VP - Material Services, End Markets

Role Overview

Working with CAA presents an opportunity to be on the front edge of recycling system innovations that will have a meaningful and lasting impact. As a member of the CAA team, you will support the organization’s mission-driven work with our Founding Members who are leaders in the food, beverage, consumer goods, and retail industries; companies (“producers”) whose packaging will be managed under these new laws; and a diverse array of stakeholders whose collaboration will be critical to delivering on the requirements of U.S. EPR laws and creating a circular economy for paper and packaging. We are looking for passionate, mission-driven, big thinkers to help us realize the full potential of the nation’s first EPR laws.

Role Overview

This position is a new role at the organization and will lead End Market strategy and development for CAA and as such will lead both design efforts and end market development strategies and initiatives to achieve the recycling targets prescribed in regulations (e.g. development and growth of responsible end markets to hit recycling rate and PCR targets). Key materials targeted, include, but are not limited to: flexible plastic packaging, small-format containers, PET thermoforms, and poly-coated containers.

The ideal candidate must combine strong operational background within the recycling industry, as well as stakeholders’ management skills to ensure a successful relationship with reclaimers and end market entities and will be measured based on growth and viability of end markets. This position will collaborate with the VP of Collection and Processing to ensure the end market development strategies align with collection and sortation strategies. 

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Strategic Planning for End Markets 

• Develop and implement detailed regional end market developmentandpostconsumerrecycled contentstrategies by material both for states and regions, in collaboration withcompanies andindustry groups
• Ensurecollectionandanalysisofexistingend market capacitiesdata, clarify needed capacity growth, and organize capacity growth by outlet/type/application.
• Create and manage multi-year investment and intervention plans for end markets by state, clearly defining CAA spend vs. outside third party spend.

• Identifycompanies that are ideal partners and lead engagement activities to drive investment.
• In collaboration with the CAA Chief of Staff, Executive Directors, stateoperations staff, and theVP for Collection and Processing,work to vet strategies and ensureend market strategies align with state needs and collection and sortation strategies.

Attract Capital and Develop End Markets

• Map andidentifykey partners and potential investors for new applications, new plants to take recycled materials, and new expansion opportunities of existing facilities.
• Map barriers to investment and overcoming unique barriers. This may include technical development work, specification development, trialing new applications, supporting pro-formadevelopment, etc.
• In coordination withVPofCollectionandProcessing,establishagreements withthird parties todrivenew investment inregional endmarkets,
• Coordinate activities with state and national teams within CAA to drive alignment and collaboration and to ensure state needs are met re: end markets.
• Identifyprojects, complete duediligence, and bring key investments forward consistent with our investment processes to the COS for approval.
• Identifypotential partnership opportunities, complete due diligence, and bring investments forward to COS for approval.

Offtake and PCR

• In collaboration withkey leaders within Program Planning and Operations,develop a clear strategy to increase PCR usage, which is connected and aligned with statute, roadmaps, and recycling rate goals.
• Champion expansion of PCR and new applications, drivingtangiblegrowth in the usage of domestic PCR.
• Partner with industry groups and trade associations focused on expansion of PCR andidentifyand execute on tangible activities to drive increased usage.
• Lead the organization efforts to support packaging design improvements including creating and reviewing industry design guides,providingappropriate guidance to producers, and aligning design changes with source reduction and other CAA strategies.

Responsible End Markets

• Develop the REM verification strategy, including ensuring the development and implementation of a National REM Standard
• Support the states in the REM verification implementation tailored to the requirements set in rules
• Establish strategic partnership with other organizations performing end market verifications to ensure harmonization
• Incollaborationwiththe VP of Data & Analytics,developendmarket reportingmechanisms

Team Leadership

• Oversee, manage, delegate tasks, and motivate a small team of industry professionals to accelerate end market development,primarilyfocused on plastics.
• Set annual goals, lead team meetings, provide clear direction, ensureSOWsare in place, and drive outcomes aligned with the schedules and needs of the business.
• Complete necessary performance reviews and other HR related tasks.
• All other job-related duties as assigned. 

Skills & Competencies

• Thorough knowledge ofpackaging materials and formats.
• Experience with developing end markets recycling solutions for materials.
• Strong understanding of Extended Producer Responsibility.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data andidentifyactionable insights.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and compliance.
• Ability to build, develop,leadand engage strong teams, with direct or indirect reporting lines including remote employees. 
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment for rapid pace and with flexibility. Ideally understand and adapt to the startup nature of CAA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor'sdegree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering or equivalent, or higher required.
• At least10+ years of operational experience in MRFs,reclaimers, or recycling facilities.
• Mustpossessor 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 factorsin accordance withapplicable law including the successfulcandidate’srelevant experience, skills,knowledge,and experience.
• Reports To:Chief of Staff 

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.