Analyst - Plastics Recycling

Role Overview

The Plastics Recycling Analyst is a position within the National Material Services function of Program Planning and Operations (PPO), which also includes Compliance & Regulatory Affairs, Data & Analytics, and Emerging States. This role is responsible for building and maintaining the analytical foundation to support CAA’s plastics strategy, with a primary focus on Film & Flexible Plastics and PET Thermoforms while supporting all covered plastic materials. This role develops, analyzes, and synthesizes material flow, market, and infrastructure data; builds datasets, models, and dashboards; and supports investment analyses and strategic recommendations to inform decision-making and ensure alignment with CAA’s national objectives and end market development priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Work in collaboration with other PPO and state teams to implement actions, trials, or other measures designed for ensuring end market viability and compliance to Responsible End Markets (REMs).
• Develop datasets for all covered plastics.
• Research virgin resin indices versus recycled resin pricing.
• Data mine plastics generation, recycling, contamination, and end-market data from public and proprietary sources.
• Incorporate new pilot, surveys, and research data into centralized databases.
• Build Excel models, pivot tables, dashboards, and executive PowerPoint presentations.
• Support investment analyses, business cases, incentive evaluations, and performance tracking of supported end markets to inform data-driven strategic recommendations.
• Track emerging technologies and plastics markets.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong data analysis skills with the ability to build and manage datasets, develop models, create dashboards, and derive actionable insights using a variety of analytical and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Tableau, SQL, and other data management platforms).
• Ability to synthesize market, pricing, and material flow data into clear insights (e.g., virgin vs. PCR trends).
• Research skills across public and proprietary sources to track recycling rates, contamination, and end markets.
• Attention to detail in managing and maintaining centralized datasets and incorporating new pilot/research data.
• Basic understanding of plastics recycling systems, manufacturing, packaging formats, and end-market dynamics.
• Clear communication and translating analysis into presentations, business cases, and recommendations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in analytics, engineering, sustainability, or related field.
• 2-5 years of analytical experience.
• Advanced Excel, PowerPoint, and technical writing.

Compensation & Other Information

• Location: Remote from the United States of America
• Pay Rate: Based on a variety of factors in accordance with applicable law including the successful candidate’s relevant experience, skills, knowledge, and experience.
• Reports To: Sr. Recycling Manager

Circular Action Alliance is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), national origin, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you require accommodation as part of the application process, please contact [email protected].