support interest holder and CAA initiatives. Additionally, the role will work with other CAA departments to ensure data flows from facilities (volumes, contamination, recovery rates, etc.) into the CAA auditing frameworks/standards/protocols, while collaborating closely across departments so that facility infrastructure investment and recycling abilities are accurately reflected in funding applications. The role includes significant oversight of metrics of throughput, quality (e.g., contamination rates), compliance with CAA’s Program Plan, and interfacing with interest holders. Additionally, the Recycling Processing Manager will also drive implementation of innovation in processing, pilot new technologies or operational models (such as advanced sorting, contamination reduction, end-market diversification, etc.) and provide leadership on capital and expense funding opportunities for facility upgrades. The candidate must bring facility operations expertise, strong vendor and contract management experience, analytical capabilities to interpret audit and performance data, and the sensibility required to align facility operations with broader EPR and end market recycling program goals.

  • Establish and maintain positive relationships with California’s solid waste and recycling haulers and processors, including local governments, tribal nations, non-profits, and private operators.
  • Oversee a regional team of specialists across the state to establish a network to assist interest holder program applications, infrastructure project endeavors and CAA’s recycling program initiatives.
  • Coordinate cross-departmentally to align facility engagement with program funding submissions and state compliance requirements.
  • Collaborate with internal teams to integrate material audit data into facility performance reviews.
  • Actively identify opportunities to innovate, improve collection standards, enhance operational efficiency, reduce contamination and increase access, participation, and overall collection rates.
  • Coordinate the timing and execution of any on/off-ramping strategies for materials outlined in CAA’s Program Plan.
  • Oversee pilot projects and technical assessments related to processing efficiency, contamination reduction, and recovery improvements.
  • Review and validate facility reimbursement or funding claims in accordance with CAA program policies.
  • Identify opportunities with jurisdictions and other parties for infrastructure investment and support the development of proposals for capital funding or upgrades.
  • Assist with the development and execution of transitioning paper and plastic packaging material that are not traditionally recycled in California to be commonly accepted curbside or through alternative collection methods.
  • Coordinate with CAA’s national teams to translate material strategies into state-appropriate timing and program solutions.
  • Conduct risk assessments; report identified risks to management and provide recommendations for mitigation of risk.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
  • Strong technical understanding of material recovery processes, recycling material commodity markets, and recycling contamination metrics.
  • Deep understanding of MRF operations, pre- and post-collection logistics, and recycling facility performance standards.
  • Experience managing vendor relationships and negotiating contracts.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to interpret material flow data.
  • Ability to translate technical findings into actionable policy recommendations.
  • Ability to think strategically and execute operationally while balancing priorities and outcomes.
  • Effective collaboration with key interest holders, serving as a resource to ensure successful delivery of services.
  • Ability to successfully execute areas of responsibility while ensuring work aligns with team goals.
  • Aptitude for influencing and leading change by envisioning, articulating, and successfully executing operational strategies aligned to strategic objectives while focusing on long-term objectives and short-term priorities.
  • Use of professional and effective judgment and decision-making skills rooted in logic and sound reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternate approaches, solutions, or conclusions.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a dynamic environment where change, growth and innovation are a constant
  • Experience working in a complex, multi-faceted environment with several competing priorities.
  • Skilled in cross-functional collaboration and interest holder engagement.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, SharePoint, and analytics dashboards.
  • Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Driver's License with clean driving history.
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, Waste Management, Industrial Engineering, or related fields (7+ years).
  • Familiarity with statewide recycling infrastructure and state recycling legislation.
  • Strong project management skills such as budgeting, scheduling, staffing.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication including the ability to brief non-technical audiences.
  • Able to build relationships using collaborative and respectful interpersonal skills.
  • Commitment to safety culture and continuous improvement.
  • Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Driver's License with clean driving history.
  • Prefer seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience in solid waste, recycling, or material recovery facilities (MRFs) with strong knowledge of facility operations, waste management, and materials recovery.
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