Recycling Operations Manager

The Manager, Recycling Operations leads the team that serves as ambassadors for the ARMA programs, working with registered processors and collection sites to enhance recycling practices.

They play a crucial role in maintaining excellence across 400+ collection sites and 30 processing facilities in Alberta.

They use strategic and practical methods to conduct regular inspections of collection and processor sites for compliance with ARMA requirements.

This role combines hands-on and strategic expertise and involves regular travel throughout the province for site visits and community events.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Management and Leadership

Collaborate with the VP Stewardship and internal teams to develop and implement programs, policies, and procedures to enhance the risk management framework;

assess and improve existing procedures

• Oversee inspection team operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards; provide necessary training, equipment, and resources (e.g., PPE, vehicles
• Mentor and develop direct reports, including job-specific training, professional development, performance management, and recruitment
• Act as the primary contact for collection sites and registered processors on compliance issues; track and resolve non-compliance issues and corrective action
• Review and discuss inspection reports; recommend follow-up actions to ensure compliance with program requirements and funding condition
• Communicate regularly with internal teams, especially the Director of Stewardship Programs, to manage non-compliance issues effectively
• Manage the department budget and ensure effective resource utilization.
• Report ongoing data and information collected by inspection staff to ARMA Senior Management.
• Assist the VP, Stewardship with external consultants and processors on special projects or audits; follow up on deficiencies from external reviews.
• Contribute to reviews of new processor applications and monitor performance at interim-approved facilities

Performance and Quality Manageme nt

• Optimize the operations of the inspection team and effective use of data and information collected through timely program analysis and reporting to ARMA operations leadership.
• Through a results-driven lens, optimize the program through regular review of inspection procedures for identifying, documenting, tracking, and following up on issues of non-compliance, ensuring efficient use of inspection resources.
• Develop, implement, and monitor a risk-based management framework and compliance process for the department.
• Develop risk management strategies and processes to complement the risk-based framework and investigation process to ensure compliance.
• Set targets and track progress towards achieving department and organizational goals and / or strategic priorities.
• Establish quality management and continuous improvement systems to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of collection services, including monitoring service providers’ performance against contracted metrics.
• Lead the interface between ARMA’s registered processors and collection sites.
• Actively identify opportunities for innovation, improvements in collection standards, increased operational efficiencies, and reduced residue to support the post-collection system

Building and Maintaining Relationships

• Represent ARMA to municipalities and recycling industry stakeholders.
• Maintain a client-focused approach with regular communication with collection site operators and facility management.
• Promote excellence across collection sites by sharing best practices and providing training.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with site and facility operators; ensure timely responses to feedback and concerns.
• Represent ARMA at community events and trade shows.
• Encourage processors to address and resolve service level issues proactively.

Other Duties

• Maintains an understanding of and adheres to Alberta Recycling policies, procedures, and standards.
• Contributes to a positive and safe culture by modeling organizational values.
• Performs other job-related duties and assists other team members as required

Experience and Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree, college diploma, or equivalent management experience in a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience leading recycling collection systems, including types, specifications, operating standards, performance metrics, and outcomes.
• Continuing education and professional development in project management is an asset.
• Advanced knowledge of contract management and vendor relations as a decision-maker.
• Courses in compliance or risk management are beneficial.
• Experience in assessing risk, interpreting it, and implementing risk management strategies to improve compliance.
• Strong understanding of ARMA programs and Alberta’s recycling industry.
• Excellent mentorship, organizational, and interpersonal skills; ability to lead through influence.
• Experience with local government or regional waste management is a plus.
• Strong time management, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build relationships and adapt to changing situations.
• Capability to prioritize tasks based on risk and value; relevant experience preferred.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Creative and analytical skills for data evaluation and program improvement.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; knowledge of Salesforce is an

asset.

High attention to detail

Additional Requirements

• Supplemental Insurance
• Driver’s Abstract

All employees are subject to pre-employment Background Check and employment is contingent upon successful clearance results.

ARMA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on any characteristic protected by law