Senior Manager – Material Characterization

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California.

📋 Description

• Lead CAA’s efforts in material characterization across California, focusing on the execution of the 2027 statewide characterization study that aligns with California’s extended producer responsibility mandates for paper and packaging as outlined in SB 54.

• Supervise California-specific protocols related to material composition audits, including inbound and outbound sampling, central audit centers, audit design, and definitions of material categories.

• Ensure that methodologies for data collection, storage, and reporting conform to QA/QC standards while maintaining data integrity across various sampling locations.

• Collaborate with CAA National departments and directly manage California material characterization operations teams to oversee data recording, storage, and vendor management.

• Suggest QA/QC processes and monitor adherence to methodologies, ensuring performance aligns with CAA National standards.

• Direct California characterization priorities, resource distribution, regulatory compliance, and operational requirements.

• Incorporate characterization results into modeling, reporting, policy frameworks, and program evaluations.

• Develop statewide sampling locations, operational frameworks, facility engagement strategies, and vendor contract management plans.

• Secure and sustain participation from numerous facilities and oversee the procurement, assessment, and awarding of RFPs involving multiple bidders.

• Act as the primary liaison with internal teams, external researchers, auditors, regulators, facility operators, CalRecycle, and other jurisdictions.

• Provide guidance and training on characterization techniques, QA/QC practices, and data management methodologies.

• Establish California’s material characterization management function, encompassing scope, priorities, organizational structure, and operational model.

• Create operational processes, execution playbooks, audit center development plans, field workflows, standard operating procedures, documentation frameworks, and reporting structures.

• Build and lead the California material characterization team, including recruitment, onboarding, and management of employees, consultants, and contractors.

• Develop and manage networks of external partners, such as auditors, sampling contractors, technical consultants, and facility operators.

• Spearhead research and innovation initiatives aimed at enhancing characterization methods and data utilization.

• Facilitate the benchmarking and comparison of characterization outcomes in collaboration with the Data & Analytics team.

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree is required.

• A Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Waste Management, or a related discipline is preferred.

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in material characterization, recycling, or related fields of environmental data management.

• Demonstrated success in leading methodological development, QA/QC processes, and multi-site data initiatives.

• Experience in aligning regulatory guidance, compliance requirements, or standards of related environmental programs is preferred.

• Strong leadership experience in cross-functional programs that involve operations, data management, regulatory compliance, and coordination with external stakeholders.

• Proven experience in negotiating contract terms, pricing, and conditions with vendors, customers, or partners.

• Experience in managing relationships with suppliers, contractors, and service providers.

• Knowledge of contract dispute resolution, mediation, and enforcement procedures.

• Familiarity with pricing models, cost structures, and payment terms within contracts.

• Strong expertise in solid waste management, recycling systems, and material characterization techniques.

• Proven ability in designing and implementing operational processes, including QA/QC and data management within complex regulatory or operational settings.

• Robust analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to interpret intricate datasets for operational and policy applications.

• Excellent organizational, leadership, and project management skills.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities for collaboration with internal teams, government agencies, and external partners.

• Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment that supports the implementation of California programs.

• Ability to excel in uncertain situations, prioritize tasks, and implement actionable plans to meet program objectives.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

• Opportunities for professional development and training.

• Collaborative and inclusive work environment.