The Senior Vice President (SVP) of Recycling & Sustainability is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational performance, growth, compliance, and long-term sustainability initiatives of the company's recycling and environmental services operations. This executive leads recycling operations, sustainability strategy, commodity management, regulatory compliance, innovation initiatives, and customer sustainability partnerships across the organization.
The SVP reporting to the CEO & President, serves as a key member of the senior leadership team and is responsible for driving operational excellence, environmental stewardship, profitability, regulatory compliance, and strategic growth aligned with the company's long-term business objectives.
This role partners closely with Operations, Fleet, Maintenance, Safety, Sales, Municipal Relations, Landfill Operations, and Executive Leadership to position the company as an industry leader in recycling and sustainability.
Responsibilities of Position:- Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute the company's recycling and sustainability strategy
- Establish long-term operational and financial goals for recycling facilities and sustainability programs
- Identify opportunities for market expansion, innovation, and diversification of recycling services
- Lead strategic planning initiatives related to circular economy opportunities, diversion goals, renewable technologies, and environmental impact reduction
- Advise executive leadership on industry trends, commodity markets, environmental regulations, and emerging technologies
- Sustainability & ESG Leadership
- Lead company-wide sustainability initiatives and environmental stewardship programs
- Develop and track ESG-related goals and reporting metrics
- Partner with customers and municipalities on sustainability solutions and diversion strategies
- Oversee sustainability reporting and environmental performance initiatives
- Promote innovation in waste diversion, recycling technology, renewable energy, and circular economy solutions
- Required to participate in both private and public events promoting Rumpkes comprehensive recycling services by serving as a public speaker, member of waste and recycling industry associations, solid waste or state organization committee member and as a key partner in Rumpke bid opportunities to secure new contracts
- Financial & Business Performance
- Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets
- Monitor commodity markets and develop risk mitigation strategies related to recycled material pricing
- Identify revenue growth opportunities through new recycling streams, sustainability partnerships, and municipal contracts
- Lead capital planning for recycling infrastructure, automation, and processing technology investments
- Drive profitability while balancing sustainability objectives and customer expectations
- Operational Leadership
- Provide executive oversight of:
- Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs)
- Recycling collection operations
- Sustainability programs
- Leadership & Talent Development
- Lead and develop regional recycling leadership teams and facility management
- Establish performance expectations, accountability standards, and succession planning initiatives
- Build leadership bench strength within recycling and sustainability operations
Supervisory Responsibility:- This position will manage 11-20 employees
- This position will oversee and direct other managers
Skills & Abilities Needed for Position:- Strong strategic and operational leadership capability
- Advanced financial and business acumen
- Deep understanding of recycling operations and commodity markets
- Knowledge of environmental regulations and compliance requirements
- Strong executive presence and communication skills
- Ability to lead organizational change and transformation initiatives
- Experience leading large-scale operational improvement initiatives
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Ability to build strong relationships internally and externally
Experience & Knowledge Needed for Position:- 12+ years of progressive leadership experience in Waste management, recycling operations, environmental services and sustainability leadership
- 7+ years in senior executive leadership roles
- Strong experience managing multi-site operations and large operational teams
- Experience with MRF operations, commodity markets, municipal contracts, and sustainability programs preferred
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Environmental Science, Engineering, Sustainability, Operations Management, or related field required
- Master's degree preferred
Physical Requirements in a Regular Workday:- Occasionally lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling a max of 10 lbs
- Rarely lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling a max of 20 lbs
- Occasionally working outside
- Frequently working in changing temperatures, wet/humid conditions
- Frequently working in areas of dust, odors, mist, gases, and other airborne matter
- Occasionally stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling
- Occasionally climbing and/or balancing
- Frequently sitting/standing/walking
Additional Working Conditions/Aspects: - Possible exposure to high traffic conditions and/or tight driving areas
- Exposure to residential and commercial waste
- Ability to travel between offices, as required
- Ability to work flexible hours; expected to work nights and weekends as needed
- Legally eligible to work in the United States
- Valid driver's license (if applicable)
- Must successfully complete pre-employment testing
- Must be able to read and speak the English language
This job description is intended to describe the general nature, complexity, and level of work to be performed by employees assigned to this position and is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. It does not prescribe or restrict the work that may be assigned. Furthermore, this does not establish an employment contract and is subject to change at the discretion of the company.
