Senior Manager – Material Characterization

Circular Action Alliance

. Lead CAA’s California material characterization efforts, including implementation of the 2027 California statewide characterization study supporting California extended producer responsibility requirements for paper and packaging under SB 54 .

Posted 9/22/2026full-timeRemote • California • United StatesSenior💰 $150,000 - $170,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in material characterization, recycling systems, and environmental data management, with a strong focus on QA/QC processes and regulatory compliance. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage external partnerships, and develop operational strategies to support California's environmental initiatives.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Material CharacterizationQA/QC ProcessesRegulatory ComplianceOperational Process DesignLeadership in Cross-Functional Programs

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Data ManagementMethodological DevelopmentSampling ProtocolsAudit DesignContract NegotiationOperational StructuresEnvironmental Program StandardsAnalytical SkillsProblem-SolvingProject Management

Soft Skills

LeadershipCommunicationInterpersonal SkillsOrganizational SkillsCollaboration

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's DegreeMaster's Degree in Environmental Science or Related Field

Industry Keywords

California Extended Producer ResponsibilitySolid Waste ManagementRecycling SystemsEnvironmental Data ManagementContract Dispute Resolution

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead CAA’s California material characterization efforts, including implementation of the 2027 California statewide characterization study supporting California extended producer responsibility requirements for paper and packaging under SB 54
Oversee California-specific protocols for material composition audits, inbound and outbound sampling, audit design, and material category definitions
Ensure data collection, storage, reporting methodologies, and sampling locations meet QA/QC standards and maintain data integrity
Collaborate with CAA National departments and direct California material characterization operations teams
Propose and monitor QA/QC processes and methodological adherence
Oversee California characterization priorities, resource allocation, regulatory compliance, and operational needs
Integrate characterization results into modeling, reporting, policy frameworks, and program evaluation
Develop statewide sampling locations, operational structures, facility participation strategies, and vendor contract management
Manage procurement, evaluation, and award of RFPs for contracted services involving multiple bidders
Serve as primary contact with internal teams, external researchers, auditors, regulators, facility operators, CalRecycle, and other jurisdictions
Provide guidance and training on characterization methods, QA/QC procedures, and data management
Build California’s material characterization management function, including scope, priorities, organizational structure, and operating model
Develop operational processes, execution playbooks, audit center development plans, field workflows, SOPs, documentation frameworks, and reporting structures
Build and manage the California material characterization team, including staffing, recruiting, onboarding, and management of employees, consultants, and contractors
Build and manage external partnerships with auditors, sampling contractors, technical consultants, and facility operators
Lead research and innovation initiatives to improve characterization methods and data utilization
Facilitate benchmarking and comparison of characterization results with the Data & Analytics team
Report to the California Director of Recycling Operations

Requirements

What you’ll need

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
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