Job of the Month: Circular Economy Specialist, NatureWorks

Circular Economy Specialist

Organization: NatureWorks

Date Posted: 05/16/19

City: Minnetonka

State: Minnesota

Country: United States

Type of position: Full-time

Education requirement: Bachelor's degree

Experience requirement: 5-10 years

The circular economy specialist reports to and assists the senior circular economy manager with the development and coordination of projects, as well as liaise and collaborate with the industry association. The role also entails providing advice to both commercial sales staff and customers with questions around end-of-life (EOL) for packaging and products made from NatureWorks’ Ingeo and Vercet.

The circular economy specialist also provides technical assistance and public affairs support on issues around how compostable plastics can tie into the circular economy from an EOL management perspective. Working closely with industry groups and government regulators/policy makers in the public affairs space is another component of this position.

NatureWorks adheres to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation concept of the circular economy, which entails gradually decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources and designing waste out of the system. Underpinned by a transition to renewable energy sources, the circular model builds economic, natural, and social capital. It is based on three principles:

• Design out waste and pollution
• Keep products and materials in use
• Regenerate natural systems

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Circular Economy Liaison (75%)

• Support the commercial sales team and customers by providing insights into various EOL management methods and state and local packaging legislation/polices.
• Keep abreast of current developments, trends and practices in circular economy thinking, including new developments and innovations around composting, anaerobic digestion and recycling.
• Interface with composters, municipalities and regulators to collaboratively grow acceptance of compostable food service ware as a food scraps diversion tool.
• As assigned, represent NatureWorks in various working groups, industry associations and at conferences associated with growing the circular economy and increasing the recovery of food service packaging.

Projects (20%)

• Coordinate the development and implementation of research projects, case studies and white papers related to the role of compostable packaging in food waste diversion programs and as a feedstock going to composting facilities and anaerobic digesters.
• Monitor and participate in the development of policies and legislative initiatives that aid in protecting or in garnering greater acceptance of compostable and bio-based products and packaging.

Company Mission, Vision and Values Leadership (5%)

• Accountable for contributing to NatureWorks mission, vision and values.
• High level of ethical, intellectual, professional and personal values that complement the team.
• Ability to fit and excel within a dynamic company culture.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to a challenging and developing environment; willingness to take on new responsibilities as our business evolves.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in natural/environmental science or a related degree.
• Five – seven years’ work experience in solid waste management, composting, recycling or closely related field and/or experience in government affairs and/or related industry associations.
• Familiarity with the challenges and issues related to the composting, anaerobic digestion and recycling industries, especially as these relate to the packaging industry.
• General familiarity with the legislative process and regulatory requirements around composting, anaerobic digestion and recycling.
• Proficient with PowerPoint, Excel and Word software.

Knowledge, skills and competencies

• Knowledge and philosophical alignment with the concept of the circular economy and the ability to apply circular economy principles to assigned projects and programs.
• Project management experience with demonstrated success in managing both internal and external stakeholders.
• Adept in analyzing and interpreting data from in-house and third-party research studies.
• Demonstrated success in working with external stakeholders with an orientation to achieving win-win results.
• Excellent listening, diplomacy, facilitation and consensus building skills mandatory.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and sound judgement.
• Proficient at thinking strategically and acting on that strategic thinking.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including excellent presentation skills be it internally, with customers or in a public forum such as a conference.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. Being a team player is crucial.
• Ability to be flexible, adjust to fluctuating priorities and produce a reliable work product.
• Public affairs experience is desirable.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to travel frequently (up to 40% within North America) to represent NatureWorks at conferences and to meet with customers, project partners, other industry stakeholders and representatives from the recycling and composting industries.
• This position works in an office environment.
• Regular business hours; some after-hours work will be required on evenings and weekends.
• Requires use of office equipment such as computers, telephones and copiers.
• Required sitting and computer-related activities for extended periods of time.
• Ability to occasionally lift 10 pounds; will follow Company safety and ergonomic guideless to avoid injury.