Sustainability & Quality Producer Lead (Hybrid)

Re Turn; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working with 2 days home per wk

23 days holiday + 2 company days

Pension scheme

Well-being portal / EAP

On-site parking

Canteen subsidy

Job summary

Re-turn is seeking a senior sustainability leader to drive packaging recyclability and circularity across Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme. You will lead the Producer team, shape Design for Recycling principles, and ensure new packaging meets sustainability and operational standards.

You will collaborate with producers, recyclers and regulators, influencing policies and driving performance through coaching, training and cross-functional initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or higher degree in a relevant field.
• Experience in sustainability, packaging, recycling, waste management or producer responsibility.
• Strong understanding of circular economy principles and packaging sustainability.
• Lead the Producer team, overseeing OKRs, HR processes, performance management and capacity planning.
• Experience engaging with external stakeholders to influence organisations.

Responsibilities

• Drive improved packaging recyclability and circularity across Ireland's DRS through producer engagement and design for recycling principles.
• Ensure new products/packaging entering the scheme meet technical, operational and sustainability requirements.
• Improve material quality outcomes by reducing contamination with producers, sorters and material buyers.
• Strengthen team capability via coaching, performance management and structured training.
• Support producer adoption of sustainable packaging innovations that enhance recyclability and recycled content.
• Provide leadership on producer-facing sustainability initiatives and align with national/European circular economy objectives.
• Influence implementation of emerging legislation, including PPWR and other producer responsibility requirements.
• Strengthen relationships with producers, retailers, recyclers and policy stakeholders as a trusted sustainability partner.
• Deliver robust quality assurance processes that maintain confidence in collected materials for food-grade recycling opportunities.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Project management

Education

Degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Engineering, Packaging Technology, Materials Science, Chemistry, Business, or related field

Job description

Re-turn is seeking a senior sustainability leader to drive packaging recyclability and circularity across Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme. You will lead the Producer team, shape Design for Recycling principles, and ensure new packaging meets sustainability and operational standards.

You will collaborate with producers, recyclers and regulators, influencing policies and driving performance through coaching, training and cross-functional initiatives.