Recycling Operations Manager at Circular Action Alliance – Remote

Role Overview

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.

Key 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.

Skills & Competencies

• 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Sustainability or Environmental related field that includes both business and policy coursework. Master’s degree in related field preferred.
• At least five years of related experience in sustainability, recycling, circularity, waste management, or related field.

Compensation & Other Information

• Location: Fully Remote
• Pay Rate: Based on a variety of factors in accordance with applicable law including the successful candidate’s relevant experience, skills, knowledge and experience.
• Reports To: National Director of Recycling Operations

Circular Action Alliance is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), national origin, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you require accommodation as part of the application process, please contact careers@circularaction.org.