Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an E-Waste Manager

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a dynamic and experienced E-Waste Manager to lead our electronics recycling and IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) facility. This pivotal role is at the heart of our commitment to sustainability and data security. The ideal candidate will be a hands-on leader responsible for the entire lifecycle of e-waste management, from receipt and processing to final disposition. You will drive operational excellence, ensure rigorous compliance with environmental and data privacy standards (like R2 and e-Stewards), and manage a high-performing team. If you are passionate about building a circular economy and possess a strong background in operations, compliance, and team leadership, this is your opportunity to make a significant environmental and business impact.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Operations Supervisor (Manufacturing or Recycling)
Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Specialist
Senior Logistics or Warehouse Manager
IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) Technician Lead

Advancement To:

Director of Operations
Regional General Manager
Director of Sustainability
Vice President of Environmental Compliance

Lateral Moves:

Hazardous Waste Manager
Recycling Facility Manager (other commodities)
IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) Program Manager
Supply Chain & Logistics Director

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Oversee and manage all day-to-day operations of the e-waste processing facility, including receiving, sorting, dismantling, data destruction, and shipping activities to maximize efficiency and material value.
Ensure strict and unwavering compliance with all local, state, and federal environmental regulations, including EPA, DOT, and OSHA standards, maintaining a culture of environmental stewardship.
Develop, implement, and continuously improve comprehensive Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) programs to guarantee a secure and accident-free work environment for all team members.
Direct the management and maintenance of key industry certifications such as R2v3, e-Stewards, and ISO 14001/45001, acting as the primary point of contact for and leading all internal and external audits.
Lead the logistics strategy for both inbound and outbound material flows, negotiating contracts with freight carriers and optimizing transportation routes to minimize costs and carbon footprint.
Develop and manage the full operational budget with complete P&L responsibility, focusing on cost control, revenue optimization, and strategic capital expenditure planning.
Implement, monitor, and audit robust data security and destruction procedures compliant with global standards like NIST 800-88 and GDPR to safeguard client data on all incoming IT assets.
Lead, train, coach, and develop a diverse team of supervisors, leads, and technicians, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and high performance.
Establish, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for facility productivity, material recovery rates, quality control, downstream accountability, and overall financial performance.
Manage the entire lifecycle of downstream vendor relationships, ensuring all partners are rigorously vetted, audited, and compliant with company and industry standards for responsible recycling.
Oversee the complete inventory management of processed commodities, whole assets for remarketing, and spare parts using the company's ERP or Warehouse Management System (WMS).
Guarantee the integrity of the chain of custody for all client assets, ensuring complete and auditable traceability from point of collection to final disposition.
Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies during site inspections and ensure all required operational permits and licenses are current and valid.

Secondary Functions

Drive continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to enhance operational efficiency, reduce waste, and increase profitability.
Prepare and present detailed operational, environmental, compliance, and financial reports to senior management on a regular basis to inform strategic decision-making.
Collaborate closely with the sales and business development teams to assess processing capabilities for new client streams and provide accurate operational cost modeling for proposals.
Champion the organization's broader sustainability mission by identifying and promoting innovative solutions for product reuse, component refurbishment, and upcycling.
Conduct regular, systematic risk assessments for all environmental, health, safety, and data security aspects of the operation, implementing effective mitigation strategies.
Stay current with emerging e-waste regulations, innovative recycling technologies, and commodity market trends to ensure the company remains a competitive and forward-thinking industry leader.
Develop and execute long-term strategic plans for expanding operational capacity, enhancing technological capabilities, and launching new service offerings in alignment with company growth objectives.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Regulatory Expertise: In-depth knowledge of environmental regulations including RCRA, CERCLA, DOT, and state-specific e-waste laws.
Certification Standards: Proven experience with implementing and managing certification standards such as R2v3, e-Stewards, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001.
Data Security Protocols: Proficiency with data destruction standards and technologies (e.g., NIST 800-88, DoD 5220.22-M) and familiarity with sanitization software like Blancco or KillDisk.
Financial Acumen: Strong ability in P&L management, operational budgeting, cost analysis, and financial forecasting.
Operations Management: Expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies within a production or processing environment.
Logistics & Supply Chain: Solid understanding of transportation management, warehouse operations, and inventory control systems (ERP/WMS).
EHS Management: Demonstrable experience in developing and managing Environmental, Health, and Safety programs and conducting risk assessments.

Soft Skills

Leadership & Team Development: Exceptional ability to lead, motivate, and develop a large and diverse workforce in a demanding operational setting.
Problem-Solving: Advanced analytical and critical-thinking skills to resolve complex operational, logistical, and compliance challenges effectively.
Communication & Negotiation: Superior verbal and written communication skills for interacting with team members, senior leadership, clients, and regulatory bodies; strong negotiation skills for vendor and freight contracts.
Project Management: Excellent organizational and project management skills to handle multiple priorities, audits, and improvement projects simultaneously.
Integrity & Ethics: A high level of personal and professional integrity, with an unwavering commitment to ethical practices and data privacy.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.

Preferred Education:

Master's Degree in a relevant field (e.g., MBA, M.S. in Environmental Management).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Environmental Science or Management
Business Administration or Operations Management
Supply Chain Management
Industrial Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

5-7 years of progressive experience in operations management, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.

Preferred:

Direct experience within the e-waste recycling, IT Asset Disposition (ITAD), or hazardous waste management industry is highly preferred. Experience managing in a facility with R2 or e-Stewards certification is a significant advantage.