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