Director – Material Strategy

Circular Action Alliance

. Develop and maintain material-specific strategy recommendations and implementation plans supporting recovered-material outlets and EPR requirements .

Posted 10/31/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesLead💰 $176,000 - $196,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and implementing material-specific strategies that align with EPR requirements and sustainability goals. Proficient in stakeholder engagement, project management, and data-driven decision-making within the context of sustainable materials management.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Bachelor's Degree In SustainabilityExtended Producer ResponsibilityCross-Functional Project LeadershipMaterials Systems KnowledgeData Collection And Performance Measurement

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Sustainable Materials ManagementMaterial Strategy DevelopmentEPR Program ImplementationPackaging DesignPerformance Measurement Processes

Soft Skills

Exceptional Communication SkillsInterpersonal SkillsOrganizational SkillsAttention To DetailCollaboration Skills

Industry Keywords

CircularityStakeholder EngagementEnd-Market SpecificationsUnique Challenge ExemptionsRisk Escalation

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and maintain material-specific strategy recommendations and implementation plans supporting recovered-material outlets and EPR requirements
Facilitate cross-functional planning among circularity and packaging design, collection and processing, and end markets teams
Align sortation, bale quality, and contamination interventions with end-market specifications
Translate end-market realities into design-for-recyclability strategy and recommend viable materials, formats, and components
Partner with state teams to align material activities with organizational strategies and escalate risks
Assess alignment with applicable EPR legislative and regulatory requirements and recommend adjustments
Plan and facilitate stakeholder engagement with producers, service providers, government entities, and other interested parties
Develop data collection, performance measurement, and evidence-based decision-making processes
Maintain critical materials documents, including Unique Challenge Exemptions (UCEs)
Track UCE performance, identify variances, and recommend interventions
Prepare analyses, implementation updates, risk escalations, and recommendations for the VP of End Markets and other internal leaders
Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in sustainability, environmental science, materials science, or a related discipline, or 10+ years of progressively responsible operational experience in sustainable materials management, material strategy, EPR program implementation, or related fields
Experience leading complex cross-functional projects or workstreams
Robust knowledge of materials systems and processes spanning packaging design, collection and processing, and end markets
Strong understanding of Extended Producer Responsibility
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate, influence without direct authority, and engage with cross-functional teams and external interested parties
Excellent organizational and project management skills, including prioritizing multiple workstreams and maintaining document consistency and accuracy
Attention to detail
Ability to work remotely from the United States of America