Director of Recycling Operations

Position Overview: 

The Director- Recycling Operations will be a critical, hands-on member of the CAA leadership team, overseeing and continuously improving recycling operations, with a primary focus on post-collection services including materials sorting, processing and downstream market management.  

Reporting directly to the VP of Material Services, this role will oversee a team responsible for effective service delivery, vendor management, stakeholder relationships, and operational innovation. 

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Support the VP of Material Services in developing material strategies for prioritized materials, and build out execution plans.
• Lead operational strategy execution to maximize efficiency and achieve regulatory compliance targets for recycling operations.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation in operational processes and technology through research and pilot projects and material auditing.
• Actively manage and cultivate productive relationships with key stakeholders, including municipalities and contracted service providers.
• Foster strategic alliances with downstream processors and end-market entities to increase material value, improve commodity market access, and enhance operational efficiency.
• Serve as a primary 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.
• Oversee and support procurement strategies for recycling and post-collection services including 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.
• Directly oversee and mentor a team including program managers and field service staff to ensure the efficient delivery of assigned responsibilities.
• Manage staffing levels, performance reviews, professional development, and succession planning to ensure organizational resilience and team effectiveness.
• Collaborate enthusiastically with HR to recruit, retain, and develop top operational talent.
• Contribute operational expertise to the annual budgeting and forecasting process, ensuring cost-effective and efficient resource allocation.
• Participate in developing comprehensive risk management strategies to mitigate operational, vendor, and commercial risks.

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Strategic thinking combined with hands-on operational execution.
• Proven leadership capability; effectively mentors, motivates, and manages high-performing operational teams.
• 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 capability 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.

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, which may include Business, Environment and Sustainability or related field required.
• At least ten years of related experience in recycling, sustainability or related field.