Manager - EPR, Maryland

Role Overview 
Seeking an organized, detail-oriented, and proactive manager to support our team in EPR program planning and regulatory compliance within the state of Maryland. This position includes administrative management and tracking of program plan submissions and amendments, data analytics, compliance and circular economy initiatives, strategic partnerships within the state, and ensuring alignment across teams within the organization. This role will also help maintain records, assist with reports, and support the team in various administrative tasks that drive our mission forward.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic and Organizational Planning Support:

• Help establish and carry out Maryland initiatives, plans, and work groups.
• Manage internal team meetings and cross team initiatives for Maryland
• Help identify and streamline operational processes to improve efficiency within the team.
• Onboard all new team members and ensure base understanding of systems, processes, and tools.
• Manage the ongoing training and learning initiatives for the team including lunch and learns and EPR training initiatives. 
• Assist the Maryland Program Manager in the management of regulatory meetings and coordination with CAA teams 
• Manage logistics, meeting planning and facilitation of in-state meetings and events.  

Manage the process for all Maryland Program Plan submissions including:

• Manage the process for Maryland Program Plan submissions including the workflows for program plan submission and all amendment submissions.
• Ensure all documents are developed, reviewed internally within the governance structure, and are submitted on time to comply with the plan submission deadlines.
• Monitor the schedule and process for internal and interest holder reviews of the program plan prior to submission.
• Manage the pre and post-submission review and approval process and timelines for all draft plans, amendments and final program plan submission to regulator. Includes ensuring Advisory Council and subcommittee(s) and ad hoc discussions and continued engagement until the program plan or amendment is approved.

Cross-Functional Coordination and Collaboration with Interested Parties:

• Coordinate closely across the various departments within CAA ensuring Emerging States regulatory topics and issues are raised and addressed between the departments to achieve broader team goals.
• Coordinate strategic partnerships with consultants and business partners providing services to the Emerging States team and Maryland team.
• Manage contracts and SOWs, ensuring projects are completed on time and on budget.
• Create meeting agendas, host meetings and track follow ups with consultants and internal staff to ensure deliverables meet the team’s needs and are completed on time.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment between tracking systems.
• Assist in preparing materials for meetings with government agencies (Ecology), businesses, and community organizations involved in recycling, composting, reuse, and waste reduction.

Data Analytics & Internal KPI management:

• Ensure key performance indicators (KPIs) in the Company Dashboard are on track.
• Assist in preparing regular reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders, highlighting performance metrics, trends, and areas for improvement.
• Monitor and track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to waste diversion and recycling, compost, and reuse program obligations.

Tracking & Documentation:

• Coordinate with CAA’s compliance team to maintain accurate records of all Maryland compliance documents, tracking forms, and other paperwork related to Maryland EPR statute and regulations.
• Ensure that all data and paperwork are up-to-date and compliant with applicable laws and internal standards.
• Assist in updating spreadsheets, databases, and tracking systems to ensure efficient workflow.

Program Support and Meeting Management:

• Assist with the coordination and implementation of various programs and projects aimed at supporting service providers, local governments, and interest holders in compliance with EPR laws.
• Support the team in maintaining communication with producers to ensure timely submission of required reports and documentation.

Assist the Emerging States team as needed for the onboarding of new state programs.   

• Assist the Emerging States division as needed for the readiness of new state programs
• No more than 10% of time available.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of Maryland’s packaging EPR law (SB 901 / Md. Code. Envir. §§ 9-2501 through 9-2512) and COMAR 26.04.14), including requirements for PROs, service providers, partners and the Maryland Advisory Council.
• Preferred understanding of EPR and packaging sustainability
• Basic data analytical skills, experience with Power BI
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, with Expert skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Project management principles and techniques and project management software.
• Effectively coordinating resources and meeting timelines.
• Coordinating activities with internal departments and external organizations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Proactive and results-driven mindset.
• Strong attention to detail.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or institution in an applicable field.
• 5+ years’ experience in an operations or administrative role.
• Management experience preferred.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Driver's License with clean driving history.

Compensation & Other Information

• Location: Remote from Maryland
• Residency: In-state, Maryland. Must reside in Maryland or be willing to re-locate to the state.
• 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: Maryland Program 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.