Role Overview
This position is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic assessment and performance management of end market recycling facilities with a primary focus on plastics and fiber. Working at the intersection of policy and operations, the Director will evaluate opportunities to develop and expand end markets and ensure viability of funded facilities. This role is critical to achieving our diversion targets and fulfilling our obligations under EPR regulations.
The Director of End Market Development is a position on the End Markets team within the Material Services department of Program Planning and Operations (PPO), which also includes Compliance & Regulatory Affairs (CRA), Data & Analytics (D&A) and Emerging States. This position will need to actively collaborate with other departments both functionally within PPO (especially with the Collection & Processing team also within Material Services) and cross-functionally with Finance to ensure the end market development strategies align with CAA overall strategies.
The ideal candidate must combine strong operational background within the recycling industry, as well as strategic thinking and results-oriented skills to develop and maintain a successful relationship with end market entities.
This role will report to the VP of End Markets at CAA.
KPIs
- Recycling capacity growth: year over years added recycling capacities for targeted materials
- Development pipeline execution: number and value of projects advanced through diligence to approval, and percent of multi-year investment/intervention plan delivered on schedule.
- Partner/investor engagement: number of strategic partnerships (MOUs/SOWs/offtake-related agreements) executed and maintained in good standing.
- Cross-functional delivery: interest holder satisfaction and on-time delivery of agreed end-market work products to state/national teams (e.g., strategy, investment plan, reporting mechanisms).
- Team performance: annual goals achieved, SOW coverage for planned work, and retention/development of direct reports.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Planning for End Markets Support
- Develop and implement a multi-year recycling infrastructure development and support strategy, clearly defining CAA spend vs. outside third party spend, aligned with organizational EPR targets and material-specific goals.
- Identify companies that are ideal partners and lead engagement activities to drive expansion and development activity.
- Analyze business cases, feasibility studies, and capital plans submitted by facility operators and service providers.
- Support the VP End Markets in establishing and maintaining relationships with recycling facilities’ executive teams
- Collaborate with other teams to ensure collection and analysis of existing end market capacities data
- Oversee third-party technical audits and environmental assessments as required.
Portfolio Management & Opportunity Tracking
- Structure and negotiate funding agreements, grants, and performance-based contracts with recycling facility operators (in collaboration with the National Reimbursement Office and the Finance department).
- Review and assess facility performance against key performance indicators (KPIs) as established in agreement
- Identify underperforming investments and develop remediation plans or exit strategies in collaboration with program plan operation and legal teams.
- Continuously assess the recycling infrastructure landscape for gaps and opportunities.
Interest Holder Engagement & Partnerships
- Map and identify key partners as well as potential investors for new applications, new plants to take recycled materials, and new expansion opportunities of existing facilities.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with organizations providing funding, partnership opportunities, and with industry trade associations
- Collaborate with internal teams including Compliance & Regulatory Affairs, Data & Analytics, Finance, and Legal to ensure development decisions are well-informed and coordinated.
- Represent the organization at industry conferences and government working groups, where applicable
- Perform other duties, as assigned
Skills & Competencies
- Deep understanding of EPR regulatory frameworks across U.S. jurisdictions
- Strength in business case analysis and risk assessment
- Technical knowledge of recycling end-market dynamics and process technology
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to synthesize complex technical, financial, and regulatory information
- Strong negotiation and contract management skills
- Experience with developing end markets recycling solutions for materials
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with interest holders at all levels of the organization
- Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and compliance.
- Ability to work in a dynamic environment for rapid pace and flexibility. Ideally understand and adapt to the startup nature of CAA
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a related field required.
- Advanced degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, Materials Science, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Public Policy, or a related field preferred
- 10+ years of operational experience in business development and expansion, ideally in recycling facilities or similar
- 3+ years of eadership experience required
- Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Driver's License with clean driving history
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: VP End Markets
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 listed below.
— Sarah J.
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Marketing Manager
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