Project Director / Senior Program ManagerThe Center for the Circular EconomyApply by November 15th, 2026Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis
Role OverviewThe Center seeks a Project Director or Senior Program Manager who brings strong strategic thinking, analytical rigor and client leadership to complex sustainability and circularity challenges. You will structure ambiguous business and technical problems, develop actionable strategies, lead multi-stakeholder initiatives and translate recommendations into programs with measurable real-world impact. The work combines the rigor and variety of consulting with direct involvement in implementation alongside leading companies, recycling facilities, technology providers and other industry partners.
This role is particularly well suited to someone with at least seven years of experience in management consulting, professional services, corporate strategy, engineering consulting or technical operations who has demonstrated the ability to independently lead complex projects and deliver high-quality outcomes. Projects may involve recycling infrastructure, material recovery technologies, financial and operational feasibility assessments and field implementation. Prior circular economy experience is welcome but not required. Successful candidates will be comfortable navigating unfamiliar technical subjects, working with specialized experts, building trusted client relationships and leading projects from initial strategy through execution.
We are considering candidates at the Senior Program Manager and Project Director levels, with the final title reflecting experience and demonstrated capabilities. Both roles require strong independent execution, with the Project Director taking greater ownership of overall strategy, complex initiatives, senior client relationships, budgets and team leadership.
Location: In-Office, New York City, NY
Salary Range:- Project Director: $150,000 - $175,000
- Senior Program Manager: $120,000 - $140,000
Target Start Date: January 2027, pending project launch date
This is a full-time, permanent position in our New York City office. Applicants are expected to start in January 2027, pending the project launch date. Outstanding candidates who require a later start date will be considered.
To apply, please submit your resume, work sample and cover letter. Due to the volume of applications, only qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview. Please do not contact Closed Loop Partners staff to request information or a pre-application meeting or to follow up on your submitted application.
ResponsibilitiesStrategy, Research and Technical Analysis- Structure ambiguous business, technical and environmental challenges into clear research questions, analytical approaches and actionable recommendations.
- Lead quantitative and qualitative assessments of recycling systems, material flows, recovery technologies and end markets to evaluate opportunities and identify practical solutions.
- Develop and oversee financial and operational analyses, including capital expenditures, operating costs, commodity values and return on investment, to evaluate project feasibility and inform investment decisions.
- Assess technical solutions and emerging technologies, working with equipment manufacturers, facility operators and subject matter experts to evaluate performance, costs and implementation requirements.
- Synthesize technical findings, market research and regulatory considerations into clear strategies, business cases and recommendations for corporate partners and other decision-makers.
Program Design and Implementation- Lead the design and execution of complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives in recycling, packaging and other circular economy areas, translating strategies into implementation plans, budgets, milestones and measurable outcomes.
- Oversee in-field research and technical testing, including material characterization studies, equipment trials, facility assessments and proof-of-concept projects.
- Coordinate with recycling facilities, equipment providers and technical experts to evaluate equipment configurations, operational requirements and opportunities to improve material recovery.
- Manage site selection and due diligence, vendor procurement, implementation planning and operational coordination for infrastructure projects.
- Develop performance measurement plans, evaluate field results and use technical, financial and operational data to refine programs and develop recommendations for scaling successful solutions.
Client and Industry Engagement- Build and manage relationships with corporate clients, recycling facility operators, technology providers, municipalities, industry associations and other partners to advance shared objectives.
- Lead client meetings, technical working sessions, workshops and multi-stakeholder discussions to align priorities, resolve challenges and advance decisions.
- Translate complex technical and financial findings into clear presentations, written recommendations and executive-level communications.
- Work with internal policy colleagues and external partners to understand regulatory developments, including extended producer responsibility and incorporate their implications into project strategies.
- Identify and engage industry experts and other collaborators to validate findings, address technical challenges and advance opportunities for implementation and scale.
Project and Team Leadership- Independently lead projects or major workstreams from initial strategy through execution, maintaining accountability for quality, timelines, budgets and outcomes.
- Develop project plans, establish priorities, manage resources and coordinate activities across multiple concurrent initiatives.
- Identify, engage and manage external consultants, technical specialists and vendors, ensuring their work meets project objectives and quality expectations.
- Lead and coordinate cross-functional project teams, providing direction, delegating responsibilities and supporting the development of junior colleagues.
- Anticipate and resolve project challenges, manage competing priorities and adapt strategies as new information and implementation needs emerge.
- Contribute to the development of new initiatives, project scopes, proposals and opportunities to expand the Center's work.
Required Qualifications- 7+ years of relevant professional experience in management consulting, professional services, corporate strategy, engineering consulting, industrial operations or similarly rigorous analytical and project leadership roles.
- Demonstrated experience independently leading complex projects or engagements from initial problem definition through analysis, recommendations and execution.
- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, including the ability to structure ambiguous challenges, evaluate competing approaches and develop actionable solutions.
- Strong quantitative and analytical capabilities, including experience with financial modeling, business case development, operational analysis or investment assessments.
- Ability to quickly learn unfamiliar technical subjects, evaluate complex information, work effectively with technical experts and translate findings into sound business recommendations.
- Experience managing client relationships and communicating directly with senior business leaders and external stakeholders.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop concise, compelling presentations, reports and recommendations for executive audiences.
- Demonstrated experience managing project plans, budgets, timelines, external partners and competing priorities with limited oversight.
- Experience leading teams or coordinating the work of colleagues, consultants and other project contributors.
- Advanced proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint and Word, with strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality deliverables.
- Demonstrated interest in sustainability and motivation to apply business and technical expertise to circular economy challenges.
Preferred Qualifications- Exposure to consumer goods, packaging, recycling, logistics, retail, foodservice or related industries.
- Experience with field pilots, consumer research, behavioral insights, supply chain operations or policy analysis.
- Familiarity with recycling systems, commodity markets or extended producer responsibility.
Occasional travel is required. Our projects span multiple disciplines, so the exact mix of responsibilities will vary. We welcome candidates who bring the core analytical and communication skills above even if they have not worked in every sector listed.
