Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Manager

The Sustainability Manager leads and manages the organization's sustainability, recycling, zero-waste, and environmental compliance initiatives. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on operational oversight, including data analysis, regulatory reporting, training, and community engagement. The Manager collaborates across departments to improve operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and support organizational sustainability goals.

Duties And Responsibilities

1. Manage and oversee the daily activities of the Recycling and Sustainability Department to achieve departmental and organizational objectives in accordance with company policies and procedures.
2. Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of sustainability, recycling, landfill diversion, and zero-waste initiatives across the organization.
3. Supervise recycling operations including, but not limited to, e-waste, textiles, cardboard, metals, trash, salvage materials, and other recyclable commodities.
4. Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal environmental regulations, including but not limited to SB54, SB1383, SB350, SB1477, AQMD, Stormwater, Electronic Waste Collection, and other electronic waste and recycling requirements.
5. Maintain required permits, registrations, waivers, certifications, and regulatory documentation in a timely and accurate manner.
6. Conduct environmental, recycling, electronic waste, stormwater, and operational audits; implement and document corrective actions and continuous improvement benchmarks
7. Develop and maintain sustainability databases, reports, dashboards, and measurable KPI tracking systems related to recycling, landfill diversion, operational performance, and environmental impact.
8. Analyze sustainability and operational data to identify trends, improve efficiencies, reduce waste, and support strategic decision-making.
9. Investigate and implement cost-effective methods for managing, reusing, recycling, and diverting waste streams.
10. Identify, develop, and maintain relationships with recycling vendors, processors, landfills, transportation providers, and other sustainability partners.
11. Maintain current knowledge of trends, regulations, and best practices within the recycling and sustainability industries.
12. Collaborate with the Transportation Department and other internal departments to coordinate staging, loading, movement, and processing of salvage and recyclable materials.
13. Oversee operational administration including scheduling, payroll coordination, inventory tracking, budgeting, reporting, and record keeping.
14. Monitor departmental financial performance to meet or exceed revenue goals while maintaining budgeted expense objectives.
15. Coordinate with the Finance Department to ensure accurate and timely processing of accounts receivable and vendor-related transactions.
16. Manage vendor relationships, operational inquiries, sales activities, and resolution of customer or vendor disputes.
17. Ensure the proper maintenance, security, and accountability of company property, donated goods, equipment, and recyclable materials.
18. Develop and conduct sustainability, safety, recycling, compliance, and operational training programs for employees and program participants.
19. Deliver presentations and represent the organization at community events, conferences, committee meetings, and sustainability-related outreach activities.
20. Promote a safe working environment by ensuring compliance with all safety rules, regulations, and organizational policies.
21. Foster teamwork, collaboration, professionalism, and positive working relationships across departments and with external stakeholders.
22. Provide leadership, coaching, training, and support to employees, team members, and program participants to encourage growth, accountability, and operational excellence.
23. Support organizational sustainability goals by identifying opportunities to reduce environmental impact, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen community partnerships.
24. Drive on company business as required and maintain a valid driver's license and insurable driving record.
25. Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.