OPERATIONS WASTE PICKER MANAGER - Midrand, Jhb

Labournet; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Waste Management firm in Johannesburg seeks an experienced Operations Waste Picker Manager to oversee national Waste Picker operations. The successful candidate will manage partnerships, ensure compliance, and lead initiatives promoting sustainability in the recycling value chain. Applicants should have a relevant degree and substantial experience in the waste management sector. This role offers significant opportunities to contribute to South Africa’s circular economy.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years’ experience in waste management or recycling.
• Proven ability to manage multiple business units and budgets.
• Strong reporting skills.
• Willingness to travel locally and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Waste Picker Business Unit and ensure performance delivery.
• Oversee partnerships for waste picker payments and compliance.
• Ensure budget management and financial accountability.
• Conduct site visits across South Africa.
• Lead monthly administrative and financial processes.

Skills

Financial management

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Education

BCom or equivalent degree in Business or Environmental Management

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Job description

OPERATIONS WASTE PICKER MANAGER - Midrand, Jhb

R500000 – R600000 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 : lameezdelev8recruitment.co.za AND Andrea Jones : ajoneselev8recruitment.co.za