Operations Waste Picker Manager - Midrand, Jhb

Labournet; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading waste management firm is seeking an experienced Operations Waste Picker Manager to oversee their business unit in Midrand, Jhb. The candidate will manage partnerships and ensure compliance under the EPR framework. Responsibilities include strategic planning, budget management, and stakeholder engagement. Strong financial acumen and leadership skills are required. This role contributes to South Africa's sustainability objectives and offers a negotiable salary based on experience.

Qualifications

• 5‑10 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.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Waste Picker Business Unit, including strategic planning, target setting, and performance delivery.
• Ensure budget management and financial accountability for the business unit.
• Lead and coordinate monthly administrative and financial processes related to waste picker payments.

Skills

Financial management

Stakeholder engagement

Operational leadership

Analytical skills

Education

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

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

OPERATIONS WASTE PICKER MANAGER - Midrand, Jhb R

• Per Annum Negotiable on Qualification and Years of relevant experience Our client, a highly reputable and innovative Waste Management firm 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.

5‑10 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 PowerPoint.

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 Lameez Herborn and Andrea Jones.