Operations Waste Picker Manager

Hr Genie; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading waste management company in South Africa is seeking an Operations Waste Picker Manager to oversee their Waste Picker Business Unit in Gauteng. The successful candidate will ensure financial and regulatory compliance, manage strategic partnerships, and drive sustainability initiatives within the recycling value chain. Candidates should possess a relevant degree, strong financial and leadership skills, and experience in waste management. This role also requires significant stakeholder engagement and travel. The position offers a negotiable salary based on qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• Experience in a technical specialist and managerial role within waste management.
• Proven ability to manage multiple business units effectively.
• Willingness to travel locally and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Waste Picker Business Unit and ensure performance delivery.
• Oversee collaborations related to waste picker payments and compliance.
• Ensure budget management and financial accountability.

Skills

Strong financial management

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Project management

Education

BCom or equivalent degree in Business, R&D, Environmental Management, Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Job description

OPERATIONS WASTE PICKER MANAGER – Midrand, Jhb

R******* R******* Per Annum Negotiable on Qualification and Years of relevant experience

Our client, a highly reputable and innovative Waste Management firm, is looking for an experienced and dynamic Waste Picker Operations Manager to oversee their national Waste Picker Business Unit.

The successful candidate will manage partnerships, ensure financial and regulatory compliance under the EPR framework, and lead initiatives that promote the integration and sustainability of waste pickers within the recycling value chain.

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to South Africa's circular economy and sustainability objectives.

You will play a key role in improving livelihoods, ensuring compliance, and driving impactful partnerships within the EPR framework.

This role requires strong financial acumen, operational leadership, and the ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders across South Africa and internationally.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the Waste Picker Business Unit, including strategic planning, target setting, and performance delivery.
• Oversee partner collaborations related to waste picker payments, contracts, and compliance.
• Ensure budget management and financial accountability for the business unit (formulation, monitoring, and adherence).
• Support strategy development and provide technical guidance to partners and buy-back centres on all plastic waste materials.
• Conduct site and area visits across South Africa to ensure waste pickers are properly registered and remunerated.
• Manage and sign contracts for waste picker payments with existing and new partners.
• Lead and coordinate monthly administrative and financial processes related to waste picker payments and incentives.
• Prepare and submit monthly progress and performance reports, highlighting key developments in waste picker integration.
• Ensure EPR regulatory compliance, aligning all operations with governance frameworks and funding requirements.
• Maintain strong relationships and communication with the PRO alliance regarding waste picker registration and compliance.
• Provide technical assistance to buy-back centres and partner organisations to optimise collection and recycling processes.
• Approve monthly reclaimer incentive fees in line with policy and budget.
• Lead and manage multiple concurrent projects, ensuring deliverables are achieved on time and within scope.
• Maintain effective communication with waste picker organisations and relevant industry stakeholders.
• Report directly to the Senior Manager on all activities and progress related to waste picker integration.

Qualifications and Experience

• BCom or equivalent degree in Business, R&D, Environmental Management, Engineering, or related field.
• Years experience in a technical specialist and managerial role within the waste management, recycling, or EPR environment.
• Proven ability to manage multiple business units and budgets effectively.
• Strong financial management and reporting skills.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and Power Point.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Willingness to travel locally and internationally as required.

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership, organisational, and project management abilities.
• Analytical thinker with attention to financial and regulatory detail.
• Comfortable engaging with diverse communities and foreign stakeholders.
• Results-driven, proactive, and adaptable in a dynamic environment.

To apply for this role, please forward a detailed and updated CV to