[Hiring] Senior Manager – Material Characterization @Circular Action Alliance

Role Description

The California Material Characterization Senior Manager is responsible for leading CAA’s California material characterization efforts, including implementation of the 2027 California statewide characterization study in support of the state’s extended producer responsibility requirements for paper and packaging (SB 54). This position reports to the California Director of Recycling Operations and ensures methodological consistency, quality assurance, facility participation, audit center development, procurement coordination, and reliable reporting across characterization activities used to inform program implementation, reporting compliance, and operational decision-making.

The Senior Manager oversees California-focused sampling operations, auditing and reporting governance based on CAA National standards and protocols, develops and manages a team comprised of both internal staff and vendor contractors, and helps ensure alignment with applicable California regulatory and program requirements. This role directly supports and informs planning and operations by producing reliable, actionable data on material composition, recycling system performance, and program outcomes.

The position requires expertise in solid waste management, recycling systems, field execution frameworks and workflows, statistical analysis, QA/QC standards, vendor management and proposal awards, along with the ability to lead cross-functional work, collaborate with operational and data teams, and manage complex datasets. The California Material Characterization Senior Manager ensures that characterization efforts are accurate, actionable, and responsive to California policy, program, and operational needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Waste Management, or related field preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in material characterization, recycling, or related environmental data management fields.
• Proven track record of leading methodological development, QA/QC, and multi-site data initiatives.
• Experience aligning regulatory guidance, compliance requirements, or related environmental program standards preferred.
• Strong leadership experience in cross-functional programs involving operations, data, regulatory, and external stakeholder coordination.
• Experience negotiating contract terms, pricing, and conditions with vendors, customers, or partners.
• Experience managing relationships with suppliers, contractors, and service providers.
• Familiarity with contract dispute resolution, mediation, and enforcement.
• Understanding of pricing models, cost structures, and payment terms in contracts.

Requirements

• Strong expertise in solid waste management, recycling systems, and material characterization.
• Proven experience in operational process design and implementation, including QA/QC and data management within complex regulatory or operational environments.
• Robust analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex datasets for operational and policy use.
• Excellent organizational, leadership, and project management abilities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration with internal teams, government agencies, and external partners.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment supporting California program implementation.
• Ability to thrive in ambiguity, set priorities, and implement executable plans to achieve program objectives.

Benefits

• Location: Fully Remote - in the state of California
• 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: California Director of Recycling Operations

Company Description

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 [email protected].