Senior Manager – Material Characterization

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

📋 Description

• Lead CAA's initiatives for material characterization in California, including the execution of the 2027 statewide characterization study to comply with California's extended producer responsibility requirements for paper and packaging under SB 54.

• Supervise California-specific protocols for conducting material composition audits, managing inbound and outbound sampling, designing audits, and defining material categories.

• Ensure that data collection, storage, reporting methodologies, and sampling locations adhere to QA/QC standards and maintain the integrity of the data.

• Collaborate with CAA National departments and direct the operations teams focused on California material characterization.

• Recommend and oversee QA/QC processes and adherence to methodologies.

• Manage California characterization priorities, resource distribution, regulatory compliance, and operational necessities.

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

• Develop statewide sampling locations, operational frameworks, strategies for facility participation, and management of vendor contracts.

• Oversee the procurement, evaluation, and awarding of RFPs for contracted services involving multiple bidders.

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

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

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

• Develop operational processes, execution playbooks, audit center development plans, field workflows, SOPs, documentation frameworks, and reporting systems.

• Build and manage the California material characterization team, including staffing, recruiting, onboarding, and overseeing employees, consultants, and contractors.

• Cultivate and manage external partnerships with auditors, sampling contractors, technical consultants, and facility operators.

• Lead research and innovation initiatives aimed at enhancing characterization methodologies and data utilization.

• Facilitate benchmarking and comparative analysis of characterization results in collaboration with the Data & Analytics team.

• Report directly to the California Director of Recycling Operations.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree is required.

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

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

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

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

• Strong leadership background in cross-functional programs that encompass operations, data, regulatory, and coordination with external stakeholders.

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

• Proven ability to manage relationships with suppliers, contractors, and service providers.

• Familiarity with contract dispute resolution, mediation, and enforcement processes.

• Understanding of pricing models, cost structures, and payment terms associated with contracts.

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

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

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the capability to interpret complex datasets for operational and policy applications.

• Excellent organizational, leadership, and project management skills.

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

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

• Ability to excel in ambiguous situations, prioritize effectively, and execute plans that achieve program goals.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.

• Collaborative and inclusive work environment.

• Engagement in meaningful projects that contribute to environmental sustainability.