Manager, Sustainability and Circular Economy - Omaha - Airlite Plastics CO

Description

Airlite Plastics is a premier, privately held, family-owned manufacturer headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. Our family style and personal culture is what makes Airlite an amazing place to grow and build a successful career. Airlite's company values of unquestionable integrity and respect and appreciation for each other are at the core of our success These values set a strong foundation to build on where we can 'wow' our customers with innovative products and sustainable solutions, and continuously improve our processes and efficiencies.

Our product lines include rigid plastic containers and lids for food packaging and cosmetics, dry powder scoops, plastic drink cups, shipping containers, industrial strength insulated concrete forms (ICF) and sustainable permeable paving systems. As pioneers in our industry, focused on sustainable solutions, we strive to provide our customers with top-notch service and quality, which aligns with our award-winning products.

How would you contribute?

This role is a contributing member of our Airlite - Omaha team, located in Omaha, NE. As a Manager, Sustainability and Circular Economy you are a key to continued growth and success of Airlite. The Manager of Sustainability and Circular Economy is responsible for managing Airlite Plastics' commitment to sustainable solutions and advancing a circular plastics market within the injection molding industry. This high-impact, cross-functional leadership role will drive packaging innovation, ensure proactive compliance with rapidly evolving global regulations, and partner directly with customers to guide sustainable product strategies. This role is crucial for shaping our long-term sustainability strategy, maximizing the use of Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) materials, and maintaining absolute credibility by avoiding greenwashing.

Essential Duties:

• Monitor, interpret, and ensure compliance with North American sustainability regulations, including extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws and state-specific fees (e.g., California, Oregon, Colorado). Advise on emerging federal and provincial (Canada) policies.
• Develop and implement a roadmap for advancing circular economy principles, increasing PCR usage, and reducing environmental impact across the product lifecycle.
• Position the Airlite family of brands as an industry leader by publishing white papers, speaking at conferences, and engaging with CPG clients, retailers and contractors on sustainability trends and solutions.
• In collaboration with Airlite teams, partner with clients to design sustainable packaging solutions that meet retailer targets (e.g., recyclability, reduced virgin plastic use) and align with consumer demands.
• Drive R&D for sustainable materials and processes, including advanced recycling technologies and potentially biodegradable alternatives, while ensuring scalability and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with industry groups (e.g., Sustainable Packaging Coalition, Plastics Industry Association), regulators, and potential NGOs to shape policy and standards.
• Establish KPIs for sustainability goals (e.g., % PCR content, carbon footprint reduction) and provide honest and transparent results to customers and stakeholders.
• Ensure all sustainability claims are substantiated, compliant with industry standards to maintain credibility.
• All other duties as assigned.

Do you have what it takes? Airlite Plastics is a versatile employer; complacency is not one of our strengths We work hard each day to ensure that equipment efficiency and customer satisfaction never leave our line of sight. Successful candidates for the role will possess the following:

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Deep knowledge of plastics recycling, PCR materials, and sustainable packaging technologies.
• Strong understanding of North American environmental regulations (e.g., SB 54/343, EPR frameworks).
• Analytical mindset for developing KPIs, lifecycle assessments, and sustainability metrics.
• Project management experience to lead cross-departmental initiatives.
• Capability to solve complex problems, utilizing strong critical thinking and decision-making skills
• Superior organizational skills and the ability to assemble resources needed to orchestrate multiple projects/activities and accomplish goals.
• Model a collaborative leadership style with the ability to build partnerships and influence others into action.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Outstanding presentation and facilitation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and consultative approach; tactful in dealing with people at all levels.
• Strong sense of urgency, self-motivated and positive.
• Flexible and adaptable; able to work in ambiguous situations.
• Ability to actively lead change initiatives.
• Display highest ethical standards.
• Maintain the utmost level of confidentiality in dealing with sensitive information.
• Detail oriented, with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, materials science, sustainability, chemical engineering, or related field; Master's degree or MBA preferred.
• Minimum, five (5) years of experience in sustainability, preferably plastics, packaging or CPG industry.
• Proven track record in navigating EPR laws, recycling regulations, or circular economy initiatives.
• Experience working with retailers, CPG brands, or regulatory bodies on sustainability goals a plus.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This role does not have personnel supervisory responsibilities; however, this role includes working with cross-functional teams in a matrixed organization.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; stand; walk; use hand dexterity to operate office equipment including computer keyboards; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the office work environment is typically quiet; when visiting the production floor, the noise level may be loud.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Our Core Values Drive Us

• Do you conduct yourself with unquestionable integrity?
• Do you demonstrate respect and appreciation for those around you?
• Are you innovative and strive to challenge the status quo?
• Do you strive for continuous improvement and to deliver the "wow" factor?
• Do you care about environmentally sustainable solutions?
• Do you take meaning and pride in a job well done?

What's in it for you? As a Full-Time employee, you will be eligible for the following benefits:

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Company paid life insurance
• Company paid short term disability
• Generous 401k match
• Generous Time Off
• Annual company activities