Director of Circular Technology North America

Hybrid

NYC

The nature of global challenges demands transformation of the economy rather than incremental change to business-as-usual approaches; transformation which is necessary at unprecedented scale and pace to deliver national and collective commitments notably with regards to material security, supply chain health, climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

Our Director of Circular Technology will lead the strategy, development, and implementation of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s North America circular technology initiative, which directly ties to our global strategy related to critical minerals - as well as tangentially to our missions related to retail and plastics & packaging. This first of its kind position will help develop EMF’s perspective on how technology can enable the circular economy, with a focus on the circular business models of technology companies, the economic value associated the recovery of critical raw materials, and the leadership role that the North American tech sector can play.

You will have strong experience in the technology sector in a strategic capacity, a demonstrated understanding of circular business models (i.e. remanufacturing, repair, and recovery of critical minerals) and an entrepreneurial spirit.

Reporting to our North America Lead, your main responsibilities will be as follows:

Leadership:

Develop and execute a long-term strategy and KPIs associated with EMF to play a substantive role increasing circular business models in the tech sector, recovering critical raw materials and reducing e-waste.

Serve as an internal “source of truth” on circular technology to the EMF teams, particularly in North America and Critical Mineral mission areas

Management of at least one North America team member (the Senior Manager, Circular Technology) and informal leadership across the team

Technology Development & Innovation:

Identify opportunities for scale on innovative technologies focused on reuse, refurbishment, remanufacturing, recycling, and materials innovation.

Lead thought leadership and research opportunities that ensures EMF stays ahead of the pace of the field, and is positioned as go-to leader in the space of circular technology, with a clear way to engage for key stakeholders

Partnerships & Ecosystem Engagement:

Shepherd the high profile relationships with North America’s technology companies in EMF’s network

Feed EMF’s network development activity, by identifying and developing relationships with new technology organizations for our network

Identify and build intentional cross-sector partnerships with industry consortia, recyclers, logistics providers, and policymakers to foster circular technology infrastructure and standards.

Represent the Foundation in relevant forums, working groups, and public-private collaborations in North America.

Monitor evolving circular economy regulations (e.g., EPR, material traceability laws) and shape strategic responses, in response with the Director of Policy, North America

Your profile:

A minimum of 10 years’ professional experience in technology leadership roles focused on circular economy, sustainable product design, resource efficiency, or waste reduction.

Relevant professional qualifications or certifications in sustainability, circular economy, or innovation management are desirable.

Proven track record of leading the development and implementation of circular technology strategies, products, or services together with a demonstrated understanding of the corporate technology sector, its environment, motivators, operations and opportunities.

Experience managing cross-functional teams and collaborating with R&D, product development, operations, and external partners.

Demonstrated ability to drive innovation and integrate circular principles into technology and business processes.

Experience working with supply chain partners, manufacturers, or technology vendors to deliver circular solutions.

Strong knowledge of sustainable materials, design for reuse/recycling, circular electronics, and supply chain dynamics

Skilled in managing innovation pipelines, technology scouting, and stakeholder engagement.

You must have the right to work in the USA without employer sponsorship.

Apply by clicking the green icon where you will be asked to upload a CV and covering letter.

Desired starting date: October 2025

Application deadline: 30th August 2025.

Salary package: The salary range for this role is expected to be between $134,000-$150,000. Actual pay will be determined by considering factors such as relevant skills and experience.

Benefits:

Medical and Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

Travel Medical Insurance, outside US

401(k) Retirement Plan

Time Off:

11 US national holidays plus 3 days between Christmas and New year.

20 days of vacation and 10 days paid Sick Time

Generous Paid Family Leave (where applicable)

Location: This position will be located in New York (Manhattan Office). Our NYC based employees come into the office a minimum of 2 days per week. We are unable to consider additional locales or other remote options for this role.

What we do:

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation develops and promotes the idea of a circular economy. We work with, and inspire, business, academia, policymakers, and institutions to mobilize systems solutions at scale, globally. Our mission is to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.

Our vision is a new economic system that delivers better outcomes for people and the environment. Business models, products, and materials are designed to increase use and reuse, replicating the balance of the natural world, where nothing becomes waste, and everything has value. A circular economy, increasingly built on renewable energy and materials, is distributed, diverse, and inclusive.

Our commitment to you :

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation is committed to employing a diverse workforce and provide Equal Employment Opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, status as a qualified individual with a disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, weight, height, status as a victim or domestic violence, arrest record or conviction record, immigration or citizenship status, employment status, credit history, caregiver status or any other characteristic protected by law.

It is important to us that our recruitment approach makes the opportunity as accessible as possible and ensures a diverse range of people are able to demonstrate their potential. We would be happy to provide any further support that you may require - please get in touch so that we can work together.

Employment at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation is contingent upon-successful completion of all lawful pre-employment checks, which may include background check.

If you would like further information on our diversity and inclusion policy or any further assistance, please contact us at [email protected].