Manager, Sustainability and Circular Economy

• Monitor, interpret, and ensure compliance with North American sustainability regulations, including extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws and state-specific fees (e.g., California, Oregon, Colorado). Advise on emerging federal and provincial (Canada) policies.
• Develop and implement a roadmap for advancing circular economy principles, increasing PCR usage, and reducing environmental impact across the product lifecycle.
• Position the Airlite family of brands as an industry leader by publishing white papers, speaking at conferences, and engaging with CPG clients, retailers and contractors on sustainability trends and solutions.
• In collaboration with Airlite teams, partner with clients to design sustainable packaging solutions that meet retailer targets (e.g., recyclability, reduced virgin plastic use) and align with consumer demands.
• Drive R&D for sustainable materials and processes, including advanced recycling technologies and potentially biodegradable alternatives, while ensuring scalability and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with industry groups (e.g., Sustainable Packaging Coalition, Plastics Industry Association), regulators, and potential NGOs to shape policy and standards.
• Establish KPIs for sustainability goals (e.g., % PCR content, carbon footprint reduction) and provide honest and transparent results to customers and stakeholders.
• Ensure all sustainability claims are substantiated, compliant with industry standards to maintain credibility.
• All other duties as assigned.

• Deep knowledge of plastics recycling, PCR materials, and sustainable packaging technologies.
• Strong understanding of North American environmental regulations (e.g., SB 54/343, EPR frameworks).
• Analytical mindset for developing KPIs, lifecycle assessments, and sustainability metrics.
• Project management experience to lead cross-departmental initiatives.
• Capability to solve complex problems, utilizing strong critical thinking and decision-making skills
• Superior organizational skills and the ability to assemble resources needed to orchestrate multiple projects/activities and accomplish goals.
• Model a collaborative leadership style with the ability to build partnerships and influence others into action.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Outstanding presentation and facilitation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and consultative approach; tactful in dealing with people at all levels.
• Strong sense of urgency, self-motivated and positive.
• Flexible and adaptable; able to work in ambiguous situations.
• Ability to actively lead change initiatives.
• Display highest ethical standards.
• Maintain the utmost level of confidentiality in dealing with sensitive information.
• Detail oriented, with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, materials science, sustainability, chemical engineering, or related field; Master’s degree or MBA preferred.
• Minimum, five (5) years of experience in sustainability, preferably plastics, packaging or CPG industry.
• Proven track record in navigating EPR laws, recycling regulations, or circular economy initiatives.
• Experience working with retailers, CPG brands, or regulatory bodies on sustainability goals a plus.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This role does not have personnel supervisory responsibilities; however, this role includes working with cross-functional teams in a matrixed organization.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; stand; walk; use hand dexterity to operate office equipment including computer keyboards; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the office work environment is typically quiet; when visiting the production floor, the noise level may be loud.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Do you conduct yourself with unquestionable integrity?
• Do you demonstrate respect and appreciation for those around you?
• Are you innovative and strive to challenge the status quo?
• Do you strive for continuous improvement and to deliver the “wow” factor?
• Do you care about environmentally sustainable solutions?
• Do you take meaning and pride in a job well done?

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Company paid life insurance
• Company paid short term disability
• Generous 401k match
• Generous Time Off
• Annual company activities