Project Manager, Sustainability & Ops

Position Summary

Casella is seeking a qualified candidate to perform dedicated, onsite resource management and zero waste services for the State University of New York at Buffalo. As the primary liaison between University at Buffalo and Casella, you’ll champion innovative waste reduction strategies, foster strong partnerships, and ensure the successful execution of sustainability goals. This position is directly responsible for meeting all contractual sustainability objectives while overseeing day-to-day operations. Approximately 75% of your time will be spent on campus, immersed in client operations, with the remainder dedicated to coordinating with Casella teams, subcontractors, and leadership to deliver exceptional results.

Salary range: $65,000-$75,000

Key Responsibilities

• Direct management of all program obligations and activities.
• Responsible for maintaining strong relationships with all key-decision makers and program influencers while establishing new relationships as applicable.
• Understands all contractual obligations and is responsible for measuring and managing contract performance and execution and conducts associated client and company performance reporting.
• Monitors and informs stakeholders of program performance through applicable financial, service and volume reporting. Conducts weekly, monthly quarterly and annual meetings with applicable stakeholders to ensure alignment.
• Leads internal and external meetings associated with client program and Casella offerings.
• Effectively communicates information between all involved Casella operating entities, partners and stakeholders. Liaises activities, communication and all program efforts between parties – specifically operations and client stakeholders.
• Conducts waste, process and program audits to inform best practices and continuous improvement to advance program performance.
• Builds and implements education programs to assist client and Casella in helping stakeholders Recycle Better™. Leads facility tours.
• Actively leans on Casella expertise in operations, sustainability, 3 rd party environmental sourcing, strategic planning and growth, to maximize service innovation and capabilities for the program. Working with the team to assist in creating overall strategy for the client.
• Assists in identifying opportunities for continuous improvement on collection methods, increasing material values, material contamination, disposition, and provides insight and feedback about safety and development.
• Schedules material movements including MSW, metals, organics, non-regulated waste, and recyclables.
• Maintains safety as the center of focus by keeping up with equipment maintenance as needed and completing facility checklists.
• Cultivates partnerships and attends public events to create program awareness as well as to inform continuous improvement efforts.
• Demonstrates effective leadership skills by communicating clear goals, collaborating with team members on achieving goals.
• Participates in training, certifications and other learning opportunities to expand knowledge of the company, products, sales and services and performs any other duties needed to help drive our vision, fulfill our mission, and/or abide by our core values.
  
  

Education, Experience & Qualifications

The successful candidate will have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience with a minimum of 1-3 years’ experience in customer service and a history of succeeding in collaborative work environments. Relevant sales certifications, TRUE Zero Waste Advisor certification or a willingness to become certified and experience in environmental and/or sustainability industry is preferred. Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the United States, possess a valid driver’s license, and have the ability to travel 60% of the time with periodic overnight travel.

Strong interpersonal, selling, and negotiation skills along with excellent verbal, written, analytical and formal presentation skills are required. Demonstrated track record of sales success with the ability to qualify, develop, and manage business opportunities is key. Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications is required.

The University at Buffalo operates within a unionized environment. While not a requirement, prior experience working in a unionized setting could be beneficial for candidates in this position.

Attributes

Outgoing, customer-focused individual who has the ability to see the larger picture while focusing on detailed information and is adept at building and maintaining relationships, developing trust, and achieving business and sales results.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Disability Insurance, Maternity & Parental Leave, Flexible Spending Accounts, Discounted Stock Program, 401K, Employee Awards, Employee Assistance Plan, Wellness Incentive, Tuition Assistance, Career Pathways, and More.