EPR Program Manager: Regulatory & Cross-Functional Lead

Recology; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan)

401(k) with match

Paid time off and holidays

Health and wellness benefits

Educational assistance

Commuting benefits

Employee referral program

Job summary

Recology is hiring a Regulatory Programs Manager to drive the implementation of EPR initiatives across CA, OR, and WA. You will manage day-to-day projects, monitor evolving regulations, coordinate PROs, and ensure compliant funding and reporting.

The role blends office collaboration with on-site requirements in a hybrid work setting. Required: 4+ years in regulatory/compliance, strong communication skills, and experience leading cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in environmental compliance, regulatory affairs, project management, waste and recycling operations, or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Public Policy, Business, Sustainability, or related field preferred.
• Knowledge of regulatory programs, compliance requirements, and project implementation practices.
• Ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into actionable business processes.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present information to diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, and work independently under general direction.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects and coordinating stakeholders to achieve business objectives.
• Experience managing complex projects involving regulatory, operational, financial, or compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs (including California SB 54, Oregon RMA, and Washington RRA) recycling systems, or producer responsibility organizations (PROs) strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates implementation of packaging EPR programs across California, Oregon, and Washington and plans for new and emerging EPR programs, including batteries, textiles, and other covered product categories.
• Tracks milestones, timelines, deliverables, and implementation progress across workstreams.
• Translates regulatory requirements into actionable business, operational, and compliance plans.
• Identifies risks, gaps, dependencies, and emerging issues; escalates as needed.
• Monitors regulatory developments, rulemaking activities, and evolving EPR program requirements.
• Participates in industry working groups, regulatory workshops, stakeholder meetings, and advisory processes to support Recology's implementation and compliance efforts.
• Coordinates cross-functional implementation teams and develops internal processes, guidance, and tools to support EPR program execution.
• Synthesizes regulatory updates and communicates impacts, action items, and business implications to stakeholders.
• Aligns EPR strategies, processes, and compliance approaches across multiple programs and states.
• Manages relationships and coordination with Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs), including responses to program requests and updates.
• Oversees EPR funding activities, including eligible cost tracking, reimbursements, reporting, financial documentation, and forecasting of anticipated funding impacts.
• Maintains tools, trackers, dashboards, and performance metrics related to EPR programs and funding.
• Reviews program plans, technical updates, agreements, compliance requirements, and jurisdictional exemption requests.
• Partners with Operations, Finance, Legal, and Government Affairs to assess impacts and ensure compliance.
• Coordinates reporting activities, data collection, required submissions, and cross-functional stakeholder engagement.
• Prepares leadership updates, implementation materials, meeting documentation, and follow-up actions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Project management

Regulatory affairs

Environmental compliance

Waste & recycling operations

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree (Environmental Science/Public Policy/Business/Sustainability)

Tools

Microsoft 365

Excel

PowerPoint

Teams

SharePoint

Job description

Recology is hiring a Regulatory Programs Manager to drive the implementation of EPR initiatives across CA, OR, and WA. You will manage day-to-day projects, monitor evolving regulations, coordinate PROs, and ensure compliant funding and reporting.

The role blends office collaboration with on-site requirements in a hybrid work setting. Required: 4+ years in regulatory/compliance, strong communication skills, and experience leading cross-functional teams.