Operations Manager - Processing

The Operations Manager – Processing, manages relationships with recycling post-collection facilities and processors. This role will oversee CAA’s reimbursement program for post-collection services, including material recovery facilities (MRFs), transfer facilities, and secondary processing. The Operations Manager - Processing will also collaborate with CAA Colorado teammates, the CAA national organization, and external stakeholders to on ramp new materials onto the Minimum Recyclable List (MRL) and invest in Colorado’s recycling infrastructure. This role will ensure workflows are managed to meet critical implementation, operational, and reporting deadlines. 

Key Responsibilities 

• With oversight from the Executive Director and guidance from contracted subject matter experts (SMEs), will manage tasks and workflows to ensure deadline, goals, and objectives are met for program implementation and recycling rate targets.
• Works in collaboration with the Executive Director, project managers, consultants and team to ensure CAA fulfills its obligations as the PRO for the Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide Recycling Act.
• Leads the post-collection request for reimbursement (RFR) process, qualification of service providers, and negotiation of reimbursement service agreements and statements of work. 
• Identify, implement, and participate in studies and pilot projects to test alternative transfer and processing methods and innovative technologies.
• Actively identify opportunities for innovation, improvements in processing standards, increased operational efficiencies, reduced residue, higher recovery rates, and higher commodity revenues. 
• Works in collaboration with the Claims team to review and validate the accuracy of service provider submissions, ensuring all claims are supported with the proper documentation and meet the reporting standards. 
• Where needed, coordinates on-ramping efforts with the other state and national teams.
• Report irregularities and service provider performance issues to management. 
• Understands and oversees standardized project documentation and logs (actions, issues, risks, key decisions).
• Plans, directs, implements, evaluates, monitors and forecasts budgets and costs in each work area to achieve financial objectives.
• Conducts risk assessments; reports identified risks to management; provides recommendations for mitigation of risk.
• Communicates and collaborates with project team and staff to coordinate training and information required to design, build and maintain programs, and systems.
• Works with the appropriate resources to ensure compliance with federal, state, local, industry, contractual, and company regulations, standards, specifications, and best practices.
• Manages information necessary for quarterly and annual reporting.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Skills and Competencies 

• Thinks strategically and executes operationally while balancing priorities and outcomes.
• Adept at influencing and leading change by envisioning, articulating and successfully executing operational strategies aligned to strategic objectives while focusing on long-term objectives and short-term priorities. 
• Build relationships and teams thanks to collaborative and respectful interpersonal skills. 
• Uses professional and effective judgment and decision-making skills rooted in logic and sound reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternate approaches, solutions, or conclusions. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, which may include Business, Engineering, Sustainability or related field required.
• 10+ years progressive experience leading recycling post-collection systems including types, specifications, operating standards, performance metrics and performance outcomes. 
• 10+ years demonstrated knowledge of post-collection residential recycling systems including transfer facilities, primary and secondary processing, recycling facility optimization, downstream processing, commodity markets, material and equipment specifications, operating standards and material audit specifications. 
• Experience developing RFPs, evaluation criteria, conducting technical and financial reviews, and contract RFP contract negotiation and award. 
• Experience analyzing, interpreting, and drafting material recovery and transfer contracts.
• 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. 
• Experience leading program innovation or start-ups preferred. 
• Successful track record with team leadership 

Physical Requirements:  

• Includes travel to meet with stakeholders, including local governments, transfer stations, MRF’s, and local businesses.

Compensation and Other Information: 

• Location: Initially Fully Remote (from CO).
• Salary is based on a variety of factors in accordance with applicable law, including the successful candidate’s relevant experience, skills, knowledge, and work location. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for medical, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance, retirement, and paid time off.
• 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 human resources at CAA.