Role Overview for VP of Recycling & Circular Economy – Houston, TX
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a forward-thinking, global leader in the industrial manufacturing sector in their search for a visionary Vice President of Recycling & Circular Economy. Based in the strategic hub of Houston, TX, this executive will serve as the chief architect and champion of the company’s transformation towards a fully integrated sustainable and circular business model. Our client is a multi-billion dollar organization with a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and a clear mandate from the board to become an industry benchmark for sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance.
This is not merely a compliance or risk-management role; it is a strategic, commercial, and operational leadership position designed to create significant long-term value. The successful candidate will be a transformative leader with the ability to build and scale a world-class recycling and circular economy program from the ground up. You will be responsible for developing the overarching vision, defining the multi-year strategic roadmap, and executing initiatives that fundamentally reshape how the company sources materials, designs products, and manages end-of-life streams. You will have a significant budget, a dedicated team, and the full support of the C-suite to drive innovation and change across the entire value chain.
Reporting directly to the Chief Sustainability Officer, the VP of Recycling & Circular Economy will be a highly visible leader, interacting frequently with the executive leadership team, board of directors, investors, and key external stakeholders. You will be the company’s leading expert and evangelist for circularity, tasked with embedding its principles deep within the corporate culture. This pivotal role offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on a global scale, drive competitive advantage through sustainability, and lead a critical function within a company poised for its next phase of responsible growth.
Key Responsibilities of VP of Recycling & Circular Economy – Houston, TX
The Vice President of Recycling & Circular Economy will have a broad and impactful remit, encompassing strategy, operations, innovation, and external engagement. Key responsibilities include:
Strategic Vision & Leadership
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive, long-term corporate strategy for recycling and the circular economy. This includes setting ambitious, science-based targets, defining key performance indicators (KPIs), and establishing a clear roadmap for achieving industry leadership.
Program Development & Execution
Design, implement, and manage all corporate initiatives related to waste reduction, recycling, material reuse, and product lifecycle management. This involves creating new collection systems, optimizing reverse logistics, and developing closed-loop processes to minimize waste and maximize resource value.
Financial & P&L Management
Assume full P&L responsibility for the recycling and circular economy division. Develop robust business cases for new investments, manage multi-million dollar operational and capital budgets, and identify new revenue streams and cost-saving opportunities derived from circular practices.
Innovation & Technology Integration
Constantly scan the horizon for emerging technologies, business models, and material innovations in the circular economy space. Lead pilot projects and forge partnerships to deploy cutting-edge solutions in areas like advanced chemical recycling, material traceability, and digital platforms for resource management.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work intimately with leaders across the organization—including R&D, Product Development, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Marketing—to embed circular design principles into every stage of the product lifecycle. Drive a cultural shift towards systems-thinking and sustainability.
Supply Chain Transformation
Redesign and optimize the supply chain to prioritize recycled content, renewable materials, and sustainable sourcing. Build a resilient and transparent supply ecosystem by developing strong relationships with material suppliers, waste management partners, and recycling processors.
Stakeholder Engagement & Policy Advocacy
Serve as the company’s primary representative on circular economy matters. Engage with policymakers, industry associations, NGOs, and academic institutions to shape a favorable regulatory environment and position the company as a thought leader.
Team Building & Mentorship
Recruit, lead, and develop a high-performing, multi-disciplinary team of sustainability professionals, engineers, and program managers. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the department.
Reporting & Communication
Oversee the collection, analysis, and reporting of all data related to recycling rates, waste diversion, and circularity metrics. Prepare and deliver compelling presentations and reports for the executive team, Board of Directors, and inclusion in annual sustainability reports.
Requirements for the VP of Recycling & Circular Economy – Houston, TX
We are seeking an accomplished and passionate executive with a proven track record of building and leading successful sustainability programs in a complex, global environment. The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of strategic acumen, operational expertise, and inspirational leadership.
Required Qualifications:
Education
A Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Sustainability, Business, or a related field is required.
Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in corporate sustainability, waste management, recycling operations, or environmental strategy, with at least 8 years in a significant leadership capacity managing teams and budgets.
Circular Economy Expertise
Demonstrable, in-depth knowledge of circular economy principles, frameworks, and business models. Proven experience designing and implementing large-scale circularity or recycling initiatives that delivered measurable business and environmental results.
Financial Acumen
Strong command of financial principles, including P&L management, business case development, ROI analysis, and capital budgeting. Experience running a business unit or a significant cost center is essential.
Leadership Skills
Exceptional leadership, communication, and influencing skills. A proven ability to inspire action, build consensus across diverse functional groups, and effectively present complex information to senior executives and external audiences.
Preferred Qualifications:
- An MBA or a Master’s degree in a relevant field is highly preferred.
- Experience within the manufacturing, chemical, CPG, or a related industrial sector is a significant asset.
- Direct experience with advanced recycling technologies (e.g., pyrolysis, gasification) and their commercial application.
- Established network within the broader sustainability community, including relationships with key NGOs, industry groups, and technology providers.
- Experience working in a global, matrixed organization and navigating complex corporate structures.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a comprehensive and highly competitive compensation and benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a long-term incentive plan (equity/stock options).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents. A robust wellness program, including mental health resources and gym membership reimbursement.
Retirement Savings
A best-in-class 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match and potential profit-sharing contributions.
Work-Life Integration
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, paid company holidays, and parental leave programs to support a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Growth
A substantial budget for professional development, including executive coaching, industry conferences, and continuing education.
Relocation
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family to move to the Houston, TX area.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical executive search. We are seeking a leader who is not only qualified but who is also driven by a deep-seated passion for creating a more sustainable future. If you are a visionary leader ready to take on this transformative challenge, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this pivotal role, please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your specific qualifications and vision for the circular economy. For more information about our expertise in placing leaders in this sector, please visit our Waste & Environmental Services Executive Search Firm practice page. Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels of the organization.
