Waste Equipment Project Manager

About the Role

Northstar Recycling is seeking a Waste Equipment Project Manager to lead our Waste and Recycling equipment strategy, procurement, vendor partnerships, and lifecycle management. This critical role focuses on enhancing speed-to-installation, increasing gross profit, optimizing cash flow, reducing risk, and strengthening client presentations through disciplined equipment management.

Key Responsibilities

• Own Waste and Recycling equipment sourcing strategy and vendor relationships across Northstar’s network.
• Negotiate pricing, rate sheets, and terms to improve gross profit and vendor performance.
• Lead equipment contracting processes, including client and vendor-facing templates and agreements.
• Serve as internal SME on equipment types, applications, and best-fit solutions (lease vs. own, use case selection, etc.).
• Oversee equipment proposals, ensuring correct language, terms, and timelines.
• Drive project coordination from proposal approval through installation to reduce days-to-installation.
• Partner with Finance to improve cash flow through aligned client/vendor payment terms and billing SOPs.
• Manage equipment repair approvals, escalation support, and provider networks with standardized repair rates.
• Maintain internal equipment inventory and oversee logistics for Northstar-owned equipment, including decommissioning and storage.
• Support growth initiatives through equipment partnerships that expand service capabilities (e.g., depacking systems).
• Develop training resources and lead at least two internal trainings annually on equipment processes.
• Build and maintain equipment database for information storage and management.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in equipment procurement, fleet/equipment management, industrial services, waste/recycling, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience evaluating, sourcing, implementing, and maintaining waste and recycling equipment including balers, compactors, drum crushers, totes, carts, on-site anaerobic digestion systems, depackaging equipment, and liquid extraction systems.
• Strong vendor negotiation and contract management experience.
• Financial acumen, including margin management and cash flow optimization.
• Ability to build scalable SOPs and drive cross-functional alignment.
• Strong project management and execution skills.
• Familiarity with lease structures and ASC 842 preferred.
• Excellent communication, organization, and stakeholder management skills.

Location

This position may be based anywhere in the United States and can be fully remote or office-based within an existing Northstar location. Travel as necessary (approximately 3-4 trips per Quarter) to client locations around the country to support equipment installations or to visit vendor offices. Valid Driver’s License required.

Equal Opportunity & DEIB

Northstar Recycling is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). We strive to create an inclusive and equitable culture and incorporate DEIB thinking in all our interactions, including hiring, promotion, and retention efforts. Northstar Recycling adheres to all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and is committed to fully complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Employee Benefits

Northstar offers a comprehensive benefits package including generous employer contributions to health, dental, and vision insurance premiums, a 401(k)-retirement plan with a 100% match on the first 4% of pay, and company-sponsored insurance coverage. We promote a healthy work-life balance with a competitive PTO package, including vacation time, sick time, federal holidays, floating holidays, and volunteer time off. As a remote-first organization, we offer a fully remote working environment with virtual culture and teambuilding events.

Key Skills/Competency

• Waste Equipment Procurement
• Project Management
• Vendor Negotiation
• Contract Management
• Financial Acumen
• Lifecycle Management
• Process Standardization
• Cross-functional Alignment
• Stakeholder Management
• Waste and Recycling Equipment