EPR Specialist III
Role Overview
We are seeking an organized, detail-oriented, and proactive EPR Specialist III to independently manage complex EPR operational workstreams and support strategic execution across the Program Planning and Operations (PPO) organization. This role is responsible for driving assigned workstreams from planning through execution, coordinating cross-functional stakeholders, managing risks, maintaining operational visibility, and supporting the implementation of processes that advance CAA’s EPR programs.
The EPR Specialist III is an experienced individual contributor who exercises independent judgment within established organizational priorities. This role is expected to lead defined workstreams, develop implementation approaches, influence cross-functional alignment, identify risks and interdependencies, and recommend solutions that support compliance, operational effectiveness, and timely execution. The role partners closely with Material Services, Compliance & Regulatory Affairs, Data & Analytics, Emerging States, and other internal stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead assigned operational workstreams for PPO, including defining tasks and timelines, sequencing work, managing dependencies, and tracking critical actions for CAA’s EPR programs.
- Independently establish workstream priorities, develop implementation approaches, and drive execution against organizational objectives and compliance requirements.
- Use knowledge of EPR, operations, and project management principles to make operational recommendations that improve execution and reduce risk.
- Identify emerging issues across assigned workstreams and proactively surface risks related to compliance, timelines, resources, and operational effectiveness.
- Exercise discretion and independent judgment in troubleshooting issues and blockers, determining practical next steps, and keeping work moving when priorities or timelines shift.
- Oversee governance mechanisms, performance tracking tools, decision documentation, and reporting processes for assigned workstreams.
Lead Functional and Cross-Functional Workstreams
- Serve as a central liaison across PPO and key functional teams including Data & Analytics, Material Services, Compliance & Regulatory Affairs, and Emerging States.
- Lead structured working sessions and operational meetings, including setting agendas, facilitating discussions, driving decisions, and documenting next steps.
- Act as an accountable party for assigned workstream outcomes, ensuring coordinated action across teams under an integrated work plan.
- Proactively identify interdependencies, competing priorities, and decision points that may affect workstream delivery.
- Influence the direction of assigned workstreams by aligning activities to organizational goals, raising conflicts for resolution, and recommending options to remove barriers.
- Prepare clear status updates, summaries, and materials for managers, leadership, or cross-functional partners.
Program Improvement and Optimization
- Lead the design, documentation, and implementation of operational processes that improve efficiency, accountability, and consistency.
- Evaluate existing workflows and identify opportunities to improve clarity of ownership, execution speed, and cross-functional coordination.
- Ensure processes align with organizational standards and regulatory requirements.
- Support adoption of tools, processes, and best practices across internal teams.
- Create or refine templates, trackers, standard operating procedures, and documentation to support durable operational practices.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong knowledge of EPR, circular economy, sustainability, environmental policy, compliance, operations, or related fields preferred.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex workstreams, integrated plans, timelines, and deliverables.
- Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion in addressing operational challenges.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to assess risks, identify options, and recommend practical solutions.
- Success coordinating cross-functional initiatives and influencing stakeholders without direct authority.
- Strong meeting facilitation, agenda development, decision tracking, and follow-up skills.
- Ability to manage performance metrics, trackers, dashboards, or reporting tools to support accountability.
- Intermediate data and analytical skills with ability to interpret trends, gaps, and operational signals.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to prepare leadership-ready summaries and recommendations.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
- Strong attention to detail, organizational discipline, and results-driven mindset.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or institution, or equivalent applicable experience.
- 4–6 years of progressively responsible experience in operations, program management, project management, sustainability, compliance, environmental policy, data analysis, or related work.
- Experience independently managing cross-functional initiatives, operational processes, or compliance-related workstreams preferred.
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: EPR Manager.
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
